Pig Iron is thrilled to announce the upcoming premiere of Poor Judge, a genre-blending work of concert theater featuring the witty, haunting music of Aimee Mann. Dreamed up by legendary drag queen and Pig Iron Co-Founder Dito van Reigersberg, and directed by Pig Iron’s new Artistic Producer Eva Steinmetz, Poor Judge will feature an ensemble of beloved Philadelphia performer-musicians who sing stories of heartbreak, road trips, and the painful allure of the silver screen.

 

Lost in an America shaped by myths of fame and romance, the ensemble unearths a diversity of reflections on love, fame, queer dreams, and growing up—all to the tune of singer-songwriter Aimee Mann’s sly, poetic pop music.

 

American singer-songwriter Aimee Mann has been a fixture of the LA music scene since she decamped for California from Massachusetts in the 90s. Like so many Americans who hope to make it in LA, she found a potent cocktail of possibility and heartbreak. Mann has an extensive catalog of self-aware songs and folksy bangers that are perfect for long angsty drives or boring days at work. She’s our patron saint of loneliness in the Hollywood Hills, casting a gimlet eye on fame and fortune, and giving voice to all the misfit toys that wash up on our Western shore. For those just discovering her for the first time, a treasure trove of sardonic poetry, melody, and guitar pop awaits. Pig Iron recommends starting with the soundtrack to the movie Magnolia, or her 9th solo album, Mental Illness.

 

The piece features Dito van Reigersberg as Aimee Mann, and the ensemble cast includes the talents of Emily Bate, Alex Bechtel (Bechtel also serves as the Music Director), Josh Machiz, izzy sazak, Jackie Soro, and Justin Yoder. The powerhouse production team includes Maria Feuereisen (Set Design), Nikki Delhomme (Costume Design), Maria Shaplin (Lighting Design), and Chris Sannino (Sound Design).

 

 

Poor Judge runs September 11-22, 2024 at The Wilma Theatre, (265 S Broad St, Philadelphia, PA 19107).

 

Performances for Poor Judge are:

 

Currently, tickets to Poor Judge are only available with the purchase of your 2024-25 Wilma Season Subscription. Visit the Wilma Theater to subscribe today so you can order your discounted $25 Poor Judge tickets!