Pittsburgh Public Theater Presents THE CHIEF, Starring Tom Atkins as Steelers Founder Arthur J. Rooney, Sr., Now thru 1/5

New audiences this fall were introduced to stellar actor Tom Atkins when he starred as the Stage Manager in Our Town, which began Pittsburgh Public Theater's MASTERPIECE SEASON. Today, Jan. 2, through Jan. 5 will be the final opportunities to see him at The O'Reilly in the performance of a lifetime as Pittsburgh Steelers founder Arthur J. Rooney, Sr. in The Chief.

Written by Rob Zellers & Gene Collier and directed by Ted Pappas, The Chief is the best-selling show inPittsburgh Public Theater history. The Chief returns to the O'Reilly Theater, Pittsburgh Public Theater's home in the heart of Downtown's Cultural District, for six performances only. For tickets call 412.316.1600 or visitppt.org. The Chief is generously supported by the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Set in Mr. Rooney's office at Three Rivers Stadium in 1976, this will be the play's ninth production at The O'Reilly, where it premiered in 2003. "A triumph of the show is that it's a Pittsburgh history lesson of growing up Irish on the North Side, insider politics, and sports fandom disguised as entertainment," said the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette last year. "It's mind-boggling to watch such a hugely talented man work the crowd as brilliantly as Atkins does here," said Pittsburgh City Paper.

The design team for The Chief is Anne Mundell (Scenic & Costumes), Phil Monat (Lighting), and Zach Moore(Sound). Fred Noel is the Production Stage Manager and Adrienne Wells is the Assistant Stage Manager.

The Chief Performance Schedule

Thurs., Jan. 2 at 8 pm. Fri., Jan. 3 at 8 pm. Sat., Jan. 4 at 2 & 8 pm and Sun., Jan. 5 at 2 & 7 pm.

Ticket prices: $48 & $65. Students and age 26 and younger $15.75 with valid ID.

For tickets call 412.316.1600 or visit ppt.org