#USA #Flint Water Crisis #The Poisoner #Lee Sunday Evans #Bethlehem, Pittsburgh

The Poisoner National Tour Kicks Off in Pennsylvania

The highly anticipated national tour of The Poisoner, a neo-noir theatrical thriller, is set to commence this month in Pennsylvania. This gripping production, inspired by the events of the Flint water crisis, encourages audiences to confront pressing societal issues surrounding water safety and institutional accountability. The tour, which spans seven cities, will feature performances and community engagements designed to spark important dialogues among local activists and residents.

Performance Details

Bethlehem Engagement

The Poisoner will have its opening performance at the Touchstone Theatre in Bethlehem from September 17 to 19, 2026. This limited three-night engagement will include engaging discussions following the shows. Notable local figures will lead dialogues that tie the narrative's themes to real-world issues in the community:

• - September 17: JP and Lisa Jordan from Touchstone Theatre will discuss the vital role that theater can play in driving social change.
• - September 18: Greg Sussman from Oppose Atlas DC will join the cast and creative team to explore connections between the Flint water crisis and the ongoing fight against a proposed data center in South Whitehall.

Pittsburgh Engagement

Following its Bethlehem run, the production will move to Pittsburgh, where it will be showcased at the Alumni Theater from September 24 to 26, 2026. Post-show talkbacks in Pittsburgh will delve into the parallels between the Flint crisis and local water safety issues:

• - September 24: Gabby Gray of Pittsburgh United and Our Water Campaign will discuss ongoing water safety challenges in Pittsburgh. Oliver Morrison from Pittsburgh Public Source will highlight the crucial role of investigative journalism in these issues.
• - September 25: Curtis Da’Von of Clean Water Action and Michelle Naccarati-Chapkis from Women for a Healthy Environment will join a discussion that draws connections between the work in Flint and initiatives aimed at combating lead contamination in Pittsburgh.

About the Play

The Poisoner tells the story of a dedicated journalist who returns to his hometown, only to uncover a cover-up surrounding water contamination and the powerful forces intent on hiding the truth. This poignant narrative explores themes of deception, failure of institutions, and the quest for justice. The pressing question at the heart of the play resonates with many communities: "Are we ever truly safe?"

As the tour progresses, its organizers have intentionally routed it through several industrial cities in the lead-up to the 2026 midterm elections. This initiative aims to empower local voices and amplify community engagement around environmental and civic issues, promoting dialogue about resources and public health in a meaningful way.

Tour Information

The national tour of The Poisoner will continue through multiple cities, including Kenosha, Madison, De Pere, Kalamazoo, and Detroit, culminating on October 31, 2026. Each city engagement will incorporate local conversations with community leaders and activists, fostering connections that relate the thematic elements of the performance to the real-world struggles faced by residents.

This neo-noir thriller not only serves as a work of art but also as a catalyst for change, urging audiences to reflect on the societal infrastructures that impact their lives. By addressing the legacy of the Flint water crisis and other similar situations, The Poisoner seeks to inspire action, accountability, and sustained attention to water safety and environmental justice.

Get your tickets for the shows in Bethlehem and Pittsburgh and join the conversations that matter in your community.