#United States #Uncommon Productions #The Poisoner #Citizen56 #Bethlehem, PA

Uncommon Productions and Citizen56's National Tour

In an exciting reveal, Uncommon Productions and Citizen56 have announced a national tour of their compelling new play, The Poisoner. This gripping neo-noir thriller is not only a theatrical experience but also touches on critical social issues, drawing inspiration from the Flint water crisis that rocked the nation in 2014.

Overview of The Poisoner

The Poisoner, written by M.M. Haney and directed by Lee Sunday Evans, will embark on a seven-city tour commencing on September 17 and continuing until October 31, 2026. The tour kicks off at Touchstone Theatre in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, as part of their UnBound Year-Round programming. Audiences can anticipate performances at various locations, concluding in Detroit, Michigan, where the production will engage with community activists and highlight ongoing issues around clean water and environmental justice.

A Story Rooted in Reality

The play follows a journalist's eye-opening return to his hometown, where he uncovers shocking truths about the local water crisis—parallels can be drawn with the real-life experiences of communities affected by negligence in environmental policies.

Michael Moore, renowned filmmaker and activist, emphasized the immersive experience of the play by stating, "Five minutes into The Poisoner, you are the reporter and you are the father of the child. And you are in the nursing home. The friend of somebody who actually did fight." Moore's endorsement underscores the play's emotional depth and relevance to viewers.

Community Engagement and Activism

This national tour aims not only to entertain but also to engage audiences on pressing societal issues. In each city, Uncommon Productions and Citizen56 plan to connect directly with local communities—collaborating with advocates and residents who fight for clean air and safe water. The play serves as a poignant reminder that corporate interests often overshadow community health and safety, making it a crucial piece for discussions on environmental justice.

The production will address the lingering effects of toxic lead pipes, unregulated contaminants like PFAS, and the threats posed by unchecked industrial expansion. The underlying premise advocates for community control of natural resources and emphasizes the urgent necessity of prioritizing public health over corporate profit.

The Tour Schedule

The Poisoner will perform in the following cities:

• - Bethlehem, PA - Touchstone Theatre - September 17–19
• - Pittsburgh, PA - Alumni Theater - September 24–26
• - Kenosha, WI - Rhode Center - October 1–3
• - Madison, WI - Wisconsin Union Theater - October 8–10 (Proceeds benefit the André De Shields Fund)
• - De Pere, WI - Webb Theatre - October 15–17
• - Kalamazoo, MI - Judy K. Jolliffe Theatre - October 22–24
• - Detroit, MI - Marygrove Theater - October 29–31 (Closing performance)

Ticket prices vary by location, and additional information regarding ticketing can be found at Uncommon Productions' official website. Moreover, various talkback sessions will be announced throughout the tour, providing opportunities for audience interaction.

Meet the Creative Team

The Poisoner features a talented cast, including Aaron Morton, Brett Diggs, Haskell King, and Maude Mitchell—professionals with substantial accolades and experience in theater.

The play is brought to life by a distinguished production team, including two-time Obie Award-winning director Lee Sunday Evans, who states that theater serves to bridge gaps between audiences and pressing societal issues. Haney and Evans are committed to challenging audiences to think critically about the consequences of political and economic decisions on their communities.

About the Organizations

Uncommon Productions, founded in 2000, aims to tell stories that enlighten and inspire. They are dedicated to addressing vital issues through art. Citizen56 is a nonprofit organization focused on fostering awareness about democracy, history, social institutions, and environmental challenges through various media, advocating for a collective response to these pressing matters.

This tour of The Poisoner promises to be more than a theatrical event; it seeks to spark meaningful conversations and encourage engagement with the critical issues affecting many communities today.