Quinn Returns to PTC with Off-Broadway Hit 'Unconstitutional'

It's comedy time in the summer at Philadelphia Theatre Company with "Unconstitutional," a new comedy written and performed by popular comedian and "SNL" veteran Colin Quinn, running July 1-July 13 at PTC's home at the Suzanne Roberts Theatre (Broad and Lombard Streets). This one-man show tackles 226 years of American constitutional calamities, offering Quinn's satiric take on our national character, from predator drones to the Kardashians.

With a preview on Tuesday, July 1, the show opens Wednesday, July 2 at 7 P.M. with performances running Tuesday through Sunday until July 13. Tickets at $49 are available by calling the PTC Box Office at 215-985-0420 or visiting philadelphiatheatrecompany.org

With Congress gridlocked on immigration reform, gun control, health care and practically every other issue, it's a perfect time to look back at what the Founding Fathers had in mind when they convened in Philadelphia in 1787. In "Unconstitutional," Quinn's shrewd eye for the absurd is combined with his evident respect for the Constitution, offering thought-provoking commentary amid non-stop laughs. The show ran Off-Broadway at the Barrow Street Theatre before transferring for an extended run to the Cherry Lane Theatre.

Colin Quinn last appeared at PTC in "Long Story Short," which had earned him a Drama Desk during its Broadway run and an Emmy Award nomination for the film adaptation. A native of Brooklyn, he is a performer known for tackling contemporary societal issues with satirical and sharp humor through his various Off-Broadway and television productions. Quinn is best known for his role as a cast member of the legendary "Saturday Night Live" where he entertained audience members for five seasons. After "SNL," Quinn produced "Tough Crowd with Colin Quinn" and in 1994, starred in his first one-man show "Sanctifying Grace" Off-Broadway which was later produced as "Colin Quinn- An Irish Wake" at the Helen Hayes Theatre. Quinn was seen in the Adam Sandler comedy film "Grown Ups" and has a recurring role on "Girls" on HBO.

"We are delighted to welcome back Colin Quinn whose "Long Story Short" had been a summer hit at PTC. "Unconstitutional" is a laugh-out loud history lesson, performing for the Fourth of July holidays," said PTC's Executive Producing Director Sara Garonzik.

Founded in 1974, Philadelphia Theatre Company is a leading regional theatre company whose mission is to produce, develop and present entertaining and imaginative contemporary theatre focused on the American experience that both ignites the intellect and touches the soul. By developing new work through commissions, readings and workshops, PTC generates projects that have a national impact and reach broad regional audiences. Under the guidance of PTC's Executive Producing Director, Sara Garonzik, since 1982 and PTC President Priscilla M. Luce, who joined the leadership team in early April of 2013, PTC supports the work of a growing body of diverse dramatists and takes pride in being a home to many nationally recognized artists who have participated in more than 140 world and Philadelphia premieres. PTC has received 46 Barrymore Awards and 155 nominations. In October 2007, PTC opened the Suzanne Roberts Theatre, their home on Philadelphia's Avenue of the Arts, which has helped contribute to the revitalization of Center City Philadelphia's thriving arts district.