Real Men Wear Scarves in Pittsburgh
Written and Performed by Andy Paluselli
February 6-8, 2026
Friday at 8 PM
Saturday at 8 PM
Sunday at 3 PM
Tickets $15
It's not easy growing up gay in the Iron City under an iron fist. A young man's revenge fantasy becomes a very different reality in this 30-year search to understand a father's rejection.
Real Men Wear Scarves in Pittsburgh is a true story about yet another difficult and painful relationship between a father and a son. When playwright Andy Paluselli was pursuing an acting career in Los Angeles, the “one-man-show” was considered an essential vehicle for an actor to show off their skills and find representation. So, at 25 years old, Andy drafted Act I; the revenge he would have at his father’s funeral. Act II would be written when his father actually died. Thus, when his father fell terminally ill in 2024, Andy knew it was time to complete his piece. With the universe aligning perfectly for him and with the incredible support from his friends and chosen family, within one year, that’s exactly what Andy did. In doing so, his goal was to find healing for himself, not to hurt or harm his father’s legacy. Finding the right balance of telling his experience has been an emotional ride. However, in the end, this play is a love letter not only to his father and to that boy who started this healing process 30 years ago but to all the “misunderstood” who feel so alone.
The performance will run continuously for 65 minutes - Rating: for mature audiences only
Bios
Andy Paluselli (ANDY@25 / ANDY@55) was a professional acrobat and dancer, and still is a writer, director, choreographer, set & costume designer and an actor who has maintained his health insurance for 26 years as a proud, award-winning flight attendant for Delta Air Lines. He was born and raised in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and is still a die-hard “Stillers” fan! (“An’ doan yinz ev’r fergit -at!”) He fled “da’ Burgh” after college in the early 1990’s and originally pursued a career in show business out in Hollywood, eventually landing back on the east coast in New York where he presently lives with the love of his life, his spouse of 28 years, Broadway veteran, Herman Sebek. They share their time between an adorable studio apartment in Astoria, Queens and a cozy cottage in Hurley, New York.
Herman Sebek (DIRECTOR) is grateful to be back at The Center with Andy! Together, they began their theatrical partnership here 20 years ago directing and choreographing “The Music Man” and “Oliver!” From his work as a performer, he brings 40 years of experience which includes 5 Broadway shows, last year’s stage premiere of Disney’s Moana, and currently playing Wilbur Turnblad in Hairspray for Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines. Unlike Andy, Herman got the love of a family who accepted him for who he is and supported his dreams. He is proud and delighted to be on this journey with his best bud to share this moving story.
“REAL MEN WEAR SCARVES IN PITTSBURGH”
was originally developed in Matt Hoverman’s
GO-SOLO Workshop.
GO-SOLO.org