In August we will be performing a play called, Painting Churches. Painting Churches, written by Tina Howe, was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize for Drama. The play is about the relationship between an artist daughter and her aging parents.
One of Howe’s best known works, Painting Churches has been well received by both critics and theater-goers. And once you have seen this play, you will understand why it is so popular.
There are only three characters in the drama: Gardner Church, a poet at the end of his career, his wife Fanny and their daughter Mags, an art teacher, who is just beginning to experience professional success as a portrait painter.
The story centers on Fanny and Gardner’s move to a smaller home, an event for which Mags has finally come home after more than a year spent without visiting her parents. While home, Mags tells her parents that she wants to paint a portrait of them, although getting her parents to actually sit for the portrait is more complicated than she thought it would be. It is through the dual lens of the family’s packing up and Mags’ insistence that the portrait be painted that we see a story powerfully told.
While Gardner’s increasing forgetfulness is a central and important theme, this story is not just about memory loss and aging parents. It is also a story about a controlling mother who pulls everyone into her reality and a daughter struggling to find and embrace her identity.
This is a story about the fragility and strength of family relations, of family members with competing memories of the same event and the powerful ways in which those memories shape the family dynamic. Painting Churches is as unforgettable as it is unconventional.
The show dates are as follows:
August 9, 10, 16, 17, 18, 23, and 24.
All show times start at 7:30 except the Sunday matinee on August 18.
The Sunday Matinee show start time is 2:00 PM.
Tickets: $20.00 / $18.00 seniors (64+)
Save money and purchase an Event Pass! Our Event Pass is good for 4 admissions to any of our shows! Why not see one of each?
Regular price at the door or online would be $80.00.
Event Pass(4 admissions): Only $70.00!
That's a $10.00 savings!
We have an amazing 2024 season lined up for you at the Iron Horse Community Theatre.
In June we will perform the world premiere play, The Golden Rose. The Golden Rose, written by London Cain, is an intriguing story about a 19th century religious group called the Harmonists. The Harmonists tried to create a utopian society in the nearby area called, Old Economy. This suspenseful true story will educate, surprise, shock, and entertain you.
Then in August we perform a play called, Painting Churches. Painting Churches, written by Tina Howe, was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize for Drama. The play is about the relationship between an artist daughter and her aging parents.
In October we will be performing, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, written by Simon Stephens. This award-winning play is based on the Mark Haddon novel of the same name. The story is about a 15-year-old mathematical genius with an autism spectrum disorder who tries to solve the mystery surrounding the death of his neighbor’s poodle.
In December we finish our season with, A Holiday Celebration. It is musical sing-along and a series of three holiday one-act plays that include, “The gift of the Magi” by Thomas Hischak, “The First Night of Chanukah” by Sheri Wilner, and “Starman Wish Me Luck” by Nicole J. Burton.
Buy a 4 admissions Event Pass for yourself or get one for someone you know. Our event passes make the perfect birthday or holiday gift.
For questions please call (724) 263-0075.
OUR MISSION:
The mission of the Iron Horse Theatre Company is to provide thought provoking and entertaining theater that will enrich the cultural life in what is now known as the "rust belt" area of southwestern Pennsylvania. We will provide the people of this community the opportunity to not only attend, but also to participate in quality presentations and theatrical works. The symbolic name, "Iron Horse" represents the hard-working and "iron-willed" people in this part of the world. It is in this spirit that we will create theatrical experiences that celebrate the grit, determination, and strength of the human character.
Your patronage and generous donations go directly to supporting this worthy mission. If you would rather give of your time please scroll to the bottom of the page and fill out the volunteering form.
Sign up below if you are interested in volunteering at the Iron Horse Community Theatre.
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