WEST SIDE STORY RETURNS TO PITTSBURGH

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


Contact:
Veronica Corpuz
The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust
corpuz@pgharts.org
412-471-6082

GRAMMY AWARD WINNING BROADWAY SMASH HIT

WEST SIDE STORY

IS COMING TO PITTSBURGH

MAY 17-22, 2011

BENEDUM CENTER

The tour of the current smash hit Broadway production of WEST SIDE STORY is coming to Pittsburgh, Penn. WEST SIDE STORY will open at the Benedum Center on Tuesday, May 11, 2011. Tony Award-winning librettist Arthur Laurents’ Broadway direction will be recreated for the tour by David Saint, the Associate Director on Broadway. The original Jerome Robbins choreography is reproduced by Tony Award-nominee Joey McKneely (The Boy from Oz, The Life). WEST SIDE STORY is part of the PNC Broadway Across America – Pittsburgh series, presented by The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, Pittsburgh Symphony and Broadway Across America.

The new Broadway cast album of WEST SIDE STORY won the 2010 Grammy Award for Best Musical Show Album on January 31, 2010. The Bernstein and Sondheim score is considered to be one of Broadway’s finest and features such classics of the American musical theatre as “Something’s Coming,” “Tonight,” “America,” “I Feel Pretty” and “Somewhere.”

The new Broadway production began previews at the Palace Theatre on Broadway Monday, February 23, 2009, opened to critical acclaim breaking box office records at the Palace Theatre on Thursday, March 19, 2009, and recouped its $14 million investment after running only 30 weeks. The Broadway production played its final performance January 2, 2011. The musical played 27 previews and 748 regular performances, making it the longest-running production of the groundbreaking musical in Broadway history. The original production, which had held the record, played 732 performances on Broadway.

WEST SIDE STORY features scenic designs by James Youmans (Gypsy), costumes by Tony Award nominee David C. Woolard (The Farnsworth Invention, The Who’s Tommy), lighting by Tony Award winner Howell Binkley (Gypsy, Jersey Boys), sound design by Tony Award nominee Dan Moses Schreier (Gypsy, A Catered Affair) and hair by Mark Adam Rampmeyer (The Farnsworth Invention).

WEST SIDE STORY is written by three theatrical luminaries: two-time Tony Award winner Arthur Laurents (book) and multiple Tony and Grammy Award winners Leonard Bernstein (music) and Stephen Sondheim (lyrics) in his Broadway debut.

WEST SIDE STORY is produced by Kevin McCollum, James L. Nederlander, Jeffrey Seller with Terry Allen Kramer, Sander Jacobs, Roy Furman / Jill Furman Willis, Robyn Goodman / Walt Grossman, Hal Luftig, Roy Miller and Broadway Across America.

WEST SIDE STORY tickets ($22-$69) are available at the Box Office at Theater Square, online at pgharts.org and by calling 412-456-6666. Groups of 10 or more may purchase tickets by calling 412-471-6930. Performances are: Tuesday-Thursday, 7:30 p.m.; Friday at 8 p.m.; Saturday at 2 and 8 p.m.; and Sunday at 1 and 6:30 p.m.

PRODUCTION HISTORY

WEST SIDE STORY had a long journey to Broadway. Six years elapsed between Jerome Robbins's first idea of a modern musical adaptation of Romeo and Juliet and its actual Broadway debut in 1957. Originally, the action of the musical was to take place on New York's Lower East Side with tensions flaring between Jews and Catholics during the Passover and Easter holidays. The original setting left the authors uninspired and the project was put on hold. Years later, when Arthur Laurents proposed changing the basis of conflict from religion to race, the show gained creative momentum and WEST SIDE STORY was born.

Originally directed and choreographed by Jerome Robbins, WEST SIDE STORY opened at the Winter Garden Theatre on September 26, 1957 and garnered passionate reactions from critics and audiences alike. The piece has often been credited with changing the entire course of the American musical theatre. Applauding the creators’ innovation in dance and musical style, TIME Magazine exclaimed “Robbins’ energetic choreography and Bernstein’s grand score accentuate the satiric, hard-edged lyrics of Sondheim and Laurents’ capture of the angry voice of urban youth.” New York Times critic Brooks Atkinson described the show as “profoundly moving; an incandescent piece of work where theatre people, engrossed in an original project, are all in top form.”

The original production starred Larry Kert as “Tony,” Carol Lawrence as “Maria,” Chita Rivera as “Anita,” and won six Tony Award nominations including Best Musical of 1957. Jerome Robbins won the Award for his groundbreaking choreography and Oliver Smith took home the prize for Best Scenic Design. Also nominated were Carol Lawrence for Best Supporting Actress, Max Goberman for Best Musical Director and Irene Sharaff for Best Costume Design. WEST SIDE STORY ran for 732 performances before launching national and international tours and a successful mounting at London’s Majesty Theatre in 1958. The first revival of the musical opened on April 8, 1964 at New York City Center by the New York City Center Light Opera Company. The production closed on May 3, 1964 after a limited engagement of 31 performances. The City Center production was staged by Gerald Freedman based on Robbins' original concept. A Broadway revival opened at the Minskoff Theatre on February 14, 1980 directed and choreographed by Robbins with the assistance of Tom Abbott and Lee Becker Theodore. The revival was nominated for a 1980 Tony Award for Best Revival as well as nods for Debbie Allen as “Anita” and Josie de Guzman as “Maria.”

The revival of WEST SIDE STORY on which this tour is based began previews at the Palace Theatre on Broadway Monday, February 23, 2009, opened to critical acclaim breaking box office records on Thursday, March 19, 2009, recouped its $14 million investment after running only 30 weeks. The musical played 27 previews and 748 regular performances, making it the longest-running production of the groundbreaking musical in Broadway history.

An exciting and innovative motion picture version, directed by Jerome Robbins and Robert Wise, was released in 1961 and starred Natalie Wood and Richard Beymer as the star-crossed lovers “Maria and Tony” and Rita Moreno as “Anita.” The film also received wide praise from critics, winning ten Academy Awards out of its eleven nominated categories (including Best Picture) as well as a special award for Robbins. The film’s soundtrack grossed more than any other album before it.
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Smash Hit Musical MAMMA MIA! Will Have You Dancing in the Aisles

MAMMA MIA

WALKS DOWN THE AISLE OF HEINZ HALL

THE GLOBAL SMASH HIT WILL RETURN FOR ONE WEEK ONLY!

Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus’ MAMMA MIA!, the smash hit musical based on the songs of ABBA, returns to Pittsburgh’s Heinz Hall April 19-24, 2011. Performances begin on Tuesday, April 19, and run through Sunday, April 24, at Heinz Hall, 600 Penn Avenue. This tour is part of the PNC Broadway Across America-Pittsburgh series, presented by The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, Pittsburgh Symphony and Broadway Across America.

Tickets ($27-$67) are available by calling 412-392-4900, visiting the Box Office at Theater Square (655 Penn Avenue) or online at www.pgharts.org. For more information about the PNC Broadway Across America-Pittsburgh 2010-2011 subscription series, please call 412-456-1390. Groups of 15 or more may call 412-471-6930. The performance schedule for MAMMA MIA! is 7:30 p.m., Tuesday-Thursday; 8 p.m., Friday; 2 and 8 p.m., Saturday; and 1:30 and 6:30 p.m., Sunday.

Seen by over 45 million people around the world, Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus’ global smash hit musical MAMMA MIA!, is celebrating over 3,800 performances in its tenth smash hit year at Broadway’s Winter Garden Theatre and remains among Broadway’s top selling musicals. The current North American Tour has played over 3,000 performances in over 130 cities with 125 repeat visits. The original West End production of MAMMA MIA! is now in its twelfth year and has celebrated over 4,800 performances in London and the international tour has visited more than 50 foreign cities and been seen by 3.6 million people. The blockbuster feature film adaptation of MAMMA MIA!, produced by Judy Craymer and Gary Goetzman, is the most successful movie musical of all time grossing $600 million worldwide.

In the 2010 - 2011 season, MAMMA MIA! will walk down the aisle for the first time, making premiere performances, in Alaska, Mississippi and West Virginia. The show will also return to Detroit, Kansas City, Milwaukee, Pittsburgh, Providence and Tampa for a remarkable fifth return visit.

An independent, single mother who owns a small hotel on an idyllic Greek island, Donna is about to let go of Sophie, the spirited daughter she’s raised alone. For Sophie’s wedding, Donna has invited her two lifelong best girlfriends—practical and no-nonsense Rosie and wealthy, multi-divorcee Tanya - from her one-time backing band, Donna and the Dynamos. But Sophie has secretly invited three guests of her own.

On a quest to find the identity of her father to walk her down the aisle, she brings back three men from Donna’s past to the Mediterranean paradise they visited 20 years earlier. Over 24 chaotic, magical hours, new love will bloom and old romances will be rekindled on this lush island full of possibilities.

Inspired by the storytelling magic of ABBA’s songs from “Dancing Queen” and “S.O.S.” to “Money, Money, Money” and “Take a Chance on Me,” MAMMA MIA! is a celebration of mothers and daughters, old friends and new family found.

Produced by Judy Craymer, Richard East and Björn Ulvaeus for Littlestar in association with Universal, the creative team responsible for bringing MAMMA MIA! to theatrical life includes some of the most gifted and celebrated talents of musical theatre and opera. With music and lyrics by Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus, MAMMA MIA! is written by Catherine Johnson and directed by Phyllida Lloyd. MAMMA MIA! has choreography by Anthony Van Laast, production design by Mark Thompson, lighting design by Howard Harrison, sound design by Andrew Bruce and Bobby Aitken, and musical supervision, additional material and arrangements by Martin Koch.



The special edition cast recording of MAMMA MIA! is available on Decca Broadway.

For information about MAMMA MIA! go to www.mammamianorthamerica.com.

PNC Broadway Across America - Pittsburgh Announces 2011/2012 Season

For Immediate Release


Contact:

Veronica Corpuz
412-471-6082
corpuz@pgharts.org

Electronic art available upon request.

PNC Broadway Across America - Pittsburgh

Announces the 2011/2012 season

PITTSBURGH, PA: PNC Broadway Across America – Pittsburgh, presented by The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, Pittsburgh Symphony and Broadway Across America, proudly announces the 2011/2012 season. PNC Broadway Across America - Pittsburgh, one of the city’s premier entertainment series, is sponsored by The PNC Foundation. This season presents an exceptional array of live entertainment on the Cultural District’s world-class stages.

Packed with Tony® Award Winners including the 2009 and 2010 winners for Best Musical and the 2010 winner of Best Musical Revival, the lineup features audience favorites and storylines that will appeal to all ages. These presentations contribute to our city’s reputation as a major destination for arts, culture, and entertainment, attracting more than 300,000 visitors to our bustling Cultural District each year.

“The PNC Foundation is once again proud to be the presenting sponsor of the series that delivers the finest national tours to Pittsburgh—allowing you to experience world-class Broadway entertainment close to home,” says James E. Rohr, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of The PNC Financial Services Group.

Subscription packages range from $105-$472. For subscription information, call 412-456-1390 (local) or 800-828-9200 (outside Pittsburgh). For information, visit pgharts.org. To purchase group tickets, please call (412) 471-6930 or email groupsales@pgharts.org.

Benefits of subscribing include:

· Series subscribers are seated before the general public. You can retain your seats year after year and are first in line for seating upgrades when it’s time to renew. Subscribers also receive priority seating for season specials before they go on sale.

· Customer service team dedicated to our subscribers manages ticket exchanges, payment plans, lost ticket replacement and more.

· Many of the shows offer subscribers a discounted price on additional tickets.

· Guaranteed season parking for an additional price

· New THIS YEAR SWAP A SHOW: Subscribers have the added flexibility of exchanging tickets out of one show and into another. (Excludes WICKED. Swap your tickets one time only.)

THE 2011-2012 PNC BROADWAY ACROSS AMERICA – PITTSBURGH SERIES

MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET

November 1-6, 2011
Benedum Center

MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET is the smash hit Broadway musical, inspired by the true story of the famed recording session that brought together rock ‘n’ roll icons Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis and Carl Perkins for the first and only time.

On December 4, 1956, these four young musicians were gathered together by Sam Phillips, the “Father of Rock ’n’ Roll” at Sun Records in Memphis for what would be one of the greatest jam sessions of all time. MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET brings that legendary night to life with an irresistible tale of broken promises, secrets, betrayal and celebrations featuring timeless hits including “Blue Suede Shoes,” “Fever,” “That’s All Right,” “Sixteen Tons,” “Great Balls of Fire,” “I Walk the Line,” “Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On,” “Who Do You Love?,” “Matchbox,” “Folsom Prison Blues,” “Hound Dog” and more.

This thrilling musical brings you inside the recording studio with four major talents who came together as a red-hot rock ‘n’ roll band for one unforgettable night. Don’t miss your chance to be a fly on the wall of fame... at MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET!


DR. SEUSS’ HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS! THE MUSICAL

November 22-27, 2011
Benedum Center

YOUR HEART WILL GROW THREE SIZES THIS HOLIDAY SEASON!

Discover the magic of Dr. Seuss’ classic holiday tale as it comes to life on stage with this hit Broadway musical for the whole family. Featuring the hit songs “You’re A Mean One, Mr. Grinch” and “Welcome Christmas,” The Grinch discovers there’s more to Christmas than he bargained for in this heart-warming holiday classic.

Max the Dog narrates as the mean and scheming Grinch, whose heart is “two sizes too small,” decides to steal Christmas away from the Whos, an endlessly cheerful bunch bursting with holiday spirit.

Come and celebrate the holidays with this delightful Broadway musical that the whole family will love!

“A genius of a show! A total delight for both kids and adults!” —Gannett Papers

“An extraordinary performance! 100 times better than any bedside story.” —The New York Times


MEMPHIS

December 27-January 1, 2012
Heinz Hall

TURN UP THAT DIAL... From the underground dance clubs of 1950s Memphis, Tennessee, comes a hot new Broadway musical that bursts off the stage with explosive dancing, irresistible songs and a thrilling tale of fame and forbidden love. Inspired by actual events, MEMPHIS is about a white radio DJ who wants to change the world and a black club singer who is ready for her big break. Come along on their incredible journey to the ends of the airwaves—filled with laughter, soaring emotion and roof-raising rock ‘n’ roll. Winner of four 2010 Tony Awards® including Best Musical, MEMPHIS, which played pre-Broadway at the La Jolla Playhouse, features a Tony®-winning book by Joe DiPietro (I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change) and a Tony®-winning original score with music by Bon Jovi founding member David Bryan. Directing is Tony® nominee Christopher Ashley (Xanadu), and choreography is by Sergio Trujillo (Jersey Boys). Get ready to experience Broadway’s most exciting new destination!

BILLY ELLIOT THE MUSICAL

February 1-12, 2012
Benedum Center

BILLY ELLIOT THE MUSICALis a joyous celebration of one young boy’s journey to make his dreams come true. Ben Brantley of The New York Times calls BILLY ELLIOT “THE MOST INSPIRING SHOW I’VE SEEN IN YEARS.” Set in a small town, the story follows Billy as he stumbles out of the boxing ring and into a ballet class, discovering a surprising passion that inspires his family and his whole community. A big musical with an even bigger heart, BILLY ELLIOT will enchant the dreamer in all of us.

Based on the international smash-hit film, BILLY ELLIOT is brought to life by a phenomenal cast of 45 and the Tony Award-winning creative team -- director Stephen Daldry, choreographer Peter Darling and writer Lee Hall -- along with music legend Elton John, who has written what the New York Post calls "HIS BEST SCORE YET!"

LA CAGE AUX FOLLES

March 13-18, 2012
Benedum Center

WINNER! 2010 Tony Awards – Best Revival


WELCOME TO LA CAGE AUX FOLLES!

Winner of three Tony Awards® including the award for BEST MUSICAL REVIVAL, this hilarious new production of LA CAGE AUX FOLLES was the biggest hit of the 2010 Broadway season, leaving audiences in stitches night after night!

LA CAGE tells the story of Georges, the owner of a glitzy nightclub in lovely Saint-Tropez, and his partner Albin, who moonlights as the glamorous chanteuse Zaza. When Georges’ son brings his fiancée’s conservative parents home to meet the flashy pair, the bonds of family are put to the test as the feather boas fly! LA CAGE is a tuneful and touching tale of one family’s struggle to stay together...stay fabulous... and above all else, stay true to themselves!

With a glorious score of hummable melodies and a dynamite cast featuring the “notorious and dangerous Cagelles,” LA CAGE is an indisputable musical comedy classic... and this extraordinary new version shows you why!

BLUE MAN GROUP

May 15-20, 2012
Benedum Center

Blue Man Group is best known for their wildly popular theatrical shows and concerts which combine music, comedy and multimedia theatrics to produce a totally unique form of entertainment. Although it is impossible to describe, people of all ages agree that Blue Man Group’s show is an intensely exciting and wildly outrageous experience that leaves the entire audience in a blissful, euphoric state.

With no spoken language, Blue Man Group is perfect for people of all ages, languages, and cultures. In fall 2010, Blue Man Group took to the road on its U.S. theatrical tour. This unique theatrical experience is a form of entertainment like nothing else, guaranteed to be an outing you will never forget!

THE ADDAMS FAMILY

July 31-August 12, 2012
Benedum Center

The weird and wonderful family comes to devilishly delightful life in THE ADDAMS FAMILY. This magnificently macabre new musical comedy, based on the characters by legendary cartoonist Charles Addams, is created by Jersey Boys authors Marshall Brickman & Rick Elice, Drama Desk-winning composer/lyricist Andrew Lippa (The Wild Party), choreographer Sergio Trujillo (Jersey Boys) and Olivier Award-winning director/designers Phelim McDermott & Julian Crouch (Shockheaded Peter) with creative consultation by four-time Tony Award® winner Jerry Zaks.

This is definitely not the same old song and dance. It’s every parent’s nightmare. Your little girl has suddenly become a young woman, and what’s worse, has fallen deliriously in love with a sweet, smart young man from a respectable family. Yes, Wednesday Addams, the ultimate princess of darkness, has a “normal” boyfriend, and for parents Gomez and Morticia, this shocking development will turn the Addams house downside up.

It’s a family portrait that’s completely off the wall.

Presented in cooperation with Pittsburgh CLO



2011-2012 SEASON SPECIALS:



WICKED

September 7-October 2, 2011
Benedum Center

After breaking box office records and selling out in record time in 2005 and 2008, WICKED, Broadway’s biggest blockbuster, will return to the Benedum Center. Based on the best-selling 1995 novel by Gregory Maguire, WICKED, winner of 35 major awards, including a Grammy® and three Tony® Awards, is the untold story of the witches of Oz. It is produced by Marc Platt, Universal Pictures, The Araca Group, Jon B. Platt and David Stone.

Long before Dorothy drops in, two other girls meet in the Land of Oz. One – born with emerald-green skin – is smart, fiery and misunderstood. The other is beautiful, ambitious and very popular. WICKED tells the story of their remarkable odyssey, and how these two unlikely friends grow to become the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good.

NETworks Presents

Disney’s BEAUTY AND THE BEAST

April 3-8, 2012
Heinz Hall

THE MOST BEAUTIFUL LOVE STORY EVER TOLD COMES TO LIFE!

Disney’s BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, the smash hit Broadway musical, is coming to Pittsburgh! Based on the Academy Award-winning animated feature film, this eye-popping spectacle has won the hearts of over 35 million people worldwide. This classic musical love story is filled with unforgettable characters, lavish sets and costumes, and dazzling production numbers including “Be Our Guest” and the beloved title song. Experience the romance and enchantment of Disney’s BEAUTY AND THE BEAST at Heinz Hall!

www.BeautyAndTheBeastOnTour.com



HOW TO SUBSCRIBE

ONLINE: pgharts.org/broadway

MAIL: PNC Broadway Across America-Pittsburgh

719 Liberty Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15222

PHONE : 412-456-1390

EMAIL: subscriptions@pgharts.org

FAX: 412-456-2694

GROUPS: 412-471-6930



About The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust

The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust is a non-profit organization whose mission is the cultural and economic development of Pittsburgh’s 14-block Cultural District through public and private support. The Trust presents and encourages diverse performing and visual arts programs within the District, and is an impetus for additional development in downtown Pittsburgh.

In addition to the PNC Broadway Across America – Pittsburgh series, The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust presents the Pittsburgh Dance Council, Trust Presents, CD Live, JazzLive, First Night Pittsburgh, Gallery Crawl, Three Rivers Arts Festival, the Pittsburgh International Children’s Theater and Children’s Festival, among other Cultural District and arts events.

About the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra

The Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra has been a vital part of the City of Pittsburgh’s heritage for more than 100 years. With its noble history of the finest conductors and musicians and its strong commitment to artistic quality and excellence, audiences around the world have claimed the PSO as their orchestra of choice. In September 2008, the PSO welcomed its ninth Music Director Manfred Honeck. Beginning in the early 1900s with frequent performances in Canada, the PSO confirmed its ranking as a world-class orchestra, earning critical acclaim for each tour abroad. Its 32 international tours include 17 European tours, seven trips to the Far East and two to South America. In January 2004, the PSO became the first American orchestra to perform for Pope John Paul II at the Vatican, as part of the Pontiff’s Silver Jubilee celebration.


About Broadway Across America

BROADWAY ACROSS AMERICA (Producer), part of the Key Brand Entertainment family of companies which includes Broadway.com, is owned and operated by British theatre producer John Gore (CEO) and entertainment industry veteran Thomas B. McGrath (Chairman). Broadway Across America presents first-class touring musicals and plays across 40 North American cities. Broadway.com is the premier theater website for news, exclusive content and ticket sales. Under the supervision of Beth Williams (COO and Head of Production), Broadway Across America is also dedicated to the development and production of new and diverse theatre. Current Broadway productions include How To Succeed in Business Without Really Trying starring Daniel Radcliffe and John Larroquette, Million Dollar Quartet, Priscilla Queen of the Desert, Jerusalem, Memphis, La Cage Aux Folles, the West End production of Million Dollar Quartet and the touring production of Dreamworks’ Madagascar Live! For more information, please visit BroadwayAcrossAmerica.com and Broadway.com.
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The Addams Family Premieres in Pennsylvania

FOR RELEASE: MARCH 9, 2011


PNC Broadway Contact: Veronica Corpuz, 412-471-6082, corpuz@pgharts.org

Pittsburgh CLO Contact: Aja Jones, 412-281-3973 ext. 224, ajones@pittsburghclo.org

Pittsburgh CLO & PNC Broadway Across America - Pittsburgh

Announce the Pennsylvania Premiere of

THE ADDAMS FAMILY

July 31 – August 12, 2012 – Benedum Center

Pittsburgh, March 7, 2011 – PNC Broadway Across America - Pittsburgh and Pittsburgh CLO announce the presentation of the hit Broadway musical, THE ADDAMS FAMILY, based on the bizarre and beloved family of characters created by legendary cartoonist Charles Addams. THE ADDAMS FAMILY will take place July 31-August 12, 2012, at the Benedum Center for the Performing Arts. Pittsburgh CLO and The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust are among the co-producers of the new musical which premiered on Broadway last spring. Pittsburgh CLO and the Cultural Trust’s involvement began with the joint role as founding members of Five Cent Productions, a producing partner in Elephant Eye Theatrical, the exciting new theatrical-development-and-production company formed in 2006 to create new musicals for Broadway.

THE ADDAMS FAMILY, entering its second year on Broadway, began performances in March 2010 at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre and immediately became one of Broadway’s biggest hits, regularly grossing over $1 million a week. Chris Jones of the Chicago Tribune described the production as “classic, full-tilt, fast paced, old-fashioned musical comedy!” and John Simon of Bloomberg News called it “uproarious! A glitzy-gloomy musical entirely worthy of the macabre drawings by Charles Addams.”

THE ADDAMS FAMILY features a book by Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice, and music and lyrics by Andrew Lippa. The production is directed and designed (sets and costumes) by Phelim McDermott and Julian Crouch, with creative consultation by Jerry Zaks and choreography by Sergio Trujillo. The production features lighting design by Natasha Katz, sound design by Acme Sound Partners and puppetry by Basil Twist.

“As one of the Broadway producers of The Addams Family, we are excited to be able to bring one of Broadway’s most sought-after shows to Pittsburgh,” explained Pittsburgh CLO Executive Producer Van Kaplan. “By producing new shows on Broadway, both independently and as a member of Elephant Eye Theatrical along with the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, we continue to ensure that Pittsburgh audiences are among the first to see the very best that Broadway has to offer.”

“The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust sought this opportunity to partner with Pittsburgh CLO to further enhance the subscription experience for both Pittsburgh CLO and PNC Broadway patrons, to ensure that Pittsburgh continues to be on the map for bringing new works direct from Broadway, and to further the ongoing development of our award-winning Cultural District that draws two million visitors annually,” said J. Kevin McMahon, President and CEO of The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust.

THE ADDAMS FAMILY features an original story. It's every parent's nightmare. Your little girl has suddenly become a young woman, and what's worse, has fallen deliriously in love with a sweet, smart young man from a respectable family. Yes, Wednesday Addams, the ultimate princess of darkness, has a “normal” boyfriend, and for parents Gomez and Morticia, it's a shocking development that turns the Addams house upside down when they are forced to host a dinner for the young man and his parents.

In a prolific career spanning six decades, Charles Addams created several thousand cartoons, sketches and drawings, many of which were published in The New Yorker. But it was his creation of characters that came to be known as The Addams Family that brought Addams his greatest acclaim. With a unique style that combined the twisted, macabre and just plain weird with charm, wit and enchantment, Addams’ drawings have entertained millions worldwide and served as the inspiration for multiple television series and motion pictures.

THE ADDAMS FAMILY is produced on Broadway by Stuart Oken, Roy Furman, Michael Leavitt, Five Cent Productions, Stephen Schuler, Decca Theatricals, Scott M. Delman, Stuart Ditsky, Terry Allen Kramer, Stephanie P. McClelland, James L. Nederlander, Eva Price, Jam Theatricals/Mary Lu Roffe, Pittsburgh CLO/Gutterman-Swinsky, Vivek Tiwary/Gary Kaplan, The Weinstein Co./Clarence, LLC and Adam Zotovich/Tribe Theatricals, by special arrangement with Elephant Eye Theatrical.

For more information on THE ADDAMS FAMILY, visit www.theaddamsfamilymusical.com.

TICKETS

THE ADDAMS FAMILY will be part of both Pittsburgh CLO’s 2012 summer subscription season and the PNC Broadway Across America - Pittsburgh 2011/2012 subscription season. To subscribe to the PNC Broadway series, call 412-456-1390 or visit www.pgharts.org/broadway. For Pittsburgh CLO subscription information call 412-281-2822or visit www.pittsburghCLO.org. The remainder of Pittsburgh CLO’s 2012 Summer Season schedule will be announced in early fall, and the PNC Broadway Across America – Pittsburgh 2011-2012 Season will be announced later this week.

Pittsburgh CLO media members may access photos and other show materials by visiting the Press Room at pittsburghCLO.org. When prompted, simply enter “pressroom” as the username and “pittstadium” as the password.
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The Pittsburgh CLO

Since 1946, the Pittsburgh CLO has been the driving force behind live musical theater in Pittsburgh and the entire Southwestern Pennsylvania region. Pittsburgh CLO is a not-for-profit arts organization that appreciates the support of nearly 200,000 patrons each year. Its dedication to the musical theater art form extends beyond the summer season with such programs as the CLO Academy, the CLO Mini Stars, the Gene Kelly Awards, the National High School Musical Theater Awards, the Construction Center for the Arts and the CLO Cabaret.

The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust

The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, Pittsburgh Symphony and Broadway Across America present the PNC Broadway Across America - Pittsburgh series, featuring the finest plays and musicals currently touring the country. From classics to the hottest new shows straight from Broadway, the series offers a broad appeal to all audiences.

Elephant Eye Theatrical

Elephant Eye Theatrical was initially founded by producers Stuart Oken and Michael Leavitt, along with five original non-profit regional companies known as Five Cent Productions, including: The Pittsburgh CLO and The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust (shared) of Pittsburgh, PA; The Bushnell Center for the Performing Arts of Hartford, CT; The Citi Performing Arts Center (formally the Wang Center) of Boston, MA; Ordway Center for the Performing Arts of St. Paul, MN; and The Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts of Philadelphia, PA.

Smash Revival of HAIR Comes to Pittsburgh

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


Media Contact:

Veronica Corpuz
The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust
(412) 471-6082
corpuz@pgharts.org

PNC Broadway Across America-Pittsburgh presents

THE SMASH BROADWAY REVIVAL OF

HAIR

WINNER! BEST MUSICAL REVIVAL 2009 TONY® AWARD

COMES TO HEINZ HALL

FEBRUARY 15-20, 2011

HAIR: The American Tribal Love-Rock Musical, will play Heinz Hall for a limited engagement February 15-20, 2011. Tickets ($20-$69) are available by calling (412) 392-4900, visiting the Box Office at Theater Square (655 Penn Avenue) or online at www.pgharts.org. For more information about the PNC Broadway Across America-Pittsburgh 2010-2011 subscription series, please call (412) 456-1390. Groups of 10 or more may call 412-392-4819. This tour is part of the PNC Broadway Across America-Pittsburgh series, presented by The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, Pittsburgh Symphony and Broadway Across America.

HAIR won the 2009 Tony Award for Best Musical Revival and is currently playing on Broadway where it also received the Drama Desk, Drama League, and Outer Critics Circle award for Outstanding Revival of a Musical.

The story of a group of young Americans searching for love and peace during the Vietnam era, HAIR is a timeless portrait of a movement that changed the world. Its groundbreaking rock score paved the way for some of the greatest musicals of our time. HAIR features an extraordinary cast and dozens of unforgettable songs, including Aquarius, Let the Sun Shine In, Good Morning, Starshine and East to be Hard.

The New York Times says "Diane Paulus's THRILLING, EMOTIONALLY RICH production delivers INTENSE, UNADULTERATED JOY" and Time Out New York says "HAIR SPEAKS TO A WHOLE NEW GENERATION!."

Directed by Diane Paulus and choreographed by Karole Armitage, HAIR features a book and lyrics by Gerome Ragni and James Rado and music by Galt MacDermot. HAIR contains smoke effects and strobe lighting.

HAIR is presented on Broadway and tour by The Public Theater (Oskar Eustis, Artistic Director; Andrew D. Hamingson, Executive Director) Jeffrey Richards, Jerry Frankel, Gary Goddard Entertainment, Kathleen K. Johnson, Nederlander Presentations, Inc., Fran Kirmser Productions/Jed Bernstein, Marc Frankel, Broadway Across America, Barbara Manocherian/WenCarLar Productions, JK Productions/Terry Schnuck, Andy Sandberg, JAM Theatricals, The Weinstein Company / Norton Herrick, Jujamcyn Theaters, Joey Parnes and by special arrangement with Elizabeth Ireland McCann.

Parental Discretion Advisory: While many find this show suitable for young adults 13 and older, parental discretion is advised. There is a dimly lit 20-second scene with nudity that is non-sexual in nature.

The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust is a non-profit organization whose mission is the cultural and economic development of Pittsburgh’s 14-block Cultural District through public and private support. The Trust presents and encourages diverse performing and visual arts programs within the District, and is an impetus for additional development in downtown Pittsburgh. In addition to the PNC Broadway Across America-Pittsburgh series, The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust presents Pittsburgh Dance Council, Trust Presents, Pittsburgh International Children’s Theater and Children’s Festival, CD Live, JazzLive, First Night Pittsburgh, Gallery Crawl, and Three Rivers Arts Festival, among other Cultural District and arts events. The Trust owns Theater Square and the Cabaret at Theater Square; James E Rohr Building & Arts Education Center; the Benedum Center for the Performing Arts; Byham, O’Reilly, and Harris Theaters; visual arts galleries: Wood Street Galleries; SPACE, at 812 Liberty Avenue and 937 Liberty, a multipurpose performance and exhibit space, among other downtown arts facilities.
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The Complete World of Sports (Abridged) at O'Reilly

Pictured (l to r) Reed Martin, Austin Tichenor and Matt Rippy in The Complete World of Sports (abridged).


Contact Margie Romero, Communications Manager at Pittsburgh Public Theater

412.316.8200 ext. 707 or mromero@ppt.org

Pittsburgh Public Theater Presents

Reduced Shakespeare Company

in

The Complete World of Sports (abridged)

The Bad Boys of Abridgement are back with a brand-new hilarious workout.

PITTSBURGH (December 14, 2010) Pittsburgh Public Theater is thrilled to welcome back Reduced Shakespeare Company with their brand-new show, The Complete World of Sports (abridged). Starring Reed Martin, Matt Rippy and Austin Tichenor, The Complete World of Sports (abridged) runs for eight performances only, January 4 – 9 at the O’Reilly Theater, Pittsburgh Public Theater’s home in the heart of Downtown’s Cultural District. For tickets call 412.316.1600 or visit www.ppt.org.

Pittsburgh Public Theater Producing Artistic Director Ted Pappas describes Reduced Shakespeare Company as “a potent combination of verbal dexterity and physical comedy.” In their new show the guys are broadcasters for the Reduced Shakespeare Company Sports Network (RSCSN), who report from around the world about sporting events throughout history. Alternating between anchor man, reporter and players, their subjects include baseball, cricket, golf, fight songs, coaches, female athletes, bullfighting, and even curling. The audience will be called upon to help create the sport of the future and four audience members will join the guys onstage for the Olympic parade of nations. With big laughs and plenty of audience interaction, this brand-new show sprints through the world of sports in record-breaking speed. For more info visit Reduced Shakespeare.com.

Reduced Shakespeare Company first appeared at Pittsburgh Public Theater in 1995. Since then all six of their world-renowned shows have been performed here: The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged), The Complete History of America (abridged), The Bible: The Complete Word of God (abridged), Completely Hollywood (abridged), All the Great Books (abridged), and The Millennium Musical.

Pittsburgh Public Theater Presents

What: The Complete World of Sports (abridged)

When: January 4 - 9, 2011

Performance Schedule

Tues., Jan. 4 through Fri., Jan. 7 at 8 pm

Sat., Jan. 8 at 2 and 8 pm

Sun., Jan. 9 at 2 and 7 pm

Ticket Prices: $40.75 to $60.75. $15.75 for students and age 26 and younger.

For tickets call 412.316.1600 or visit www.ppt.org

Pittsburgh CLO Triple Espresso Thru January 9

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:
Aja Jones
412-281-3973 ext. 224
ajones@pittsburghclo.org

Triple Espresso tickets on sale NOW!

Pittsburgh Premiere of this highly caffeinated comedy opens September 9

Pittsburgh, July 27, 2010 – Be one of the first to see the Pittsburgh Premiere of Triple Espresso, the irresistible comedy that’s taken the world by storm for the past 14 years - logging over 10,000 performances and bringing laughs to over 1.7 million people in six countries! Tickets are on sale now at CLOCabaret.com, by calling 412-456-6666 or visiting the Box Office at Theater Square.

About the Show:

September 9, 2010 – January 9, 2011 Written by Bill Arnold, Michael Pearce Donley and Bob Stromberg Triple Espresso tells the irresistible story of a comedy trio going for their big break, only to have their hopes dashed over and over on the rocks of one magnificently funny failure after another. Hugh, Buzz and Bobby reunite for a hilarious evening of music, magic and mega-laughs in this audience favorite that appeals to everyone from age 6 to 106. The Los Angeles Times calls Triple Espresso “A triple shot of inspired craziness…infectious fun!”

Performances



Tickets for Triple Espresso start at $34.75 and are available online at CLOCabaret.com, by calling 412-456-6666 or at the Box Office at Theater Square. Groups of 10 or more can call the Group Sales Hotline at 412-325-1582 to learn more about special discounts and priority seating.

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Since 1946, the Pittsburgh CLO has been the driving force behind live musical theater in Pittsburgh and the entire Southwestern Pennsylvania region. Under the direction of Van Kaplan, since 1997, this not-for-profit arts organization appreciates the support of nearly 200,000 patrons each year and produces a subscription series, educational programs, national tours and develops and invests in new works, including 11 Broadway shows (12 Tony® Awards) and currently Come Fly Away and The Addams Family. Its dedication to the musical theater art form extends to include such programs as the CLO Academy, the CLO Mini Stars, the Gene Kelly Awards, the Richard Rodgers Award, the National High School Musical Theater Awards, the Construction Center for the Arts and the CLO Cabaret. PittsburghCLO.org

Media members may access photos and other show materials by visiting the Press Room at pittsburghCLO.org. When prompted, simply enter “pressroom” as the username and “pittstadium” as the password.

Pittsburgh CLO Presents A Musical Christmas Carol

For Immediate Release Contact:

Aja Jones 412-281-3973

ajones@pittsburghCLO.org

Cast Announced for Pittsburgh CLO’s A Musical Christmas Carol

One of Pittsburgh’s Greatest Holiday Traditions Returns!

Pittsburgh, November 15, 2010 – The talented cast includes exciting new faces and a host of returning favorites, led by Pittsburgh’s own Tom Atkins as Ebenezer Scrooge. A Musical Christmas Carol – celebrating 19 years as a true Pittsburgh holiday tradition, December 9-23. Tickets are now available by calling 412-456-6666, online at pittsburghCLO.org or at the Theater Square Box Office

About the Cast

(Listed in alphabetical order) Tom Atkins (Ebenezer Scrooge) returns for a third consecutive appearance in A Musical Christmas Carol. Mr. Atkins is perhaps best known for his numerous film and television credits, including “Escape from New York,” “The Fog,” “Creepshow,” “Lethal Weapon,” “Bob Roberts,” “Striking Distance” and “My Bloody Valentine 3D,” as well as “M*A*S*H,” “The Rockford Files,” “Homicide” and “Law & Order: Criminal Intent.” A Pittsburgh native, he has performed in numerous Pittsburgh Public Theater productions, most notably starring as Art Rooney Sr. in The Chief. He recently reprised his role in the film version of The Chief. On Broadway, he appeared in The Changing Room and The Front Page.

Paul Domencic (Young Scrooge/Ghost of Christmas Future) returns to A Musical Christmas Carol. A graduate of The Carnegie Mellon School of Drama, he has appeared regionally with Colonial Theatre, St. Michael's Playhouse, The Depot Theatre, St. Vincent Summer Theatre and most recently as Duke Orsino in Twelfth Night at Mountain Playhouse. He has also appeared on several daytime soaps.

Wesley Edwards (Wilkins/Watkins) returns to the Byham after making his Pittsburgh CLO debut in 2009 in A Musical Christmas Carol. Originally from Louisville, Kentucky, Mr. Edwards is a graduate of Point Park University, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in musical theater. He has performed at The Mountain Playhouse and the Pittsburgh Opera.

Tim Hartman (Mr. Fezziwig/Ghost of Christmas Present) returns to A Musical Christmas Carol for the 12th time. Broadway credits include A Tale of Two Cities and Finian’s Rainbow. Pittsburgh roles include Don Quixote in The Man of La Mancha, Daddy Warbucks in Annie, El Gallo in The Fantastiks, and Captain Von Trapp in The Sound of Music. Other theater credits include Miles Gloriosus in …Forum, Lumiere in Beauty and the Beast, Falstaff in Henry IV, C.S. Lewis in Shadowlands and The Big Bang at the CLO Cabaret. Tim has also appeared as Merlin in Camelot, Ziegfeld in Funny Girl with Anna Gasteyer, FDR in Annie and 24 characters in the one man show The Cotton Patch Gospel. Film credits include “Silence of the Lambs,” “The Piano Lesson,” “The Mothman Prophecies” and “The Mysteries of Pittsburgh.”

Jeff Howell (Bob Cratchit) is a veteran of numerous productions of A Musical Christmas Carol. He was most recently seen as Mr. Brownlow in Pittsburgh CLO’s 2010 production of Oliver! His other Pittsburgh CLO credits include Beauty and the Beast, Bells Are Ringing, Chess, Singing In the Rain and The Most Happy Fella. Local credits include Candide for Quantum Theatre and Show Boat with Marvin Hamlisch and the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra.

Joe Jackson (Topper) returns to Pittsburgh CLO after his debut this past Summer Season in Oliver!, The Producers, Hairspray and The Student Prince. Regional credits in include several roles for Walnut Street Theatre and Arena Stage.

Allison Scarlet Jaye (Mrs. Cratchit) makes her Pittsburgh CLO debut. A University of Pittsburgh alum, Allison has been in productions coast to coast. Pittsburgh credits include leading roles in Lion In The Streets, Proof, Fairest and festivals of new plays and musicals.

Rebecca Knowles (Fan/Alice) is also making her Pittsburgh CLO debut. She currently attends Point Park University. Theater credits include Mary Turner (Of Thee I Sing) with Boston’s Lyric First Stage Company and Minnie Fay (Hello, Dolly).

Daniel Krell (Marley) returns to A Musical Christmas Carol for the ninth time. He is a veteran of over 20 Pittsburgh CLO productions, including Curtains, Oliver!, Les Misérables, The Full Monty, 1776, Jekyll & Hyde, Guys and Dolls, South Pacific and Anything Goes. Mr. Krell starred in Quantum Theatre’s production of When the Rain Stops Falling this year and has also appeared in productions for City Theatre and Pittsburgh Public Theater, among others.

Caitlin Elizabeth Reilly (Miss Watkins/Martha Cratchit) returns to Pittsburgh CLO after six previous appearances in A Musical Christmas Carol and as the understudy CLO Cabaret’s productions of I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change and My Way. Her previous regional credits include Oklahoma!, Picnic, Grease!, The House of Yes, High School Musical and Annie Get Your Gun.

Connor Russell (Peter Cratchit) is making his Pittsburgh CLO debut. His credits include: 42nd Street, The Who’s Tommy, Bye Bye Birdie (Village Theatre), Disney’s High School Musical (Seattle Children’s Theatre), Zanna Don’t! (Contemporary Classics), Thoroughly Modern Millie and Carousel (Pittsburgh Playhouse Conservatory). Mr. Russell is currently a junior musical theatre major, dance minor, at Point Park University.

Peter Matthew Smith (Fred) returns to Pittsburgh CLO after appearances in The Student Prince and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. His Broadway credits include RENT, Mamma Mia, Hairspray, Fiddler on the Roof (Motel) and Cry Baby.

Amanda Serra (Ghost of Christmas Past) returns to the cast of A Musical Christmas Carol for a 10th time. Her other Pittsburgh CLO credits include The Music Man, Hello, Dolly!, Me and My Girl and The Sound of Music. In New York, she has appeared in Disembodied Heads, Dialing For Donna, Amahl and the Night Visitors and Ripper – the Musical.

Amanda Slaughter (Bess/Belle) is also returning to the cast of A Musical Christmas Carol. She is a graduate of Point Park University with a degree in musical theater. Ms. Slaughter has performed in CLO’s Gallery of Heroes productions of First Lady and Pioneers of Flight. Her other credits include the National Tour of Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, Brigadoon, Into the Woods, Quilters and Oklahoma!

Eli Tokash (Tiny Tim) returns for his second season as Tiny Tim. He is a 7 year old, second grade student at St. Joseph the Worker School in Weirton, WV. He attends the Pittsburgh CLO Academy and last performed for Pittsburgh CLO in Oliver! this past summer. Other credits include the short film "Anywhere But Here" which premiered at the Three Rivers Film Festival and the upcoming feature film "Super 8," directed by JJ Abrams. Eli can also be seen as a face/voice for the American Diabetes Association in their public service announcements.

Terry Wickline (Mrs. Dilber/Mrs. Fezziwig) returns to A Musical Christmas Carol for the 11th year. Her Pittsburgh CLO credits include The Music Man, Hello, Dolly!, Me and My Girl, My Fair Lady, Funny Girl, Crazy For You and Bye Bye Birdie, as well as Always...Patsy Cline and Nunsense at Pittsburgh CLO Cabaret. She has also appeared in Pittsburgh Public Theater’s The Importance of Being Earnest, Man of La Mancha and Much Ado About Nothing.

The cast is rounded out by a host of carolers and party guests.

Greggory Brandt is a veteran of several productions of A Musical Christmas Carol. He most recently performed in the 2009 Pittsburgh CLO productions of Les Misérables and Into the Woods. Prior to that, Mr. Brandt appeared on Broadway in A Tale of Two Cities and in both the Broadway and National Tours of Les Misérables.

Jodi Gage returns to A Musical Christmas Carol for her third year. Her other credits include Orpheus and the Underworld (Diana) at Oberlin Conservatory; Working (Housewife) in Hamilton, Scotland; Lion in Winter (Alice) at Hamilton Civic Theater. Ms. Gage is a graduate of the Oberlin Conservatory.

Christina McCann returns to A Musical Christmas Carol for a fifth time. Previously, she toured for Pittsburgh CLO in numerous productions of its Gallery of Heroes program. She has also performed in the Pittsburgh Opera productions of The Marriage of Figaro, Eugene Onegin and La Boheme. Her other credits include: Gypsy (Louise), Chicago (Velma) and Brigadoon (Fiona) and will next appear in Camelot for Pittsburgh Public Theater.

Scott P. Sambuco is a Pittsburgh CLO veteran making his 11th appearance in A Musical Christmas Carol. He has appeared in Pittsburgh CLO productions of The Pirates of Penzance, Annie, My Fair Lady, Funny Girl, She Loves Me, Guys and Dolls, Crazy For You, Grand Hotel and Bye, Bye, Birdie.

Several Pittsburgh CLO Academy students will also take part in the holiday production. Kylie Byers (Belinda) join the cast of A Musical Christmas Carol for the first time. She is a seventh grader at Shaler Area Middle School, a fourth year CLO Academy student, and a Pittsburgh CLO Mini Star. Her most recent appearance was in Pittsburgh CLO's Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat and her school’s production of Willy Wonka.

William Davis (Cratchit Child) performed in last year’s Avonworth High School musical Mame as Patrick; a role for which he won a Gene Kelly Award. He is currently performing with the Pittsburgh CLO Mini Stars.

Allison Joyce (Cratchit Child) is a fourth grader from the Avonworth School District who loves to sing, dance and act. She was a member of the Children's Choir in Pittsburgh CLO’s Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.

Trent Soyster (Turkey Boy) comes from the North Allegheny School District to make his Pittsburgh CLO debut. He is a first year student at the Pittsburgh CLO Academy and a seventh year student at Act One Theater School.

About the Creative Team Tim Gregory (Director) is back for a third year directing A Musical Christmas Carol. He is the Founding Artistic Director of Provision Theater Company in Chicago, where some of his directing credits include Provision Theater’s Jefferson Award–Nominated productions of A Christmas Carol, The Hiding Place and the critically-acclaimed production CS Lewis On Stage.

Bruce Barnes (Musical Director) returns for a fourth season as musical director for A Musical Christmas Carol. His National Tour credits include Happy Days, Kiss Me, Kate, Cats, Jesus Christ Superstar, Cabaret, Camelot and Peter Pan. He made his Broadway debut conducting Peter Pan, starring Cathy Rigby, and regularly substituted as associate conductor of the Sam Mendes production of Cabaret at Studio 54. As a pianist, Mr. Barnes has accompanied a range of artists, including Patti LuPone, Penny Fuller, Ruthie Henshall, Beverly Sills, Billy Porter and Eartha Kitt.

The stage manager for this production will be Fredric H. Orner. This production features original scenery by D Martyn Bookwalter and lighting by Andrew David Ostrowski.

More Merry Musical Information

In what has become A Musical Christmas Carol tradition, local choirs will perform prior to each performance. Musical groups from all over the Tri-state area have the opportunity to perform on the Byham Theater stage and take part in this special holiday celebration. The list to date includes:

McKeesport High School Thursday, December 9, 7:00 pm

Harrison Middle School Friday, December 10, 7:00 pm

Howe and Hoover Thursday, December 16, 7:00 pm

Karns City Choir Friday, December 17, 7:00 pm

The Coraleers -Tri County Institute Saturday, December 18, 11:30 am

Whitehall Elementry School Saturday, December 18, 3:30 pm

West Allegheny High School Choir Saturday, December 18, 7:30 pm

Pittsburgh CLO Mini Stars & CLO Academy Students Sunday, December 19, 1:30 pm

A Musical Christmas Carol will be presented at the Byham Theater (6th & Fort Duquesne Boulevard) December 9-23. Tickets range from $26.75 - $46.75 with half-price tickets for children 3-14 and are now available by calling 412-456-6666, online at pittsburghCLO.org or at the Theater Square Box Office.

Special events available for groups include School Matinees Dec. 8-10, 16-17 and 21-23, Girls’ Night Out on Dec. 9 with Lidia’s Italy and Holidays with Habitat on Dec. 22. You can also pair a meal at your favorite restaurant with a performance of A Musical Christmas Carol. Let our holiday party planners do the work for you. For more information on these and other group events and discounts, please call Group Sales at 412- 325-1582.

Pittsburgh CLO gratefully acknowledges the support of our production sponsor First Niagara and Macy’s for sponsoring Half-priced Tickets for Kids.

A Musical Christmas Carol Public Performance Schedule



Media members may access photos and other show materials by visiting the Press Room at pittsburghCLO.org. When prompted, simply enter “pressroom” as the username and “pittstadium” as the password.

# # #

Since 1946, the Pittsburgh CLO has been the driving force behind live musical theater in Pittsburgh and the entire Southwestern Pennsylvania region. Pittsburgh CLO is a not-for-profit arts organization that appreciates the support of nearly 200,000 patrons each year. Its dedication to the musical theater art form extends beyond the summer season with such programs as the CLO Academy, the CLO Mini Stars, the Gene Kelly Awards, the National High School Musical Theater Awards, the Construction Center for the Arts and the CLO Cabaret.

Pittsburgh Premiere of "runt"

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


Media Contact:
Veronica Corpuz
412-471-8062

The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust Education and Community Engagement Department presents the Pittsburgh premiere of

“runt”

The Trust Arts Education Center

December 2-12, 2010

Pittsburgh, PA: The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust's Education and Community Engagement Departmis presenting “runt,” a one-man play by award-winning, Canadian/Jamaican writer/actor, Michael Phillip Edwards, December 2-12, 2010 at the Trust Arts Education Center at 805 Liberty Avenue. “runt” is a powerful autobiographical story of one man’s journey from cowering child to an autonomous man.

As the “runt,” the writer details his relationship with his very charismatic father; a domineering man of “self-made fortune--and cursed to the bone.” Set in the male-dominated society of Jamaica, Michael Phillip Edwards shares stories of his life that have guided him to his self awareness, independence from the projections of others, and the ability to stand on his own.

Edward’s meticulous characterization, powerful writing, and mighty performance have garnered numerous accolades for “runt. According to the LA Times, “runt confronts fear in taut, moving dialogue.” The show won the Fringe First award at the international Edinburgh Theater Festival in Scotland, the Sony Gold Award for Best Radio Drama when it was broadcasted on the BBC.

Janis Burley Wilson, VP for Education/Community Engagement says, “It’s a fantastic project and we’re very proud to have an opportunity to bring this show to Pittsburgh. It’s a very important theatre piece, acclaimed internationally, and now Pittsburgh will be among the fortunate cities to have witnessed ‘runt.’”

Michael Phillip Edward will be here in Pittsburgh for an extended stay, conducting acting/writing workshops on what he calls “The runt Method,” and engaging with Pittsburgh’s rich theatre community. One workshop in particular, will be hosted by Mark Clayton Southers of Pittsburgh Playwrights Theatre and Patrick Jordan of Barebones Theatre Company on Monday, November 29, at 7:00 pm at the Trust Education Center. The cost of this workshop is $25 and includes a post-workshop reception. To register, call 412-471-6079.


DETAILS:

“runt”

A Play written by and starring

Michael Phillip Edwards

Thursday-Saturday, December 2-4 and December 9-11, at 8PM

Sunday, December 5 and December 12 at 2PM

A “raw, comic, electric ride”, Runt is an autobiographical account of the struggles between himself “the Runt” and his Jamaican father.

Winner of the Fringe First award at the Edinburgh Festival in 2001

Winner of the BBC Sony Gold Award for best Radio Drama, 2003

Nov. 29, “RUNT” method acting/writing workshop, conducted by Michael Phillip Edwards, post-workshop reception hosted by Patrick Jordan (Barebones Productions) and Mark Clayton Southers (Pittsburgh Playwrights Theatre Company)

December 4, Meet the Playwright and Post-Show Talk

December 11, Jamaica Night Post-Show Party with DJ Soy Sos

Tickets: $25.75

Outlets: Box Office at Theater Square, pgharts.org, 412-456-6666
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