The Chief

Last night I took my wife and my mother-in-law to see The Chief.  The Chief is a one man show performed by Tom Atkins, and it takes place in Art Rooney's office at Three Rivers Stadium following the 1976 season.  Fear not theater buffs, the show consists of only about 10% football stories and 90% Pittsburgh stories and life lessons.  In fact, he doesn't even mention the Steelers until well into the first half of the 90 minute show.  Instead, he details his life running card games, boxing at carnivals, horse racing and just about any vice you could imagine as a kid growing up in the 1920's and 1930's.  His anecdotes about being involved in Pittsburgh's incestuous political scene are hysterical.

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Mr. Rooney guides the audience on a whirlwind tour of his childhood, growing up as poor Irish Catholic on the rough and tumble streets on the North Side of Pittsburgh, and progresses through his adult years and the struggles to maintain the Steelers franchise that he loved so much through 40 straight losing seasons. 

Atkins has been playing the Chief for about 5 years, and his love of the role is plain to see.  I've seen the show twice now, and Atkins clearly is afforded some artistic license to switch it up a bit.  Within the first 6 minutes, after the cigar smoke fills the little theater, you're convinced you're actually in the office with the man himself. 

The show regularly pops up at the O'Reilly Theatre for a week or 2 each year.  This week it's part of the Steeler's 75th Anniversary.   However, there are rumors that they plan to soon pack it in once and for all.  Therefore, if you can get out and see through Saturday - do so.  It may never be back.  It's absolutely mesmerizing and a must-see for any Pittsburgher or Steelers fan.  Hell, it's a must-see for anyone with a pulse.