Journey back to the 1930s for the forgotten story of the Strip District’s amazing “Pastor of the Poor,” told in story and song.
Father James Cox, the Pastor of Old St. Patrick’s Church during the Great Depression, printed the first food stamps, fed almost 3 million people, led a major march on our national’s capital with 25,000 jobless, and was even nominated for President. He was one of the first preachers on national radio, defended Jewish Americans, and went head-to-head against anti-Semites.

But who was the man behind it all?

“SHANTYTOWN: The Ballad of Fr. James Cox” explores the forgotten tale of Fr. Cox and celebrates what he accomplished. Be awed by his courage, his ideas, his love for his people, his rise to near sainthood, and his survival of a federal trial for a lottery scam.

Don’t miss this special staged reading of the new musical, which will officially premiere in Pittsburgh’s Cultural District in February 2023.

Prior to the staged reading, visit the History Center’s new exhibition, Pittsburgh’s John Kane: The Life & Art of an American Workman, to learn about a world-renown artist and Pittsburgh immigrant who was befriended by Fr. Cox and stayed at his rectory during hard times. History Center docents will be available inside the exhibition to answer questions and share stories about Kane and his artwork.

SHANTYTOWN: The Ballad of Fr. James Cox
Book, music, and lyrics by Ray Werner.

Artistic Musical Director and Composer, Dwayne Fulton.

With arrangements by Bruce Foley, Michael Gallagher, Jerry McCarthy, and Walter Woodward.

Director, Gregory Lehane.

Producer, Monteze Freeland.

Produced by Pittsburgh Playwrights Theater, Mark Clayton Southers, Founding Artistic Managing Director.