Hello friends of Pig Iron and the Wilma Theater,
I’m writing to let you know about some changes to our upcoming performances of Poor Judge.
As many of you know, our beloved Dito van Reigersberg, conceiver and lead performer of Poor Judge, received a successful bone marrow transplant last year as part of his treatment for leukemia. I’m sorry to let you know – with Dito’s permission – that some post-transplant medical complications emerged in the past week, which will keep Dito from performing in Poor Judge this January.
This is heartbreaking news, but more than anything, we are all so glad that he’s getting the care he needs and responding well to treatment.
The creative leaders of Poor Judge, Dito, director Eva Steinmetz, and music director/arranger/performer Alex Bechtel, have put their heads together to figure out how best to honor the show, the artists, and the audience in the face of all this.
Here in Philly, we’re blessed to be part of such a supportive community of talented performers and makers, and Dito, Alex, and Eva have asked the superb singer-actor-devisor Pax Ressler – famous for their striking performances with the Bearded Ladies and collaborator Jackie Soro, writing stirring music and much more – to step into the show this month. We are so pleased and grateful to welcome Pax onto this project among friends and fellow travelers.
There are so many amazing artists who have worked on and are right now working on this beautiful show, and so many pieces of the puzzle had to come together to make this reprise possible. The rest of the original supergroup of Philly singer-actor-musicians (Alex Bechtel, Emily Bate, Josh Machiz, Justin Yoder, Izzy Sazak, and Jackie Soro) will reprise their roles.
This remarkable piece that Dito dreamed up – in my opinion one of Pig Iron’s most soulful and beautiful pieces – will take a new shape this month, but the heart of the piece remains the same. For fans who saw Poor Judge last year (and I know many of you returned multiple times!), come see it again in this new configuration, and you’ll find different things in it. And for everyone out there who loves Dito’s work, we know you’re going to fall in love with this show and the artists who are honoring all the work he has put into it.
Due to the suddenness of these events, the cast changes have also led to some changes in the performance schedule. The shows from January 16 to 18 are cancelled, with all other performances set to go on as planned. We’re really sorry for the inconvenience; the Wilma box office will be in touch with patrons affected by these changes, and individuals who wish to be reseated for a different show or require a refund will be accommodated.
I know our community feels a deep love for Dito and many have followed his health journey with concern and care. Right now, while the treatments are in progress, we ask that everyone respect Dito’s privacy and avoid sending him questions or condolences. In a few weeks, Dito and his husband Matthew will have some more clarity on how treatment is going, and may post some updates on social media at that time.
In the meantime, we’ve set up an email address if you’d like to send some well-wishes, poems (Dito loves poems), paintings of Martha Graham Cracker, or videos of yourself singing your favorite Aimee Mann song: wellwishes@pigiron.org. Dito can check the inbox to hear from his many fans, loved ones, and admirers when he is able.
Thank you for your understanding and patience. From Pig Iron, thank you to our great partners at the Wilma, who always put artists first and have supported this show with their whole hearts.
Signing off with sorrow but also with deep love for our friend and collaborator Dito, and for all the wonderful artists who have been conspiring with him to make Poor Judge a reality,
Dan Rothenberg
Co-Artistic Director, Pig Iron
