Cultural Trust Announces New Season

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contacts:
PNC Broadway Across America-Pittsburgh
Shaunda Miles, Pittsburgh Cultural Trust: 412-471-1578/Miles@TrustArts.org      
Diana Roth, Pittsburgh Cultural Trust: 412-471-8717/Roth@TrustArts.org
Images available at: http://TrustArts.org/press
Search name:  2014-15 PNC Broadway Series

PITTSBURGH CULTURAL TRUST ANNOUNCES
PNC BROADWAY ACROSS AMERICA-PITTSBURGH
2014–2015 SEASON

PITTSBURGH, PA: Tony® Award-winning productions including 2013 TONY AWARD®-WINNER for BEST MUSICAL REVIVAL! (PIPPIN) and 2012 TONY AWARD®-WINNER for BEST SCORE & BEST CHOREOGRAPHY! (NEWSIES) will take to Cultural District stages for the 2014–2015 PNC Broadway Across America-Pittsburgh season, along with critically-acclaimed audience favorites and the triumphant return of THE BOOK OF MORMON as part of the season specials.

The PNC Broadway Across America-Pittsburgh series features new touring Broadway shows and revivals direct from New York City stages. The season regularly showcases the most current Tony Award®-winning performances along with returning blockbuster events and time-honored classics to all ages. Offering something for everyone, these seven season presentations and two Broadway specials contribute to the city’s reputation as a major destination for arts, culture, and entertainment, attracting millions of visitors each year. The PNC Foundation is the presenting sponsor of this series that delivers the finest national tours to Pittsburgh—allowing our community to experience world-class Broadway entertainment close to home.

“The success of the PNC Broadway series contributes to the Trust’s ability to bring diverse programming to the Cultural District that is presented across disciplines, and includes free festivals, and world-class art,” said J. Kevin McMahon, President & CEO of the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust. “The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust is grateful to the PNC Foundation for its continued generosity as title sponsor. We are also grateful for the collaboration and contributions of both Broadway Across America and the Pittsburgh Symphony.”

“It is an honor to work year-round to shape and guide what I aspire to be an amazing season,” said Paul Organisak, Vice President of Programming for the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust. “Securing the best possible Broadway presentations is my highest priority, and we are able to do so because of incredibly loyal audiences.”

2014-2015 SEASON EVENTS

ANNIE
Benedum Center
October 28, 2014 – November 2, 2014
Leapin’ Lizards! One of the world’s best-loved musicals is back in time-honored form. Directed by original lyricist Martin Charnin, this new production of ANNIE will be a classic incarnation of the beloved original. Featuring book and score by Tony Award®-winners Thomas Meehan, Charles Strouse and Martin Charnin, ANNIE includes such unforgettable songs as “It’s the Hard Knock Life,” “Easy Street,” “I Don’t Need Anything But You,” plus the eternal anthem of optimism, “Tomorrow.”
____________
Irving Berlin's WHITE CHRISTMAS The Musical
Benedum Center
November 18, 2014 – November 23, 2014
The classic holiday movie “White Christmas” comes to the stage at last! This new musical shines with classic Irving Berlin hits like “Blue Skies,” “How Deep is the Ocean?” and, of course, the unforgettable title song. Irving Berlin’s WHITE CHRISTMAS tells the story of two buddies putting on a show in a magical Vermont inn and finding their perfect mates in the process. Full of dancing, laughter and some of the greatest songs ever written, Irving Berlin’s WHITE CHRISTMAS promises a merry and bright theatrical experience for the whole family!
____________

Photo:  Deen van Meer

NEWSIES
Benedum Center
November 25, 2014 – November 30, 2014
They delivered the papers, until they made the headlines…Direct from Broadway comes NEWSIES, the smash-hit, crowd-pleasing new musical from Disney. Winner of the 2012 Tony Awards® for Best Score and Best Choreography, NEWSIES has audiences and critics alike calling it “A MUSICAL WORTH SINGING ABOUT!” (The New York Times) Filled with one heart-pounding number after another, it’s a high-energy explosion of song and dance you just don’t want to miss.
____________
MOTOWN The Musical
Heinz Hall
December 30, 2014 – January 4, 2015
It began as one man’s story… became everyone’s music… and is now Broadway’s musical. MOTOWN THE MUSICAL is the true American dream story of Motown founder Berry Gordy’s journey from featherweight boxer to the heavyweight music mogul who launched the careers of Diana Ross, Michael Jackson, Smokey Robinson and many more. Motown shattered barriers, shaped our lives and made us all move to the same beat. Now, experience it live on stage in the record-breaking smash hit MOTOWN THE MUSICAL!

Motown® is a registered trademark of UMG Recordings, Inc. Photos of Raymond Luke, Jr. and Bryan Terrell Clark are by Joan Marcus. All other photos are by Andrew Eccle.
____________
PIPPIN
Benedum Center
January 20, 2015 – January 25, 2015
PIPPIN is back on Broadway for the first time since it thrilled audiences 40 years ago… the show The New York Times declared “ASTONISHING. A PIPPIN FOR THE 21ST CENTURY.” It won the Tony Award® for BEST MUSICAL REVIVAL! With a beloved score by Tony nominee STEPHEN SCHWARTZ (GODSPELL , WICKED), PIPPIN tells the story of a young prince on a death-defying journey to find meaning in his existence. Will he choose a happy but simple life? Or will he risk everything for a singular flash of glory? This captivating new production is directed by Tony Award®- winner DIANE PAULUS (HAIR and THE GERSHWINS’ PORGY AND BESS). It features sizzling choreography in the style of BOB FOSSE and breathtaking acrobatics by LES 7 DOIGTS DE LA MAIN, the creative force behind the nationwide sensation TRACES.
____________
THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA
Benedum Center
February 18, 2015 – March 1, 2015
Following an acclaimed sold-out tour of the United Kingdom, Cameron Mackintosh’s spectacular new production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s phenomenal musical success, THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA, will come to Pittsburgh as part of a brand new North American Tour. Critics are raving that this breathtaking production is “bigger and better than ever before.”

This PHANTOM features a brilliant new scenic design by Paul Brown, Tony Award®-winning original costume design by Maria Björnson, lighting design by Tony Award®-winner Paule Constable, new choreography by Scott Ambler, and a new staging by director Laurence Connor. The production, overseen by Matthew Bourne and Cameron Mackintosh, boasts many exciting special effects including the show’s legendary chandelier. The beloved story and thrilling score—with songs like “Music of the Night,” “All I Ask Of You,” and “Masquerade”—will be performed by a cast and orchestra of 52, making this PHANTOM one of the largest productions now on tour.
____________

Finale:  Josef Brown, Amanda Leigh Cobb

DIRTY DANCING
Benedum Center
April 7, 2015 – April 12, 2015
DIRTY DANCING – THE CLASSIC STORY ON STAGE is an unprecedented live theater experience, exploding with heart-pounding music, passionate romance, and sensational dancing. Seen by millions across the globe, this worldwide smash hit tells the classic story of Baby and Johnny, two fiercely independent young spirits from different worlds who come together in what will be the most challenging and triumphant summer of their lives. Featuring the hit songs “Hungry Eyes,” “Hey Baby,” “Do you Love Me?” and the heart stopping “(I’ve Had) The Time of My Life.” London’s Sunday Express says, “This crowd-pleasing stage adaptation hits the jackpot!” Don’t miss your chance to see this record-breaking live theatre sensation. You’ll have the time of your life!

2014-2015 SEASON SPECIALS

THE BOOK OF MORMON
Heinz Hall
September 23, 2014 – October 5, 2014
Nine 2011 Tony Awards® say it’s the Best Musical of the Year. Vogue says, “the best musical of the last 25 years.” And The New York Times says, “It’s the best musical of the century.” It’s THE BOOK OF MORMON, the Broadway phenomenon from South Park creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone and Avenue Q co-creator Robert Lopez. The Daily Show’s Jon Stewart calls it, “A crowning achievement. So good, it makes me angry.”
Parental advisory: Explicit content.
____________

DISNEY’S BEAUTY AND THE BEAST
Heinz Hall
March 31, 2015 – April 5, 2015
The most beautiful love story ever told comes to life! The romantic Broadway musical for all generations, 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.

TICKETS
Season tickets range from $129–$494. Single tickets will go on sale approximately 6-8 weeks in advance of the show’s opening for most events. Group discounts apply to orders of 10 tickets or more for most events.
SEASON TICKETS: TrustArts.org/Broadway | 412-456-1390
GROUP ORDERS: TrustArts.org/GroupSales | 412-471-6930
For more information, please visit www.TrustArts.org.

PRE-SHOW TALKS
How do you prepare to see a Broadway musical? And how do you know you've had a good time? Ticket holders are invited to join Christopher Rawson, senior theater critic for KDKA-TV and the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette for Know The Show Before You Go. Know The Show Before You Go provides educational and background information on each of the Broadway performances, aiming to further deepen each patron’s theatrical experience. Select company members are interviewed at the Trust Arts Education Center (805-807 Liberty Avenue, 15222) on the opening nights of PNC Broadway Across America – Pittsburgh series performances. Know The Show Before You Go does not take place for Season Special performances. For more information, please visit www.TrustArts.org.

BROADWAY ACROSS AMERICA is part of the Key Brand Entertainment family of companies which includes Broadway.com and is operated by John Gore (Owner & CEO). BAA is the foremost presenter of first-class touring musicals and plays in North America, operating in 40 markets. As a leading Broadway producer, BAA is dedicated to the development and production of new and diverse theatre. Current/upcoming productions include Beautiful, Bullets Over Broadway, Million Dollar Quartet and Pippin. Past productions include Hairspray, How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, Memphis, Promises, Promises, The Producers and War Horse. Broadway.com is the premier theater website for news, exclusive content and ticket sales. For more information please visit BroadwayAcrossAmerica.com and Broadway.com.

PITTSBURGH CULTURAL TRUST
The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust has overseen one of Pittsburgh’s most historic transformations: turning a seedy red-light district into a magnet destination for arts lovers, residents, visitors, and business owners. Founded in 1984, the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust is a non-profit arts organization whose mission is the cultural and economic revitalization of a 14-block arts and entertainment/residential neighborhood called the Cultural District. A major catalytic force in the city, the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust is a unique model of how public-private partnerships can reinvent a city with authenticity, innovation and creativity. Using the arts as an economic catalyst, the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust has holistically created a world-renowned Cultural District that is revitalizing the city, improving the regional economy and enhancing Pittsburgh’s quality of life. Thanks to the support of foundations, corporations, government agencies and thousands of private citizens, the Trust stands as a national model of urban redevelopment through the arts.
# # #

Posted on behalf of Dreamweaver Marketing Associates.  Joyce Kane is the owner of Cybertary Pittsburgh, a Virtual Administrative support company, providing virtual office support, personal and executive assistance, creative design services and light bookkeeping.  Cybertary works with businesses and busy individuals to help them work 'on' their business rather than 'in' their business.  www.Cybertary.com/Pittsburgh

Kopit & Yeston's Phantom Mesmerizes

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Aja Jones
ajones@pittsburghclo.org
412-281-3973 x224

Kopit & Yeston’s Phantom
Brings the Paris Opera House to Pittsburgh CLO June 21

Pittsburgh, PA • June 13, 2013 – Audiences will be mesmerized by the classic score in Kopit & Yeston’s Phantom June 21- 30 at the Benedum Center.  Phantom is back by popular demand and will feature an incredible cast comprised of Broadway stars and Pittsburgh CLO veterans.

From the Tony Award®-winning team of Maury Yeston and Arthur Kopit comes the exquisite masterpiece, Phantom. Based on Gaston Leroux’s timeless love story, Phantom delves into the star-crossed story of the disfigured musical genius known as the Phantom Erik, and his muse, Christine Daaé, the exciting and beautiful ingénue of the Paris Opera. Their musical affair unfolds deep in the catacombs of the Opera house, where Erik finds salvation in Christine’s breathtaking voice. The incredible score features “Home,” “You Are My Own,” and “My True Love.”

ABOUT THE CAST

Ron Bohmer as Phantom

Ron Bohmer (Phantom/Erik) has numerous Broadway/Tour credits including: The Phantom in The Phantom Of The Opera, title role in The Scarlet Pimpernel (NBTA nom.), Joe Gillis in Sunset Boulevard (Jefferson Award nom.), Sir Percival Glyde in The Woman in White, Alex in Aspects Of Love (Robby award), Enjolras in Les Misérables, Fyedka inFiddler on the Roof, Father in the Tony®-nominated revival of Ragtime, Fred in A Little Night Music, Coach Bolton in Disney’s High School Musical. Recent Regional - Phileas Fogg in Around the World in 80 Days for the Pittsburgh Public Theatre, El Gallo in The Fantasticks for the Cincinnati Playhouse (Acclaim Award – Best Actor), and George inSunday in the Park With George for the Rep of St. Louis (Theatre Critics Circle Award, Best Actor). Recordings - two solo CD’s, Everyman and Another Life and numerous cast recordings. Ron is a frequent soloist with symphony orchestras across the country.  www.ronbohmer.com

Donna Lynne Champlin as La Carlotta

Donna Lynne Champlin (La Carlotta) is returning to Pittsburgh CLO.  Her previous CLO credits include: Mame (Gooch), Full Monty (Georgie), Jolson (Ruby), A Christmas Carol (Belle), Fame(Serena), The Wizard of Oz (Dorothy), Evita (Mistress). Broadway: Billy Elliot, Sweeney Todd, Hollywood Arms, By Jeeves, James Joyce’s The Dead. Off Broadway: Dark at the Top of the Stairs (OBIE Award), Working (Drama Desk Award), Master Class at the MET, See Rock City, Pride and Prejudice (NYMF award), City Center Encores! Bloomer Girl, Carnegie Hall’s Very Warm For May.  Various TV/Film/recordings. CMU Drama (BFA). www.donnalynnechamplin.com

Jeff Howell (Inspector LeDoux) was recently seen as the Captain in The Sound of Music (PMT): CLO shows include Sunset Boulevard (DeMille), Jesus Christ Superstar (Annas), Jekyll and Hyde (Poole), A Musical Christmas Carol (Bob Cratchit), Beauty and the Beast (Cogsworth),Bells are Ringing (Dr. Kitchell), Pajama Game (Prez); other credits include Candide (Dr. Pangloss), Chicago (Billy Flynn), Tribute to Lerner and Loewe with Marvin Hamlisch and the PSO.

Ken Land (Alaine Cholet) has appeared in the Broadway/Off-Broadway/Tour casts of numerous shows including: Promises, Promises, The Scarlet Pimpernel, Victor/Victoria, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, Legally Blonde, The Gig, Little Shop of Horrors, Sweet Charity, The SecretGarden and Evita.  Regional: MUNY, Portland Center Stage, Old Globe, Goodspeed, Indiana Rep, Maine State, etc. Television: “Boston Legal,” “Six Feet Under,” “Law and Order(s),” “Malcolm in the Middle,” “Judging Amy,” “Crossing Jordan,” “Star Trek Voyager” and “Strong Medicine.”

Erin Mackey and Ron Bohmer

Erin Mackey (Christine Daaé) was last seen on Broadway in Chaplin: The Musical as Oona O’Neill. She has also appeared on Broadway in Roundabout Theatre Company’s Anything Goes as Hope Harcourt and in Sondheim on Sondheim.  Her Broadway debut was as Glinda in Wicked after having performed the role in the Chicago and Los Angeles companies. Off Broadway, she appeared in I Remember Mama as Katrin at the York Theatre. Film and television credits include The Parent Trap, “Gossip Girl” and “Blue Bloods.” She has performed with the Philadelphia Orchestra, Cleveland Pops, Long Beach Symphony and Florida Orchestra.

Bryant Martin as Count Phillipe de Chandon and Erin Mackey as Christine

Bryant Martin (Count Phillipe de Chandon) is making his Pittsburgh CLO debut. His New York credits include: Tom in The Other Man at Theatre Row, Brad in Victor Victorious at The Flea.  Regional:  Curly in Oklahoma! at Lyric Stage in Irving and Musical Theatre West, Thomas Jefferson in 1776 at Lyric Stage in Irving, John Paul Jones in Frank Loesser’s Pleasures and Palaces, Tellig in Sedition and Young Scrooge in A Christmas Carol both at the Westport Country Playhouse. www.bryant-martin.com.

Paul Palmer (Minister of Culture) appears in his 58th Pittsburgh CLO musical, reprising the role he performed in the 1998 CLO Phantom production. A veteran of 34 CLO summer seasons, Mr. Palmer was the Preacher in last week's production of Seven Brides for Seven Brothers and Abner Dillon in this season's first production, 42nd Street.

Jamie Ross (Gerard Carriére) joins Pittsburgh CLO for the first time. His Broadway credits include: Beauty and the Beast, The Tale of the Allergists’ Wife, 1776, Gentlemen Prefer Blondes,Gypsy, La Cage aux Folles, Woman of the Year; 42nd Street; Oh, Coward in NY and London.  National Tours: Beauty and the Beast; Jekyll and Hyde, Phantom of the Opera, Victor/Victoria, Damn Yankees in the US and London. He was in the Paris production of Hello, Dolly and recently appeared in the Pre-Broadway production of The Nutty Professor, directed by Jerry Lewis.

Peter Matthew Smith (Jean-Claude) just closed the first National Tour of Memphis the Musicaland now returns home to Pittsburgh. Broadway: Rent, Mamma Mia, Hairspray, Fiddler on the Roof (Motel), Cry Baby. Other Pittsburgh CLO credits include Joseph… (Pharaoh), The Student Prince (Tarnitz) and A Musical Christmas Carol (Fred).

Kopit & Yeston’s Phantom is complete with a talented ensemble, including Keely Beirne, Sarah Blodgett, Erick Buckley, Margaret Carr, Jesse Carrey-Beaver, Max Clayton, Lucas Fedele, Michael Greer, Rodney Earl Jackson Jr., Zanny Laird, Isabelle McCalla, Trevor McQueen, Connor McRory, Laura Melchiorre, Casi Riegle, Jonalyn Saxer, Gavin Stewart and Paul Victor.

ABOUT THE CREATIVE TEAM
Barry Ivan (Director/Choreographer) has a wide range of national and international credits from directing at the German State Opera to guest directing at Yale. Mr. Ivan’s  productions of The Full Monty andHairspray received IRNE awards for Best Musical, and Mr. Ivan has been IRNE nominated as Best Director for Les Misérables and Nine. His Pittsburgh CLO directing highlights include Sunset Boulevardstarring Liz Callaway, Company starring Malcolm Gets, Anything Goes starring Carolee Carmello, A Little Night Music co-starring Dee Hoty and Beth Leavel, Miss Saigon, The Full Monty, West Side Storyand Les Misérables.  Actively involved in new works, Mr. Ivan had the pleasure of directing the US Premiere of Dracula: A Chamber Musical, starring this evening's Phantom, Ron Bohmer, and working alongside Phantom's composer, Maury Yeston, when he staged In the Beginning.

Tom Helm (Music Director) is returning for his 18th season with Pittsburgh CLO. On Broadway, he has conducted the revival of Brigadoon, Cats, Me and My Girl, Les Misérables and Souvenir. Tom was musical director of the First National Tour of Cats, Radio City’s 5-6-7-8 Dance!, and television programs such as “Crazy for You” and the “Today Show.” Mr. Helm has conducted at Radio City Music Hall, Paper Mill Playhouse and many other regional and national productions.

HISTORY OF THE SHOW
Kopit & Yeston’s Phantom is based off of Gaston Leroux’s 1910 novel The Phantom of the Opera.  Actor/Director Geoffery Holder approached the duo about the project after their musical Nine won the Tony Award® for Best Musical in 1982.

Arthur Kopit and Maury Yeston had just completed writing their musical when they read an article in Variety announcing a new musical production, The Phantom of the Opera by Andrew Lloyd Webber. After The Phantom of the Opera became a huge hit in London, Andrew Lloyd Webber announced plans to take the show to Broadway. Webber’s announcement caused Kopit and Yeston’s Broadway investors to back out.  In the early 1990’s Arthur Kopit was hired to adapt Phantom as a miniseries for NBC, which was a success.

Phantom was finally produced by Theater Under the Stars in 1991. Although the musical has never been to Broadway, it has been produced over 1,000 times worldwide.  

ABOUT THE ORIGINAL CREATIVE TEAM
Arthur Kopit (Book) is a three time Tony Award® nominee for Best Play, Indians,1970; Best Play,Wings, 1979 and Best Book of a Musical, Nine, 1982.  He is a two time Pulitzer Prize finalist for his plays Wings and Indians.  Mr. Kopit won the Drama Desk Award in 1962 for his play Oh Dad, Poor Dad, Mama’s Hung You in the Closet and I’m Feelin’ So Sad and was nominated for another Drama Desk Award for his play Wings in 1979.

Maury Yeston (Music and Lyrics) has worked as a composer, lyricist, author and teacher. He has won two Tony Awards®, for Best Original Score for Nine in 1982 and Best Original Musical Score for Titanic in 1997.  He won the Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Music and the Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Lyrics for Nine in 1982.  Mr. Yeston’s score for Grand Hotel was nominated for a Tony Award® and two Drama Desk Awards. In 2012 he was named an Honorary Ambassador of The Society of Composers and Lyricists.

Performance schedule for Kopit & Yeston’s Phantom

Friday June 21 8:00 p.m.
Saturday June 22 2:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.
Sunday June 23 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.
Tuesday June 25 8:00 p.m.
Wednesday June 26 8:00 p.m.
Thursday June 27 8:00 p.m.
Friday June 28 8:00 p.m.
Saturday June 29 2:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.
Sunday June 30 2:00 p.m.


Tickets
Tickets are available online at pittsburghCLO.org, by calling 412-456-6666 or at the Box Office at Theater Square. Groups of 10 or more enjoy exclusive discounts and specialty packages. Call our Group Sales Hotline at 412-325-1582 for more information. Visit pittsburghCLO.org for further information.

Pittsburgh CLO gratefully acknowledges the generosity PNC Spotlight Series for its sponsorship of Kopit & Yeston’s Phantom, and our Season Sponsors: the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette and WTAE-TV.

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

Photos by Matt Polk

# # #
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 18 Broadway shows (24 Tony Awards®) featuring the current productions of Cinderella, Kinky Boots and Matilda. 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.

Posted on behalf of Dreamweaver Marketing Associates.  Joyce Kane is the owner of Cybertary Pittsburgh, a Virtual Administrative support company, providing virtual office support, personal and executive assistance, creative design services and light bookkeeping.  Cybertary works with businesses and busy individuals to help them work 'on' their business rather than 'in' their business.  www.Cybertary.com/Pittsburgh

Cast for the Farewell Phantom of the Opera Performances Announced

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


Media Contact: Veronica Corpuz, 412-471-6082 / corpuz@pgharts.org

Jamie Cuba, 412-325-1201 / cuba@pgharts.org

Electronic images are available upon request.

PNC Broadway Across America-Pittsburgh

presents

THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA

Directed by Harold Prince



The longest-running show in Broadway history returns to the Benedum Center in Pittsburgh for its farewell engagement, August 25-September 19, 2010.

Cast Announced!

PITTSBURGH, PA− The Cameron Mackintosh/Really Useful Theatre Company, Inc. production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s The Phantom of the Opera, directed by Harold Prince, returning to the Benedum Center, August 25-September 19, 2010, has announced casting for the production’s farewell Pittsburgh engagement. The Phantom of the Opera is presented by arrangement with The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, Pittsburgh Symphony and Broadway Across America and is part of the PNC Broadway Across America-Pittsburgh series. The producers of The Phantom of the Opera announced earlier this year that the Third National Tour will close this fall in Los Angeles after a highly successful run of over 17 years.



Tickets ($24 - $125) for all performances are currently on sale at the Box Office at Theater Square, 655 Penn Avenue, by phone at (412) 456-6666 or online at www.pgharts.org. For group ticket sales (15 or more), please call 412-471-6930.



The performance schedule is as follows:

Week of August 25: Wednesday at 7:30 p.m.; Thursday at 1:00 and 7:30 p.m.; Friday at 8:00 p.m.; Saturday at 2:00 and 8:00 p.m.; Sunday at 1:00 and 6:30 p.m.

Week of August 31: Tuesday-Thursday at 7:30 p.m.; Friday at 8:00 p.m.; Saturday at 2:00 and 8:00 p.m.; Sunday at 1:00 and 6:30 p.m.

Week of September 7: Tuesday-Thursday at 7:30 p.m.; Friday at 8:00 p.m.; Saturday at 2:00 and 8:00 p.m.; Sunday at 1:00 and 6:30 p.m.

Week of September 14: Tuesday-Thursday at 7:30 p.m.; Friday at 8:00 p.m.; Saturday at 2:00 and 8:00 p.m.; Sunday at 1:00 and 6:30 p.m.



ABOUT THE CAST

Tim Martin Gleason heads the 36-member company as The Phantom, with Trista Moldovan as the young soprano, Christine, and Sean MacLaughlin as Raoul. Also featured will be Kim Stengel as Carlotta Giudicelli, D.C. Anderson as Monsieur André, Michael McCoy as Monsieur Firmin, Nancy Hess as Madame Giry, Luke Grooms as Ubaldo Piangi and Paloma Garcia-Lee as Meg. At certain performances, Kelly Jeanne Grant plays the role of Christine.



TIM MARTIN GLEASON (The Phantom of the Opera). After completing a record-setting tenure as Raoul with 3 different American companies of Phantom, Tim returns to the national tour, this time as the masked man. He began his Phantom journey with this very company in 2001 as member of the ensemble. He quickly took over the role of Raoul, which he played for over three years. He then had the honor of playing Raoul for the record-breaking Broadway Company when Phantom became the longest-running show in Broadway history. Mr. Gleason next originated the role of Raoul for Phantom: The Las Vegas Spectacular. In September of 2007 he rejoined the Broadway cast for an additional year and a half. With his time in all three companies, Mr. Gleason is the longest-running Raoul in American history, playing the role more than 2,600 times. Mr. Gleason received a BS in psychology from Saint Joseph's University in Philadelphia and actually pursued a business career for 4 years before deciding to become an actor. Prior to Phantom, he has originated several roles, including Romeo in Terrence Mann's musical Romeo & Juliet at Goodspeed and Adam Gernstein in The Rhythm Club at Signature Theatre, a role for which he received a prestigious Helen Hayes Award nomination. He has performed in theaters all across the country. Mr. Gleason is a proud member of AEA. For a full list of theatres and roles, visit him online at TimMartinGleason.com.



TRISTA MOLDOVAN (Christine Daaé) is delighted to join the National tour of The Phantom of the Opera. Trista most recently appeared as Maggie in Cat on a Hot Tin Roof at the Arkansas Repertory Theatre. She had the honor of working with Julie Andrews in the John Bucchino musical Simeon's Gift. She played Cosette in the highly successful regional premiere of Les Misérables at the Pioneer Theater Company. Off-Broadway/NYC: Sally in Me and My Girl (Musicals Tonight), Rachel in Paul Revere (Theatreworks), Seffa in Faces of War (Makor Center) and readings with Stageplays Theater Co. Favorite regional credits include Gypsy (Louise), Nine (Carla), Born Yesterday (Billie Dawn), Carousel (Julie) and Cabaret (Sally). Television: “The Guiding Light,” “All My Children” and “As the World Turns.” Trista is a proud graduate of the Baldwin-Wallace Conservatory of Music. Many thanks to the Talent Mine and teachers at “Camp Christine.” All the love in the world to Mom, Dad, Josh, Marisa, Steve and Vinnie. www.tristamoldovan.com



SEAN MacLAUGHLIN (Raoul, Vicomte de Chagny) is proud to perform the role of Raoul. Broadway: Andrew Lloyd Webber’s The Woman in White. Performed the roles of Vikram in Bombay Dreams and Armand in Elton John’s Lestat; Off-Broadway: The Audience and Requiem for William. Some favorite regional credits include: The Kennedy Center productions of The Sondheim Celebration: Merrily We Roll Along and Ken Ludwig’s re-tooling of Tom Sawyer; Signature Theatre: the workshop of Michael John LaChiusa’s The Highest Yellow, Forum (Hero), Into The Woods (Rapunzel’s Prince), The Rink (Dino), Grand Hotel (Erik); Flat Rock Theatre: Thoroughly Modern Millie (Jimmy), The Rainmaker (Starbuck), Children of Eden (Cain /Japheth), I Love You, You’re Perfect…(Man 2); Hangar Theater: My Fair Lady (Freddy). TV/Film: HBO’s “Something the Lord Made” (Dr Swedlin) and appeared in PBS’ Great Performances “South Pacific : In Concert from Carnegie Hall”. Sean thanks his family for their constant love and support. Member of Actors’ Equity since 1999.



About THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA



The Phantom of the Opera has music by Andrew Lloyd Webber and is directed by Harold Prince. Lyrics are by Charles Hart (with additional lyrics by Richard Stilgoe) and the book is by Richard Stilgoe and Andrew Lloyd Webber. Production design is by Maria Bjornson, lighting by Andrew Bridge and sound by Martin Levan. Musical staging and choreography is by Gillian Lynne. Orchestrations are by David Cullen and Andrew Lloyd Webber.



Based on the classic novel Le Fantôme de l’Opéra by Gaston Leroux, The Phantom of the Opera tells the story of a masked figure who lurks beneath the catacombs of the Paris Opera House, exercising a reign of terror over all who inhabit it. He falls madly in love with an innocent young soprano, Christine, and devotes himself to creating a new star by nurturing her extraordinary talents and by employing all of the devious methods at his command.



With total worldwide grosses estimated at over $5 billion, The Phantom of the Opera is the most successful entertainment venture of the twentieth century, surpassing such blockbuster films as Avatar, Titanic, Lord of the Rings, Jurassic Park and Star Wars. The show had its world premiere on October 9, 1986 at Her Majesty’s Theatre in London, winning every major British theatre award including the Olivier and Evening Standard Awards. The New York production opened on January 26, 1988 where it won seven 1988 Tony® Awards, including Best Musical.



Over 100 million people in 144 cities in 27 countries have seen The Phantom of the Opera. Worldwide, the show consistently plays to larger audiences and in longer engagements than any other musical in history. On January 9, 2006, The Phantom of the Opera became the longest-running show in Broadway history surpassing Cats’ record-holding run of 7,485 performances. The show celebrated an unprecedented milestone on January 26, 2008 when it reached its twentieth anniversary on Broadway.



Visit the official The Phantom of the Opera website at www.thephantomoftheopera.com.

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 at 601 Wood Street; SPACE at 812 Liberty Avenue and 937 Liberty: a multipurpose performance and exhibit space, among other downtown Pittsburgh arts facilities.



###