Between The Lines Studio Theatre presents Lynn Nottage’s Pulitzer Prize-winning play “Sweat,” May 12 - 21.

The New York playwright set her play in Reading, Berks County, during the years 2000 to 2008 after seeing a New York Times article about the decline of factories in the city.

Nottage began working on the play in 2011 by interviewing residents of Reading concerning the effects of job losses on the city and the economic struggles people were facing there.

Despite the grim premise, the play is full of warmth, humor and heart as it tells the story of a group of friends who work together on the factory floor and share their life stories, secrets and laughs. When the layoffs and picket lines start, circumstances begin to chip away at their trust and they find themselves pitted against each other.

“Sweat” premiered on Broadway in 2017 and was nominated for three Tony Awards, including for best play. “Sweat” won the 2017 Pulitzer Prize for Drama, the second for Nottage (her first Pulitzer Prize for Drama was for “Ruined,” 2009). Nottage is the only female playwright to have won the Pulitzer Prize twice.

“Sweat” was presented in 2022 at Northampton Community College.

Rachel Williams directs the cast of Sue Sneeringer, Robert Coll, Isaiah Baker, Felecia White, Pat Kelly, Laura Jones, Suave Iglesias and Jerone Darden.

“Sweat” contains strong language and mild violence.

Between the Lines offers a pay-what-you-can performance May 18.

“Sweat,” 7:30 p.m. May 12, 18-20; 2 p.m. May 14, 21, Between the Lines Studio Theatre, 725 N. 15th St., Allentown. Tickets: https://betweenthelinestheatre.com/

1950-60s revue at The Pines:

The Pines Dinner Theater heads out on “Route 66,” May 12 - June 24.

Inspired by musicals like “Grease,” “Pump Boys and Dinettes” and “Forever Plaid,” “Route 66” is a rollicking revue featuring 34 hit songs beginning with the sounds of 1950s’ Chicago, traveling on the “Main Street of America” and ending up on the California coast with the surf music of the 1960s. “Route 66” was presented in 2013 at The Pines.

The cast features Tim D. Zimmermann, Oliver Blatt, Michael Covel and Luke Hodgson, providing close harmonies on songs such as “Dead Man’s Curve,” “King of the Road,” “Little Old Lady from Pasadena,” “Beep Beep,” “Little GTO,” “Six Days on the Road,” “Fun, Fun, Fun” and, of course, “(Get Your Kicks on) Route 66.”

“Route 66” is written by Roger Bean and directed by Blatt, Pines Dinner Theatre Artistic Director. Costume design is by Stacey B. Yoder.

Appetizers, entrees, desserts and beverages are for purchase ala carte. Audiences may BYOB.

“Route 66,” 12:30 p.m. dinner, 1:30 p.m. show Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday, Sunday; 6:30 p.m. dinner, 7:30 p.m. show Friday, Saturday, May 12 - June 24, The Pines Dinner Theatre, 448 N 17th St., Allentown. Tickets: 610-433-2333; https://www.pinesdinnertheatre.com/

Curtain Rises” is a column about the theater, stage shows, the actors in them and the directors and artists who make them happen. To request coverage, email: Paul Willistein, Focus editor, pwillistein@tnonline.com