A new act for 'Off the Record': Leaders change and script celebrates the everyday 'yinzer'

For more than 25 years, “Off the Record” has been one of Pittsburgh’s premier annual satire musicals, bringing together journalists, performers and civic leaders for a one-night-only roast of the city’s headlines. I've always likened it to our own "Saturday Night Live" experience as a former New Yorker. But this year, the beloved charity production is stepping into a different era with a new leadership team and steering committee. 

Taking over for longtime producers Sharon Eberson and Chris Rawson is Kathryn Spitz Cohan. A familiar face to the OTR stage, Spitz Cohan is pivoting from actor, bringing a backstage perspective and a structural facelift to the high-energy production. She joins forces with veteran performer-turned-director, choreographer and writer Chris Laitta to reshape the show from the ground up.

OTR is a production of three unions — the Newspaper Guild of Pittsburgh, SAG-AFTRA Ohio-Pittsburgh and the United Steelworkers. It features musical direction by Travis Rigby and a live band. KDKA Radio’s and Steelers announcer Larry Richert will serve as emcee. 

Honorees this year are Pittsburgh Walk of Fame founder Nancy Polinsky Johnson and Quantum Theatre founder Karla Boos, according to OTR organizers.

I sat down with Spitz Cohan and Laitta to discuss their vision for this new era and this year’s “A Chorus Line”-inspired concept, "One Singular Yinzer Nation," before Thursday’s performance at the Byham Theater, Downtown.

Behind the scenes

Taking over a legacy project was no easy task, but Spitz Cohan’s years on the OTR stage gave her an advantage in streamlining the ensemble show.

"Chris Rawson and Sharon Eberson have very big shoes to fill," Spitz Cohan said. "I think my experience of acting in previous shows gives me a different perspective. It’s a ton of work to put on a show, so my goal was to try to make it easier for the creative team by implementing processes like timelines and deadlines."

The work began in early 2026, and the shift paid off instantly, allowing the script to be completed weeks ahead of schedule so the cast could dive in early. The new leadership energy also focused on partners (especially the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust), sponsors, marketing and online programming. 

"Kathryn arranged our rehearsal space right Downtown at Three Stories with parking for everyone," Laitta noted. (Three Stories is a flexible space with free hall rentals for artists and small- to mid-sized arts organizations provided by the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust.)  "People are volunteering their time, and we want to make it as easy and enjoyable as possible for the cast."

Laitta stepped into the director and choreographer chair and expanded her role in the writers room. "As a professional actor, I bring the knowledge of what it takes to build a show, an ensemble, and take care of the cast," Laitta explained. "I had been acting and choreographing OTR for many years, but I always wanted to give others the chance to perform. Getting to create something from the ground up, from writing to stage, has been very rewarding."

From civic leaders to the 'Everyday Yinzer'

The audience will see that shift on Thursday on the Byham Stage. Inspired by the classic musical “A Chorus Line,” the show centers on everyday Pittsburghers auditioning for the spotlight. It marks a deliberate shift away from the traditional roasts of the past. It also featured the first open auditions in OTR history.

A brainstorming session with Spitz Cohan, Laitta, original stage manager Jessica Pedatella and lead writers R.J. Hufnagel and Matt Freed sparked the idea to widen the call for performers.

"Chris and I discussed holding open auditions for the first time ever in OTR history," Spitz Cohan explained. "We agreed that it would be a great way to engage more members of our region, and it did. About half of the cast is new to OTR."

Laitta explained the creative pivot. "I felt very passionate about my idea of moving away from the old way of doing things," she said. "I want to constantly raise the bar, and opening it up to new faces for me has always been a goal. The show is about our community, and I wanted to truly celebrate Pittsburghers."

According to Spitz Cohan, the shift wasn't just about bringing in new talent; it was about the humor evolving. "The show was ready for a facelift. How many times can you skewer the same people? Besides, I think people are really in need of more kindness right now," she said.

That doesn't mean the show has lost its satirical edge. "Not that this year’s show doesn’t have villains," Spitz Cohan laughed, adding a playful tease for local media insiders: "Know any former newspaper owners, anyone? 

“But the show really celebrates Pittsburghers and our love for the city."

Audiences can also look forward to some high-energy stage production to match the theme. When asked how the choreography for the upcoming number "One Single Yinzer Nation!" compares to previous years, Laitta teased that it is "just a fun homage to ‘A Chorus Line.’"

A notable ensemble

Producing a one-night-only performance presents a distinct set of hurdles. While Spitz Cohan has navigated high-profile opening nights throughout her career, she noted that OTR stands on its own because of its heart.

Laitta emphasized that the true magic of this year's show lies entirely within the collective power of its cast.

"I feel strongly that everyone in the cast was worthy of a shout-out," Laitta said. "This show is an ensemble piece. Every single person is vital in creating the world we have created, and every single actor in the show has an interesting story about their lives and what has brought them to this moment."

What anchors that intense workload for the ensemble is the show's massive philanthropic footprint. Since 2001, it has raised more than $850,000 for the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank and other charities and scholarships. To connect the cast directly with the cause, Spitz Cohan recently organized a tour of the food bank’s expansive facility in Duquesne. 

"It was eye-opening," Spitz Cohan said. "Sadly, food insecurity has risen significantly in our state. Sharing that experience with cast members really inspired all of us who are volunteering our time to help our neighbors in need."

Doors for Off the Record open at 6:30 p.m. for lobby food, cash bar and mingling; curtain’s up at 8 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at www.TrustArts.org/OTR.

Clairton native Tom Julian is a former New York marketing executive and has enjoyed being on stage for “Off The Record.” He became a part of its steering committee for the 2026 edition.