“Conscience” with Public Servants Acting (PSA)
3/24/26
News
For Immediate Release
Contact: Sharron Kearney
Executive Director of KCS
844-527-7469
[email protected]
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Elected Officials Take the Stage in a Bold New Production of Conscience by Joe DiPietro
Katonah, NY — In a striking fusion of art and civic life, Katonah Classic Stage (KCS) proudly presents Conscience, a provocative and darkly comedic play by acclaimed playwright Joe DiPietro. This one-of-a-kind reading features an extraordinary cast of elected officials stepping out of public office and onto the stage in support of the arts.
Dedicated to enriching the cultural life of the community, Katonah Classic Stage continues its mission through this special fundraising event, with proceeds helping to sustain and expand access to high-quality, professional theater in the region. By bringing together civic leaders and professional storytelling, KCS underscores the vital role the arts play in fostering dialogue, empathy, and community connection.
Known for his incisive writing and sharp wit, Joe DiPietro crafts a compelling narrative set against the backdrop of the U.S. Senate in 1950. The play follows Margaret Chase Smith—the first woman to serve in both the U.S. House of Representatives and the Senate—as she confronts the fear-driven tactics of Joseph McCarthy. As McCarthy’s pursuit of suspected communists escalates alongside his own political ambitions, Conscience explores questions of morality, responsibility, and personal courage.
While rooted in history, the play’s themes feel strikingly relevant today, offering a thoughtful lens on the pressures of leadership, the consequences of rhetoric, and the enduring challenge of standing by one’s principles in moments of public scrutiny. As truths emerge and tensions rise, Conscience ultimately asks: What does it truly mean to lead? And how do we reconcile public duty with private conviction?
In this unique production, these questions resonate even more powerfully as they are embodied by individuals who grapple with them in their professional lives every day. Public servants scheduled to perform on April 18 include New York State Assemblyman Chris Burdick, Westchester County Legislator Erika Pierce, Bedford Town Supervisor Ellen Calves, Bedford Town Board members Stephanie McCaine and Bobbi Bittker, Bedford Town Justice Jodi Kimmel, Lewisboro Town Supervisor Tony Goncalves, and NY State Assistant Attorney General Larry Reina.
This limited engagement consistently sells out and is expected to be one of the most talked-about theatrical events of the spring so early ticket purchase is strongly encouraged. Join us for an unforgettable evening where civic leadership and the performing arts meet on one stage—all in support of a vibrant cultural future for Northern Westchester.
Performance Details:
• Location: Bedford Hills Community House
74 Main St. Bedford Hills, NY
• Dates: 4/18/26
• Time: 7PM (doors open at 6:30)
• Tickets: www.KatonahClassicStage.com.
• For press inquiries, interviews, or additional information, please contact:
Sharron Kearney
[email protected] or call 844-527-7469
Founded as a nonprofit in late 2019, just before the breakout of Covid-19, KCS aims provide seasonal, professional productions of classic plays in Northern Westchester and offers educational programs to children and adults alike in the theater arts with an emphasis on Shakespeare and other master dramatists. Staffing, casts, and crews will draw from the exceptional talent found locally as well as New York City and the tri-state area.
Tickets and other information can be found at https://katonahclassicstage.com
Visit and like on social media for updates:
https://www.facebook.com/KatonahClassicStage
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About Katonah Classic Stage
Katonah Classic Stage (KCS) is a non-profit, professional theatre company committed to producing the most engaging classic and contemporary plays that will enrapture audiences in the lower Hudson Valley. Apart from mounting seasonal productions of classic plays, KCS also hosts cultural enrichment events like the KCS Film Festival, play readings at local libraries, and they will eventually offer educational programs to children and adults with an emphasis on Shakespeare and other master dramatists. Staffing, casts, and crews will draw from the exceptional talent found locally as well as New York City and the Tri-State area. *Contact: Sharron Kearney, Executive Director or Trent Dawson, Artistic Director Email: [email protected]*