ALBANY (Sept. 3) – Capital Repertory Theatre kicks off its 2026-27 season with the world premiere of a true local story. “The Last American Newspaper” is adapted from the memoir by former Post Star editor Ken Tingley. Part docudrama, part intimate character study, “The Last American Newspaper” celebrates the truth-tellers and the communities they serve, reminding us why a free press matters now more than ever. Performances run Sept. 25 through Oct. 18.
Adapted by Upstate New York journalist Ken Tingley from his memoir of the same name, “The Last American Newspaper” takes audiences inside the newsroom of The Post-Star in Glens Falls, where an idealistic team of reporters and editors works to uncover the stories shaping its community. Based on true events, the play revisits the newspaper’s triumphs and challenges, from hard-hitting investigations into the opioid epidemic to a Pulitzer Prize for editorial writing.
Spanning more than two decades in the life of “Hometown, USA,” the play follows the journalists behind the bylines as they chase stories, challenge those in power and confront mounting economic and political pressures. Both a celebration of local storytelling and an intimate look at the people who make it possible, “The Last American Newspaper” explores the role a free press plays in holding institutions accountable, connecting communities, and giving voice to the voiceless. The production’s run will be bookended by two free public conversations: “American Theatre News Now” on October 3 and “Capital Region News Now” on Oct. 18.
The cast of “The Last American Newspaper” is led by Christopher Innvar as Ken Tingley and features Rin Allen (Pam Brooks and others), Nicholas Baroudi (Mark Mahoney/Publisher Rick), Lise Bruneau (Mary Joseph), David Girard (Don Lehman and others), Elizabeth Pietrangelo (Lydia Moore), and William Oliver Watkins (Will Doolittle).
Innvar’s credits include ten Broadway productions including “Fallen Angels,” “To Kill a Mockingbird,” and “Les Misérables,” regional productions at Steppenwolf, the Guthrie, Yale Rep, the Wilma, The Shakespeare Theatre (affiliated artist), twenty-one seasons as an associate artist at Barrington Stage, Steven Spielberg’s “The Post” and USA’s “The Sinner.”
Allen returns to theREP after appearing in “Seared” in 2024, with additional credits at Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park, Milwaukee Repertory Theater, Actors Theatre of Louisville, and Adirondack Theatre Festival, as well as television appearances on “Law & Order. Baroudi, originally from Lake George, has appeared on stages from Playwrights Horizons to Arena Stage, with television credits including “Person of Interest,” “FBI,” “Billions,” “Fosse/Verdon” and a recurring role on “Law & Order: Organized Crime.” Bruneau makes her theREP debut after appearing on Broadway in “The Cherry Orchard,” with additional credits at Arena Stage, Shakespeare Theatre Company, Denver Center for the Performing Arts and Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park.
Girard, a Capital Region native and artistic director of Troy Foundry Theatre, returns to theREP after appearances in productions including “The Wizard of Oz,” “Shakespeare in Love,” “She Loves Me,” “The Blue-Sky Boys,” and “James Joyce’s The Dead.” Pietrangelo makes her theREP debut after appearing in “The Last American Newspaper” and “Mystic Pizza” at Adirondack Theatre Festival, with additional regional credits including “Shear Madness,” “The Play That Goes Wrong,” and “Don’t Dress for Dinner.” Watkins returns to theREP after “The Lehman Trilogy” and “Sweat,” with additional credits at The Public Theater, Denver Center for the Performing Arts, and Alabama Shakespeare Festival, as well as television appearances on “The Blacklist,” “Madam Secretary,” “Nurse Jackie,” and “Law & Order: SVU.”
Directed by Marcus Kyd with set design by Brian Prather, lighting design by Elijah Thomas, costume design by Brittney Belz, sound design by Evodoxia Ragkou, and choreography by Kelly King. Kate Kern serves as production stage manager with Madison Rivera as assistant stage manager.
Previews for “The Last American Newspaper” are Friday, Sept. 25 through Sunday, Sept. 27, with opening night Tuesday, Sept. 29. Performances are scheduled through Sunday, Oct 18. For tickets and information, call the Box Office at Proctors 12-6 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday at (518) 346-6204, or visit attherep.org. Groups of 10 or more can call (518) 382-3884, ext. 139.
Special nights:
Opening Night — Tuesday, Sept. 29
Includes complimentary pre-show champagne toast and pastries from Bella Napoli.
American Theatre News Now — Saturday, Oct. 3
A town hall discussion on arts coverage in print and digital media featuring Matt Britten (founder, Broadway Briefing), Rob-Weinert-Kent (editor-in-chief, American Theatre Magazine) and others. Free and open to the public.
Chef’s Table — 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 6
Hors d’oeuvres will be provided by a local restaurant.
ASL Performance — 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 10
This performance features sign language interpreters. To request access to the designated seating section, please call the Box Office at (518) 346-6204.
Thirsty Thursday — 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 15
Enjoy tasting samples from local cideries, breweries, or wineries.
Capital Region News Now — 1 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 18
12:30 p.m., complimentary coffee and pastry before the pre-show discussion featuring leading local journalists. Free and open to the public.