Henry Johnson

A Riveting new play by the great David Mamet!

HENRY JOHNSON by David Mamet 
July 9-26, 2026, Carnegie Stage
Pittsburgh Premiere, directed by Andrew Paul, & starring Pittsburgh favorites David Whalen, Cotter Smith, David Butler, & John Steffenauer as Henry Johnson

“There’s really no question that Henry Johnson is Mamet’s best play in many years.  In this world, if you’re not practiced at relentless manipulation, you’re roadkill.”
- Chicago Sun Times - Recommended

“Crackling exchanges that bristle with menace light up the stage, a reminder of just how masterful the playwright is with dialogue when he’s in the groove.”
- Chicago Culture Authority – Highly Recommended

“You may leave the theater questioning your humanity but trust me this is a play worth seeing.”
- New City Chicago - Recommended

What is the price of compassion? Henry Johnson chooses a virtuous path, helping others even at the cost of his own self-destruction.

Produced for just the third time, following its world premiere in Los Angeles in 2023 and a subsequent Chicago premiere in 2025, Kinetic’s Henry Johnson features an all-star cast led by Pittsburgh favorites David Whalen & Cotter Smith, the Pittsburgh return of actor David Butler, and John Steffenauer in the title role. The play is vintage Mamet and a clear return to form. Don’t miss this extraordinary opportunity to see it BEFORE it is produced in New York and London!