PICT Announces Re-branding as PICT Classic Theatre

PICT announces a new brand – PICT Classic Theatre –

and new faces to build a stronger organization and secure its future

Focusing PICT’s mission and place in Pittsburgh’s theatre community

Pittsburgh, PA – May 7, 2014. Aiming to broaden awareness and appeal of its market brand, the Pittsburgh Irish & Classical Theatre will move forward under the name PICT Classic Theatre.  Established in 1996, PICT Classic Theatre is the third largest theatre company in the Pittsburgh region.

Known informally as PICT for years, the company has adapted its name to help eliminate confusion about the company's mission. "In the past, people who have heard the word "Irish" in the name have made incorrect assumptions that we only present Irish theatre, and the full name was certainly quite a mouthful," notes Artistic and Executive Director Alan Stanford. He further explains that "PICT is no longer an acronym but a name in its own right, and even provides a nod to our love of the Irish, their writing which has influenced the world of theatre, and their ancient ancestors the Picts. The new logo pays homage to our original mark, which used a Celtic script; this logo takes those Celtic characters and makes them more substantial and modern. We believe it more accurately expresses the nature of the company – more substantial, more relevant, and more classic.”

This season's shows include classics such as Macbeth, Waiting for Godot, Great Expectations, and Blithe Spirit (now showing), as well as soon-to-be classics from modern Irish playwrights Marina Carr and Frank McGuinness.

In addition to creating a more solid and noteworthy brand identity, PICT is strengthening its business structure by welcoming new board and staff members. PICT is pleased to announce seven new Board members:  Chuck Reynolds, Digital Strategist at Deloitte Digital; Erin Shannon-Auel, Director of Strategic Programs at Highmark; Steve Cuden, Assistant Professor of Screenwriting at Point Park University; Gail Gerono, Vice President of Investor Relations at Global Comm. Calgon Carbon Corporation; Eileen Clancy, Retired, Human Resources, Traco and Lamson & Sessions; Diane Lazzaris, General Counsel for Wesco International and Pauline Taylor-Raiff, Practice Director of Genesis Medical Associates.  

PICT co-founder Stephanie Riso, who has taken the position of Managing Director, announced that several new staff members have recently joined PICT Classic Theatre: Carolyn Ludwig, Customer Relations Director & Sales Manager;  Katheryn Wagner, Operations Assistant; Ryan Ferrebee, Development Manager; Jennifer Trehar, Fundraising and Events Manager; and George DeShetler, Jr.,  Production Manager and IT Lead.

To begin the year, PICT Classic Theatre launched a new event that met with resounding success, an evening of legal theatrics called PICT's UnCommon Pleas.  Over 160 people heard advocates argue the mock appeal of the murder convictions of Macbeth and his lady before a panel of 6 federal and state judges.

Another new initiative for PICT this year is the selection of two local actors, Karen Baum and James FitzGerald, as Featured Artists for the 2014 season. This program will allow audiences to see how the same actors adapt to very different roles. PICT hopes to make its Featured Artist selection a company tradition.

Board president Charles H. (Chuck) Moellenberg commented that PICT Classic Theatre is poised for growth and enthusiastic about its new initiatives.  "Under Alan's artistic direction, we will continue to look for ways to make live theatre more accessible and appealing to everyone."  Alan added that PICT is focused on its mission not only to attract a broad, diverse audience across every generation, but to educate children.  He noted, "The PICT Classic Theatre brand is another important step in the direction of introducing more people to the imagination and creativity of theatre in the Pittsburgh community.  The look is new, but the quality is classic."

The 2014 season of plays began with Blithe Spirit by Noel Coward on May 3, 2014 and continues with a total of six plays through December 20th, 2014. PICT offers specially-priced family 4-packs, as well as variety of education initiatives including student matinees and American Sign Language (ASL) interpretations. New this season, PICT is offering a 2pm Wednesday show time to help accommodate seniors and people with alternate work/school schedules. PICT recently became a Blue Star Theatre, offering special pricing for military personnel and their families.  For more information, visit picttheatre.org or call 412-561-6000..

PICT Classic Theatre (formerly known as Pittsburgh Irish and Classical Theatre) is one of a handful of theatres in the U.S. still producing large cast, classical plays, preserving and promoting an important body of creative work. Operating on a budget of $1.2 million dollars, the company employs between 90-100 theatre artists, production technicians and artisans each year that participate in the production and presentation of classical theatre and the works of classical and contemporary Irish playwrights.  The organization believes classic theatre is relevant to modern life, bringing context and meaning to people’s lives, and is committed to a civic role through its education and outreach programs for seniors and young people, as well as enhancing the accessibility of its programming to reach diverse audiences.  PICT Classic Theatre is a Small Professional Theatre (SPT) affiliated with Actors’ Equity Association, a constituent member of Theatre Communications Group (TCG) and proud member of the Greater Pittsburgh Arts Council. PICT Classic Theatre performs in The Charity Randall and Henry Heymann Theatres inside the Stephen Foster Memorial, 4301 Forbes Avenue, Oakland between the months of April through December.

PICT THEATRE’S 2014 SEASON QUICK FACT SHEET
Blithe Spirit by Noel Coward
Directed by Alan Stanford
The Charity Randall Theatre
May 1 – May 17, 2014
NEW THIS YEAR: WEDNESDAY 2PM MATINEE- May 14, 2014
(10 a.m. Student Matinee on Tuesday, May 13)
(2 p.m. matinee on Saturday, May 17 includes an American Sign Language interpretation.)

Waiting for Godot by Samuel Beckett
Directed by Aoife Spillane-Hinks
The Charity Randall Theatre
June 4 – June 21, 2014
NEW THIS YEAR: WEDNESDAY 2PM MATINEE- June 18, 2014
(10 a.m. Student Matinee on Wednesday, June 4)
(2 p.m. matinee on Saturday, June 21 includes an American Sign Language interpretation.)

Woman and Scarecrow by Marina Carr
Directed by Alan Stanford
The Henry Heymann Theatre
July 10 – August 2, 2014
NEW THIS YEAR: WEDNESDAY 2PM MATINEE- July 30, 2014
(2 p.m. matinee on Saturday, August 2 includes an American Sign Language interpretation.)

Observe the Sons of Ulster Marching Towards the Somme by Frank McGuinness
Directed by Matt Torney
The Charity Randall Theatre
September 4 – September 20, 2014
NEW THIS YEAR: WEDNESDAY 2PM MATINEE- September 17, 2014
(10 a.m. Student Matinee on Tuesday, September 16)
(2 p.m. matinee on Saturday, September 20 includes an American Sign Language interpretation.)

Macbeth by William Shakespeare
Directed by Alan Stanford
The Charity Randall Theatre
October 8 – 25, 2014
NEW THIS YEAR: WEDNESDAY 2PM MATINEE- October 22, 2014
(10 a.m. student matinees on Tuesday, October 8 and Tuesday, October 21)
(2 p.m. matinee on Saturday, October 25 includes an American Sign Language interpretation.)

Great Expectations by Charles Dickens (Adapted for the stage by Hugh Leonard)
Directed by Alan Stanford
The Charity Randall Theatre
December 3-20, 2014
NEW THIS YEAR: WEDNESDAY 2PM MATINEE- December 17, 2014
(10 a.m. student matinees on Tuesday, December 3 and Tuesday, December 16)
(2 p.m. matinee on Saturday, December 20 includes an American Sign Language interpretation.)


Michelle Belan
Marketing & Communications Director


mbelan@picttheatre.org
412-561-6000 ext. 203
picttheatre.org

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

CLO Announces Casts for Summer Musicals

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Aja Jones
412-281-3973 ext. 224
ajones@pittsburghCLO.org
Images: Press Room
User: pressroom Pswd: pittstadium

Pittsburgh CLO’s 2014 Summer Season is 

Purring with Broadway’s Best and Brightest Stars!

First casting announcement for summer festival of musicals

Pittsburgh, PA • May 5, 2014 - Pittsburgh CLO’s 2014 Summer Season will be highlighted by incredible performances courtesy of Broadway stars, veterans of the stage and screen and Pittsburgh’s finest local performers!

Singin’ in the Rain, May 30 – June 8

David Elder returns to Pittsburgh CLO as Don Lockwood after charming audiences with his portrayal of Bobby Pepper in the 2010 production of Curtains, a role he also enjoyed in the Broadway production.  Mr. Elder previously appeared in the Broadway productions of 42nd Street; Kiss Me, Kate; Titanic; Once Upon a Mattress; Beauty and the Beast; Damn Yankees and Guys and Dolls.

Mary Michael Patterson will be taking a brief hiatus as Christine Daaé in Broadway’s The Phantom of the Opera to join the cast as Kathy Selden. She made her Broadway debut with the Roundabout Theatre Company's revival of Anything Goes. During the run she had the good fortune of performing the role of Hope Harcourt numerous times. Ms. Patterson also played Liesl in The Sound of Music benefit concert at Carnegie Hall.

Cary Tedder returns to Pittsburgh as our favorite sidekick, Cosmo Brown, after appearing in the Broadway premiere of Big Fish last year.  He also counts the Broadway productions of Memphis and The Times They are A-Changin’ among his many credits.  

Legally Blonde The Musical, June 13 - 22

Kathleen Monteleone joins Pittsburgh CLO for the first time as Elle Woods, fresh off her Broadway debut role as Heather Stovall in the world premiere of Hands on a Hardbody.  She previously appeared as Elle in the National Tour of Legally Blonde The Musical, and was a finalist on NBC’s "GREASE: You’re the One That I Want."

Matthew Scott returns to Pittsburgh CLO as Emmett after starring as Joe Gillis in the critically-acclaimed production of Sunset Boulevard.  His Broadway credits include Sondheim on Sondheim, A Catered Affair, The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas and Jersey Boys.  He recently appeared in the world premiere production of Beaches at Signature Theatre in Washington, D.C.

Sarrah Strimel began her training as a student at the Pittsburgh CLO Academy before continuing on to great success in the Broadway productions of The Producers, Young Frankenstein, Rock of Ages, Big Fish and Catch Me If You Can.  She now returns to her hometown as fitness guru Brooke Taylor-Windham.

Footloose, June 24 - 29

Patrick Cassidy has amassed countless television, film and stage credits throughout his distinguished career. This season he’ll join Pittsburgh CLO as Reverend Shaw Moore.

Dee Hoty starred on Broadway as Vi Moore and returns to Pittsburgh CLO to appear in the role which earned her a Tony Award® nomination.  She also received Tony Award® nominations for her starring roles in The Will Rogers Follies and The Best Little Whorehouse Goes Public.  Among her countless credits, she has starred on Broadway as Donna Sheridan in Mamma Mia! and as Mrs. MacAfee in Roundabout Theatre Company’s revival of Bye Bye Birdie.

Billy Hartung is a Pittsburgh native joining the cast of Footloose as Cowboy Bob.  He starred as Chuck Cranston in the Broadway production, during which time his wife was expecting the birth of their daughter Elizabeth, who will also appear in this Pittsburgh CLO premiere!

Twelve Pittsburgh CLO Academy students and a host of Pittsburgh CLO alumni will round out this impressive cast!

Evita, July 8 – 13

Caroline Bowman leads the cast in this Broadway National Tour as Eva Perón after appearing in the Tony Award®-winning Broadway premiere of Kinky Boots.  Her credits also include Broadway’s Wickedand the tours of Monty Python’s Spamalot, Fame: The Musical and Grease.

Josh Young joins the cast of Evita as Che.  He received a 2012 Tony Award® nomination and Theatre World Award for his critically-acclaimed Broadway debut as Judas in Andrew Lloyd Webber's Jesus Christ Superstar, directed by Des McAnuff. He appeared in two seasons at The Stratford Shakespeare Festival where his credits include Jesus Christ Superstar, Grapes of Wrath and Evita, directed by Gary Griffin, earning Broadway World Awards for each.  Mr. Young also appeared as Marius in the US National Tour of Les Misérables and Tony in the International Tour of West Side Story.

Sean MacLaughlin was last seen on Broadway, US and Canada as Raoul in The Phantom of the Opera. Other Broadway Credits include Bombay Dreams, the original casts of The Woman in White and Elton John’s Lestat.  Mr. MacLaughlin has also appeared off-Broadway in Tut, Requiem for William, The Audience and Baby: In Concert.  He stars as Juan Perón in the National Tour of Evita.

CATS, July 18 – 27

Elizabeth Stanley stars as Grizabella, after she last left Pittsburgh audiences breathless with her heartbreaking portrayal as Lucy in Pittsburgh CLO’s Jekyll & Hyde.  Hailed as “absolutely delicious” byThe New York Times, Ms. Stanley previously appeared in the Broadway productions of Million Dollar Quartet, Xanadu, Cry Baby and Company.  She will also star as the Lady of the Lake in Pittsburgh CLO’s production of Monty Python’s Spamalot this summer.

Ken Prymus will take his seat this season as leader of the Jellicles, Old Deuteronomy.  Mr. Prymus pawed his way to critical acclaim through 2,672 performances of CATS in the original Broadway production and returns to Pittsburgh CLO to reprise the role he made famous.

Monty Python’s Spamalot, July 29 – August 3

Tom Hewitt is a Tony Award®-nominee Pittsburgh CLO audiences may recognize as the title character in the Pittsburgh premiere production of Doctor Dolittle and as Captain Hook in Peter Pan.  He now returns to Pittsburgh CLO to play King Arthur after starring as Pontius Pilate in the Broadway revival ofJesus Christ Superstar.  In addition, he has starred in the Broadway productions of Dracula, The Lion King and Chicago among his many credits.

Robert Creighton makes his Pittsburgh CLO debut as trusty servant Patsy after appearing in such Broadway hits as The Mystery of Edwin Drood, Anything Goes, The Lion King and more.

Tickets for Pittsburgh CLO’s 2014 Summer Season

Tickets start at $35 and are on sale now 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 offers family-affordable and flexible Season Ticket packages to fit even the busiest summer schedule.  See three shows for under $100 when you buy Season Tickets today!

Full and partial packages are now available.  The 6-Show Premium Series allows season ticket buyers to see six award-winning summer musicals.  Flexible packages allow buyers to design their own season.  Season Ticket Buyers can choose a 3-Show Series or the Pick-3 Series.  A complete list of options is available at pittsburghCLO.org.  Season Ticket packages may be ordered online or by calling 412-281-2822.

Pittsburgh CLO’s 2014 Season is the perfect outing for any social group. Groups of 10 or more should call the Group Sales Hotline at 412-325-1582 to learn more about exclusive discounts, special events and priority seating.

Pittsburgh CLO gratefully acknowledges the generosity of PNC for its sponsorship of the PNC Spotlight Series, our Season Sponsors: Pittsburgh Post-Gazette and WTAE-TV, and Giant Eagle for its sponsorship of select half-price children’s tickets for CATS.

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.

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

Giannetti Family Honored

April 28, 2014

Greater Brownsville Area Chamber of Commerce

Honors Giannetti Family's Legacy of Giving

BROWNSVILLE, Pa. – Little did the late Phil and Ruth Ann Giannetti realize the impact their lifelong philanthropy would have on their family and the community, quietly giving time and resources to everyone in need as they grew their Dodge dealership into a nationally recognized business.

Three generations of the Giannetti family will be honored May 24 for their deep commitment to community giving by the Greater Brownsville Area Chamber of Commerce at its annual membership dinner.

"Through all the years, it was always about family and serving others. Dad was deeply involved in the community and mom was just as involved in her activities, especially at church," says Anne Giannetti-Osborn, the youngest of three children. "We have all followed in our parents' footsteps by volunteering and helping whenever and wherever it is needed."

Tickets for the commemorative dinner are on sale at the chamber office at 325 Market St.; NAPA store, 600 Market St.; and Brownsville Bus Lines, 525 National Pike E. The evening begins with cocktails at 6 p.m. and dinner at 7 p.m. on the upper level of the Brownsville Sons of Italy, Frank Ricco Lodge 731, 16 Race St. Tickets are $30 each.

"The Giannetti family has given a tremendous amount of time, energy and resources to Brownsville for decades, but has shied away from the spotlight. The chamber is pleased to honor them, on behalf of the community, for their longstanding support of local projects," says Frank Ricco, chamber president.

Brownsville natives Phil and Ruth Ann (Lunden) Giannetti were an ideal match – role models who instilled a sense of pride in the community and quiet generosity in their children, Nancy, Chip , Anne and spouses. In keeping with family tradition, their grandchildren – 11-year-old twins Philip and Charlie – are helping to carry the torch today.

"We are what we are because of our parents," says Chip, who’s worked in the shop since high school and took over the business following his father's death in 1989. His mother died in 2008 after a brave battle with brain cancer.

Through the years, the 3.1-acre dealership at 656 National Pike E. has been in the national spotlight. Phil Giannetti and Chrysler's former chairman Lee Iacocca, a native of Allentown, PA, were on a first-name basis, oftentimes calling each other to talk shop or just to chat. In 1977, the dealership sold the first three Rail-Track pickups produced in Detroit to Monongahela Railway, a feat that created a media blitz when the manufacturer's top management came to town for the key-turning ceremony. Through Chip's leadership and Ruth Ann's ongoing support, Phil Giannetti Dodge was inducted into the Chargers Club in 1996, receiving a "Grand Award" and honored as one of the Top 5 dealerships in the nation.

Chip, Nancy and Anne

Nancy, a 1969 graduate of Brownsville Area High School, taught in nine years in BASD before she, and her husband Dr. Kris Battaglini, moved to Delaware. Both are retired, she as a public school educator and he as director of the Sussex County Autism Program.

Chip, a 1971 graduate of BAHS, tried college, but found his true calling in the shop, starting full-time in January 1972. He and his wife, Eva, a retired elementary school teacher from BASD, live in Brownsville Township. He is a member of the Brownsville Sons of Italy, Frank Ricco Lodge 731, social member of Hiller Volunteer Fire Department and member of the newly formed Brownsville Planning Commission.

Anne, a 1984 BAHS graduate, washed and pin-striped cars at the dealership when she was in high school, hoping to one day build cars. She holds a mechanical engineering degree from the University of Michigan. She became the dealership's bookkeeper in 2011 when Anna May Mazurek retired after nearly 45 years and moved to South Carolina. Anne, her husband, Michael Osborn, a director at Deloitte Tax LLP, and the twins live in Irwin.

###

To schedule an interview or photo:
Frank Ricco, 724-785-3600
Chip Giannetti, 724-785-6800

EDITOR'S NOTE:
1992 Photo: 25th anniversary of Phil Giannetti Dodge.
From left, Chip, Nancy, Anne

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