True Repertory Theatre Presents “The Greatest Gift On Earth”

a Circus-Themed Fundraiser to celebrate

Artistic Director and Pembroke Native Donald Sheehan’s 

10-Year Kidney Transplant Anniversary​​

 

Saturday, October 3, 2026 from 7-10 PM at the Pembroke Community Center

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE … PEMBROKE, MA — True Repertory Theatre will host a unique, circus-themed fundraising event titled “The Greatest Gift On Earth” on  Saturday, October 3, 2026, from 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM at the Pembroke Community Center (128 Center Street) to celebrate Artistic Director and Pembroke native Donald Sheehan’s 10-year kidney transplant anniversary. The evening will benefit both The Mass General Brigham Transplant Center and True Repertory Theatre, while honoring the memory of Dr. Cecil Coggins, Sheehan’s long-time nephrologist. The fundraiser will also include an exclusive preview of a new play Hold Please! Drama, Dialysis, Dead-End Jobs, and How Katherine Helmond Saved My Soul, based on Sheehan’s own journey through the roller coaster of kidney disease while launching a fledgling theater company.

 

According to Sheehan, “This special event is a way for us to bring together arts and advocacy to celebrate life, honor medical heroes, and benefit two organizations that have had a profound impact on not just my life but the lives of our shared community. We hope this inspirational evening will offer hope to those struggling with kidney disease, spotlight the critical, ongoing need for organ donors, and celebrate the profound, life-changing power of organ donation - ‘the greatest gift on earth’.”

 

“The Greatest Gift on Earth” fundraiser will take place on Saturday, October 3, 2026, from 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM at the Pembroke Community Center (128 Center Street, Pembroke, MA). In addition to a sneak peek of Hold Please!, the evening will feature themed entertainment, interactive carnival games, fun carnival foods, a cash bar, music, and raffles. Tickets are $75, and may be purchased at www.truerepertorytheatre.org. Donations and sponsorship information is also available on the True Rep website.

 

 

Hold Please! Drama, Dialysis, Dead-End Jobs, and How

Katherine Helmond Saved My Soul

A New Play - ** Full Theatrical Run Oct 17-25, 2026 **

​

How do you navigate the roller coaster of a critical medical condition while simultaneously launching a passion project and working a mundane, full time job? Hold Please! Drama, Dialysis, Dead-End Jobs, and How Katherine Helmond Saved My Soul is an original play written by a collaboration of True Rep artists that chronicles Sheehan’s deeply personal journey with kidney disease and the effects on his life, body image, relationships, and dreams for the future.

Based on his own journals, Hold Please! follows Sheehan through kidney disease diagnosis to dialysis to life-saving transplant while working day-to-day in a mind numbing call center and launching his true passion, a repertory theater company. This inspirational story, often heartfelt and funny, reveals the circus-like atmosphere of navigating the ups and downs of serious illness. 

 

Hold Please! will officially premiere for a limited engagement of 6 performances from October 17-25, 2026 at True Repertory’s home, the Beal House in Kingston. Tickets are $25 and will be available for purchase at “The Greatest Gift On Earth” fundraiser and at www.truerepertorytheatre.org.

 

 

 

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About True Repertory Theatre

True Repertory Theatre is a non-profit performing arts organization dedicated to bringing compelling, high-quality theater to the South Shore community. Operating out of the historic Beal House in Kingston, MA, True Rep fosters local talent and shares transformative stories that challenge, entertain, and inspire.

 

About The Mass General Brigham Transplant Center

The Mass General Brigham Transplant Center is the largest transplant program in New England, offering lifesaving solid organ and bone marrow transplants for adults and children. Through groundbreaking research and clinical excellence, the center works tirelessly to improve outcomes and save lives. 

 

 

 

 

 

MEDIA CONTACT:

Rachel F. Lucas

Rachel Lucas PR

Phone: 781-929-6299

Email: rlucaspr@gmail.com

Web: www.rlucaspr.com

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