'Ditko' play returning to comic artist's hometown with original cast

Sep. 29—JOHNSTOWN, Pa. — Lenny Schwartz's biographical play about Johnstown native and comics legend Steve Ditko is returning to the artist's hometown on Sunday with the original cast.

"I'm excited to share the cast and their experiences, and to celebrate Steve Ditko and the person that he was," Schwartz said.

The Rhode Island playwright operates Daydream Theater Company, which is part of the Rhode Island Stage Ensemble, and first put on this play in 2018 and last in 2019.

He was then in Johnstown two years ago during the inaugural Ditko Con, when the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown's theater arts department performed "Ditko," which details the life of famous comic artist who co-created or created several famous characters, such as Spider-Man, Doctor Strange and The Question, at the State Theater.

Schwartz said he appreciated being part of the audience then, and after reflecting on it, thought it would be nice to have the original actors perform in Johnstown and again at the State Theater.

When he was told about the second Ditko Con, organized by Bottle Works, which will be held Saturday, he offered to direct the play again.

"I thought, 'You know what, it might be kind fun to do it one more time,' " Schwartz said.

"Ditko" will again be performed at the State Theater with Derek Laurendeau reprising his role as Ditko, Marvel Comics legend Stan Lee will again be played by Geoff White, and author Ayn Rand, whom the artist greatly respected, will again be played by Anne Wareham Bowman.

Schwartz said getting to stage his play in the artist's hometown with the original cast is "unbelievable" and "immeasurable."

He promised a slightly different perspective for audiences who saw the show in 2021, adding that when the tight-knit group came back together, it "almost deepened it in a few ways."

Eric Reighard, executive director of Johnstown State Theater Foundation, said hosting the play again was a "very special" occurrence.

When "Ditko" was performed two years ago at the historic location, it was the first live performance the group had hosted, and getting to bring a feature again with Schwartz is an exciting opportunity for the foundation members and community.

"To have them come back and to do the play again with the original cast, it shows how special the Ditko family and the Ditko name is to the Johnstown area," Reighard said.

"Really, hats off to Matt Lamb and Melody (Tisinger) at the Bottle Works for bringing this all to fruition."

Tickets are $10 online and $15 at the door for the 1 p.m. show.

For more information, visit www.statetheaterofjohnstown.com and www.bottleworks.org.