A Royal Performance: PICT's Coronation Party
We at PICT Classic Theatre are overjoyed to share the heartwarming words penned by Rick Handler from Entertainment Central Pittsburgh, encapsulating the spirit of our recent Coronation Party and the powerful staged reading of ‘King Charles III’ by Mike Bartlett.
Their articulate commentary captures the essence of this momentous event, which marked not only a cultural celebration but also a milestone in PICT's journey of resurgence.
As we navigated the difficulties of recent years, our resolve and commitment to theatre arts never wavered. We have learned that even in the midst of challenges, the show indeed must go on. This truth was beautifully embodied in our May 6th coronation party, which coincided with King Charles' real-life coronation. Our gathering at the WQED Studios was a joyous fusion of tea, treats, tuneful melodies by Joe Balogh, and of course, the centerpiece of our event - a spirited, staged reading of Mike Bartlett's 'King Charles III'.
Our heartfelt thanks go to Entertainment Central Pittsburgh for their recognition of our "powerhouse cast" and their dynamic performance. Cotter Smith's portrayal of King Charles III was a tour de force, and the rest of the cast, from Wali Jamal Abdullah's dual roles to the convincing royal family portrayed by Debra Gordon, Ryan Patrick Kearney, Zoe Abuyuan, and Noah Welter, brought to life a story that oscillates between Shakespearean rhythm and contemporary discourse. And not to forget the important roles of our supporting cast and the impeccable organization of stage manager, Kelly Haywood.
The article's acknowledgment of the direction provided by Elizabeth Elias Huffman, our new artistic director, is deeply appreciated. Huffman's rich experience in acting, direction, and playwriting, coupled with her local roots, has invigorated PICT's new journey. Her vision of gradually restoring PICT through a series of staged readings and her aspiration to bring more theatre to the Mon Valley are inspirations to us all.
We are deeply grateful to Entertainment Central Pittsburgh for their comprehensive review and support. Their words have energized our efforts to bounce back stronger and continue to bring high-quality theatrical experiences to our audience.
As we look forward to our upcoming productions, we invite everyone to join us on this exciting journey. Stay informed about our activities through PICT’s website, and if you feel moved to support our cause, we welcome donations through our Go Fund Me page. As we tread this path of resurgence, every step, every applause, and every contribution brings us closer to our vision of a vibrant, resilient PICT Classic Theatre.
Thank you for your continued support, and we can't wait to welcome you back to the theatre!