Point Park University's Pittsburgh Playhouse Presents "The Chief," Starring Professor Philip Winters and Directed by Alumnus Justin Fortunato Monday, January 26, 2026
Steelers fans know the season may end, but the pride never does. As Point Park University marks Founders’ Day weekend in early February, "The Chief" offers a timely celebration of Pittsburgh’s proud beginnings — on stage and on the field.
The university's Pittsburgh Playhouse will present "The Chief," a one-man play that brings the spirit of Pittsburgh football and the legacy of Art Rooney to the stage Feb. 4–8, 2026, in the Highmark Theatre.
Philip Winters as "The Chief."
The production stars Professor Philip Winters, a veteran performer with more than 40 years of work across stage, film, television and radio. Winters has appeared with regional companies including Pittsburgh Public Theater, Playhouse REP, St. Vincent Theatre and Pittsburgh Irish & Classical Theatre.
Directed by alumnus Justin Fortunato, producing artistic director at the Lincoln Park Performing Arts Center, the production carries a rare full-circle story of its own: Fortunato returns to Point Park to direct Winters, the professor who once taught him, now bringing Art Rooney to life on stage. Fortunato earned a B.F.A. in Musical Theatre from Point Park in 2011.
Rooney is the subject of, and only character in, "The Chief," written by renowned playwright Rob Zellers and award-winning columnist Gene Collier. Based on the journal writings of Art Rooney Jr., with input from Rooney family members, colleagues and friends, the story captures Rooney’s grit, humor and loyalty to Pittsburgh — and has since expanded beyond the stage as a feature film.
Art Rooney Sr. founded and owned the Pittsburgh Steelers from 1933 until his death in 1988, becoming one of the most beloved figures in sports history. "The Chief" follows Rooney from his Pittsburgh North Side roots through the franchise’s early struggles and eventual rise, offering a rare, personal look at the man whose values helped define the Steelers and the city itself.
“It’s wonderfully fitting that our Founders’ Day weekend celebrates two legendary Pittsburgh beginnings — the founding of both Point Park University and the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1933,” said Dr. Chris W. Brussalis, president of Point Park. “The school was founded by Dorothy Finkelhor as the Business Training College on Feb. 6, 1933. We’re delighted to bring 'The Chief' back to the stage — a timeless tribute to leadership, grit and the spirit that defines our city.”
For Steeler fans who live for the roar of the crowd, the Terrible Towel and the faith that every year could be the year, "The Chief" is a chance to step inside the story behind the team, not from the stands, but from inside the room where the Rooney legacy, and Pittsburgh’s football heart, began.
Purchase Tickets
Tickets are currently on sale at pittsburghplayhouse.com or by calling 412-392-8000.
Fortunato and Winters on Coming Full Circle on "The Chief"
What are some of your favorite memories as a Point Park student?
JF: I think fondly of my time as a student of the Conservatory of Performing Arts. The performances I was fortunate enough to be a part of, the relationships with other artists that I keep to this day, and the day-in, day-out training of all aspects of the arts. From 8 a.m. ballet to crew assignments, to private voice and musical theatre rep, it took me a few years of distance from graduating to fully appreciate how absolutely immersed I was in the arts for four years of my young adult life.
What key messages did Winters pass along as your teacher?
JF: I was fortunate to have great teachers at Point Park. I had the opportunity to take a class from Phil on several occasions, and I also had the opportunity to watch him from the audience and work with him as an actor. He’s a terrifically talented artist who gives invaluable insights to young performers. I continue to admire him for his work ethic and sense of joy when approaching the performing arts.
How did your college experience prepare you for your career?
JF: Point Park University does an excellent job of preparing artists for the challenges of building a career in theatre. Tangible advice coupled with the infusion of respect and gratitude for the art creates young artisans who are prepared for the rewarding marathon that is a life in the arts.
What’s it like returning to campus to direct “The Chief?”
JF: It is an absolute joy. A great play, a great actor and a great production team. Who could ask for anything more? It’s also been a great opportunity to reflect on where I am in my own career. Getting to work with such an accomplished stage veteran in Phil, while also getting to know the current students of the Conservatory of Performing Arts, it’s like looking back and forward, and appreciating how I’m in the middle of those two parts of the journey.
Is there anything else you’d like to add?
JF: Whether you are a die-hard Steelers fan or not, this play resonates with anyone, but especially Pittsburghers. It is a story about one man’s life that was focused on family, faith and community. And it just so happens that that man was the architect of the Pittsburgh Steelers. Most of all, this play is a great example of how to treat others, how to care for those in your charge and how to reach for greatness. It’s also a charming and very funny evening in the theater, don’t miss it!
What are some of your favorite moments teaching Fortunato?
PW: I remember that Justin was one of those students who didn’t need much more than direction and suggestion. He was already a gifted performer and a curious fellow, so working with him was easy. I think he was already finding work in the community by the time I got to know him. His skills were evident early!
What’s it like having the opportunity to work with Justin as the director of “The Chief?”
PW: I’m very happy to have a chance to work with Justin on this production. He and I have been fortunate to work with each other as castmates in the past, but I’ve not had the opportunity to be directed by him. Justin is an excellent director who understands so much about staging and focusing on the material; it’s great to have his eye and sensibility in the room. It would be easy to just replicate what I have done in the past with this role, but that would not be very interesting, for me or for the audience, so having the opportunity to work on the play with Justin’s input and direction is great.
What do you hope audiences take away from “The Chief?”
PW: The line that I love the most in the play is “Sometimes you do catch it, and you have to be ready for that one too.” I think it sums up an important lesson that Rooney understood. Life won’t always go your way, but there will be times when you have an opportunity to really achieve something if you keep your eyes open and are willing to play the game. Be prepared, be authentic, and be true to yourself and something remarkable could happen.
What does it mean to you to have the opportunity to play this role?
PW: It’s an exciting script that touches on so many things that I love. History, Pittsburgh, football, the Steelers, theatre, acting. I have met so many terrific people in the study and performance of this role, and I will carry that with me forever. It’s so much fun to perform the play and then talk to folks afterwards who remember the people or the situations so vividly, even though they occurred 50 years ago or more. I continue to learn more about Art Rooney just by talking to the people who come to see the show. They carry on his legacy through their stories of working with him, having been influenced by him and knowing him in a way that I never got to. He’s an endlessly fascinating character and to play him makes me feel an even stronger connection to Pittsburgh, my hometown.