Philadelphia Theatre Company Adds Colin Quinn to Schedule

Philadelphia Theatre Company has just learned that actor, writer Colman Domingo has accepted a lead role playing Reverend Ralph Abernathy in a major motion picture about Martin Luther King which will begin filming in Atlanta this June. This shooting schedule precludes him from appearing in PTC's production of A Boy and His Soul, originally scheduled to run May 23 - June 22.

PTC will replace this production with a 28-performance run of Unconstitutional, starring Colin Quinn, now scheduled to run June 13 to July 6, 2014. Unconstitutional was originally slated for July 1 -13, but the run has now been extended to accommodate as many patrons as possible.

"Just last week, I was presented with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to portray Reverend Ralph Abernathy in a major motion picture about Martin Luther King, the shooting of which is in direct conflict with the run of A Boy and His Soul at Philadelphia Theatre Company. Although, unfortunately, I must withdraw from PTC's planned production because of this rare opportunity, I look forward to making my hometown debut with PTC at a later time to perform this piece which is very close to my heart," said Colman Domingo.

"We, of course, are disappointed by this sudden scheduling conflict, but since this is such an important opportunity for Colman, we felt compelled to honor his request to exercise his right to be released from his contract. We are very grateful that Colin Quinn was able to adapt his schedule to accommodate our audiences, and we look forward to his return to our theatre after the successful run in 2011 of Long Story Short," said PTC's Executive Producing Director Sara Garonzik.

Unconstitutional tackles 226 years of American constitutional calamities, offering Quinn's satiric take on our national character, from predator drones to the Kardashians. With Congress gridlocked on immigration reform, gun control, health care and practically every other issue, this one-man show looks back at what the Founding Fathers had in mind when they convened in Philadelphia in 1787. In Unconstitutional, Quinn's shrewd eye for the absurd is combined with his evident respect for the Constitution, offering thought-provoking commentary amid non-stop laughs. The show ran Off-Broadway at the Barrow Street Theatre before transferring for an extended run to the Cherry Lane Theatre. Colin Quinn last appeared at PTC in Long Story Short, which had earned him a Drama Desk during its Broadway run and an Emmy Award nomination for the film adaptation.

A native of Brooklyn, Colin Quinn is a performer known for tackling contemporary societal issues with satirical and sharp humor through his various Off-Broadway and television productions. Quinn is best known for his role as a cast member of the legendary Saturday Night Live where he entertained audience members for five seasons. After "SNL," Quinn produced "Tough Crowd with Colin Quinn" and in 1994, starred in his first one-man show Sanctifying Grace Off-Broadway which was later produced as Colin Quinn- An Irish Wake at the Helen Hayes Theatre. Quinn was seen in the Adam Sandler comedy film Grown Ups and has a recurring role on Girls on HBO.

Founded in 1974 and under the guidance of PTC's Executive Producing Director Sara Garonzik since 1982, Philadelphia Theatre Company is a leading regional theatre company whose mission is to produce, develop and present entertaining and imaginative contemporary theatre focused on the American experience that both ignites the intellect and touches the soul. By developing new work through commissions, readings and workshops, PTC generates projects that have a national impact and reach broad regional audiences. Priscilla M. Luce serves as the company's President. PTC supports the work of a growing body of diverse dramatists and takes pride in being a home to many nationally recognized artists who have participated in more than 140 world and Philadelphia premieres. PTC has received 46 Barrymore Awards and 155 nominations. In October 2007, PTC opened the Suzanne Roberts Theatre, their home on Philadelphia's Avenue of the Arts, which has helped contribute to the revitalization of Center City Philadelphia's thriving arts district.