Zellers is co-author of the popular PPT play, The Chief, about Pittsburgh Steelers founder Art Rooney. Harry's Friendly Service was a recent recipient of an Edgerton Foundation New American Plays Award. Opening night is June 5. Directed by Ted Pappas, Harry's Friendly Service, according to production notes, "is set in 1977 Youngstown, Ohio, where the steelworkers are on strike, the city wants to tear down the shabby gas station owned by Harry (Edward James Hyland), and a mobster is out to get him. But the players in Harry’s daily pinochle games are spirited. There’s Tina (Brooks Almy), the ticket-taker at the burlesque theater next door; Skiddie (Larry John Meyers), a small-time bookie; and John (Joel Ripka), a brand-new lawyer. Into this lively mix comes Emily (Tressa Glover), Harry's long-lost daughter, straight from the convent. A new relationship might develop between the two if mob boss Carmine (Alex Coleman) can just keep his brother Sammy (Daryll Heysham) from killing Harry."
The design team for Harry's Friendly Service is James Noone (scenic), Martha Louise Bromelmeier (costumes), Kirk Bookman (lighting) and Zach Moore (sound). Fred Noel is the production stage manager; Adrienne Wells is the assistant stage manager.
Perfomances will play the O'Reilly Theater, Pittsburgh Public Theater's home in the heart of Downtown's Cultural District. Tickets are available at (412) 316-1600 or www.ppt.org.