This one-woman play, highlights the life and career of Chief Therese Rocco, who during her 40-year career is credited with finding 45,000 missing children and persons.
The Epitome of Grace is based on a book and documentary film that chronicles the life and career of Chief Rocco. Sharon Liotus, playwright and producer for “The Epitome of Grace,” said she wanted to expand on elements of Rocco’s life that weren’t covered in the book and film. (The documentary can be found on google play and Microsoft on the web site: www.theepitomeofgrace.com)
“I wanted to bring Therese to life on stage and take advantage of the many wonderful images used in the documentary,” she noted. “I thought we could pull it off if we found the right actress. We were fortunate that critically acclaimed actress Cindy Swanson accepted the part to take on the challenge of a one-woman role. What’s ironic is that when Cindy was a young girl, she had the opportunity to meet Therese. That meeting had a lasting positive effect on Cindy, and she is deeply honored to be portraying Therese in this play.”
Liotus added that the play takes place shortly before Chief Rocco retires from the Pittsburgh Police Department. “As the play opens, Therese reflects on her life, her cases, her struggles, and her accomplishments,” said Liotus. “Therese is anxiously awaiting word if she was offered a position in federal law enforcement. That scene encapsulates the challenges Therese faced from the 1940s through the 1990s and how she broke through the glass ceiling.”
Assisting Liotus in the production of The Epitome of Grace is director Dan Kirk, a noted theatrical director, and Al Marschke, an accomplished local filmmaker. “I am so grateful to have these two talented and creative professionals involved in this production,” stated Liotus.
There are remaining performances scheduled at the Heritage Players Theater-Seton Center Brookline on April 30 at 7 p.m. and May 1 at 2 p.m.Chief Rocco will attend all of the performances for memoir signings.
General admission is $20. No ticket presales or group rates. For more information, call (412) 885-7126.
Categories: Show Previews
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