Eric Simonson and Jeffrey Hatcher's comedy is a City Theatre commission that will play May 7–29, 2011. The play's focus is Pittsburgh-born comic playwright George S. Kaufman (You Can't Take It With You, The Royal Family, Stage Door, The Man Who Came to Dinner, Dinner at Eight).

In Louder Faster, the humorist is placed "at the center of his own Kaufman-like plot," according to City Theatre. "The famed dramatist [1889-1961] returns to his Pittsburgh childhood home to cure a case of writer's block, only to find himself foiled at every turn by slamming doors, mistaken identities and a hilarious assortment of eccentric locals."

Simonson's Lombardi, a new play about football coach Vince Lombardi, will bow on Broadway in 2010-11. Hatcher is known for his popular regional works, including Three Viewings, Scotland Road and Ella.

The first world premiere in City Theatre's coming season will be Willy Holtzman's The Morini Strad, Nov. 6–Dec. 12. In it, "former child prodigy Erica Morini hires Brian, an unassuming violin builder, to restore her priceless Stradivarius violin. The aging diva proves a tough client, but as Brian demonstrates his worth, the two form an unexpected friendship. Inspired by the true story that rocked the classical music world, the Pulitzer Prize-nominated author of Hearts brings his world premiere to City Theatre."

Directors, performers and creative teams will be announced. The season consists of six regular-season plays and two special events, including The 39 Steps, Tarell Alvin McCraney's Marcus; or the Secret of Sweet, Madeleine George's Precious Little and The Amish Project written by and starring Jessica Dickey, plus Celebrity Autobiography: In Their Own Words (beginning June 3) and Sister's Christmas Catechism: The Mystery of the Magi's Gold by Maripat Donovan (Nov. 26-Dec. 19). For information, visit CityTheatreCompany.org.