Billy Gardell gets starring dramatic role in ‘The Vortex’

Swissvale native Billy Gardell is playing with house money, literally, in a new film that looks at a struggle with a common addiction—gambling.

In The Vortex, Gardell plays Pete, an in-house comedian at MGM Grand Casino who plays “shrink” for some of the casino’s misfits while avoiding mobsters and “collectors” as he battles with his own addiction and faces a “life-altering decision.” 

Pittsburghers will have a chance to watch the Richard Zelniker-directed film during its Pittsburgh debut from Feb. 14-20 at The Lindsay Theater and Cultural Center, just half an hour from where Gardell grew up. Tickets are on sale now at thelindsaytheater.org.