Momentum 15, City Theatre’s annual festival of new plays in different stages of development, features works by familiar names in the company’s theatrical family, read by some of the most familiar faces in Pittsburgh’s acting community.
“The Human Court” by Jessica Dickey is about a man making the difficult decision to transition his wife, who is suffering with dementia, into an assisted living facility. He also is dealing with his adopted daughter’s desire to meet her birth mother, his unresolved feelings for a family friend, and a mysterious caregiver.
For the play by Ms. Dickey, who City patrons know from “The Amish Project” and “Charles Ives, Take Me Home,” the actors are John Shepard, Helena Ruoti, KK Moggie, Monteze Freeland and Laurie Klatscher.
In “Some Brighter Distance” by Keith Reddin, a German rocket scientist who has been instrumental in helping America win the Space Race is forced to face the consequences of his dark Nazi past.
Reading the play by Mr. Reddin (“Human Error,” “The Missionary Position”) will be Martin Giles, Rebecca Harris, Cameron Knight, David Whalen and Daniel Krell. “Some Brighter Distance” will have its world premiere during City’s 2015-16 season.
The festival will feature the interactive event “City Speaks,” featuring the writers in a conversation moderated by Clare Drobot, who has joined City as director of new play development. Another newcomer, artistic producer Reginald L. Douglas, will direct the reading of “The Human Court.”
Momentum events at City Theatre, 1300 Bingham St., South Side, are free and open to the public. Advanced reservations are encouraged by calling 412-431-CITY (2489).
The Momentum 15 schedule:
Friday: 7 p.m. — Reading of “The Human Court” by Ms. Dickey, directed by Mr. Douglas (Hamburg Theatre).
Saturday: 1 p.m. — “City Speaks” in the Gordon Lounge; light refreshments will be served. 3 p.m. — Reading of “Some Brighter Distance” by Mr. Reddin, directed by City artistic director Tracy Brigden (City Theatre rehearsal room).
Sharon Eberson: seberson@post-gazette.com or 412-263-1960. Twitter: SEberson_pg.
First Published: June 4, 2015, 4:00 a.m.
