The Chief (play)


The Chief is a 2003 biographical one-man play about the Pittsburgh Steelers' founder and owner Art Rooney. The Pittsburgh Public Theater show has had several revivals since its inauguration, with each production performed by Pittsburgh native Tom Atkins.

Overview

The story takes place in 1976 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, two months after the Steelers won their second Super Bowl in Super Bowl X. The story begins in Art Rooney's office at Three Rivers Stadium where he is preparing for a dinner at the local Knights of Columbus hall. He then begins to converse with the audience, where he reminisces about his youth, and how he formed the Steeler franchise. The play concludes with Rooney showing footage of the Immaculate Reception.

2010 film adaptation

In 2010, a film version of the play was produced, with Atkins reprising his role as "The Chief".