Play highlights officer’s career
“The Epitome of Grace” premieres at Oakland Catholic High School Joan of Arc Theatre on April 23 at 7 p.m., followed by a matinee performance on April 24 at 2 p.m. Performances will also be held at the Heritage Players Theater-Seton Center Brookline on April 30 at 7 p.m. and May 1 at 2 p.m.
The one-woman play highlights the life of Therese Rocco, the Brookline native who was the first female assistant police chief in Pittsburgh as well as the nation. She is credited with finding 45,000 missing children and persons during her 40-year career.
Sharon Liotus of Brentwood produced the play. She expanded on elements not covered in a published book and documentary film that chronicled the Rocco’s life and career.
“I wanted to bring Therese to life on stage and take advantage of the many wonderful images that were used in the documentary,” she said. “I thought we could pull it off if we found the right actress. We were fortunate that Cindy Swanson accepted the part to take on the challenge of a one-woman role. What’s ironic is that when Cindy was a young girl, she had the opportunity to meet Therese. That meeting had a lasting positive effect on Cindy, and she is deeply honored to be portraying Therese in this play.”
Rocco will attend all of the performances for memoir signings.
General admission is $20. No ticket pre-sales or group rates.
Call 412-885-7126 for more information.