Pittsburgh Public Theater Producing Artistic Director Ted Pappas, who is currently celebrating his 10th year as the company's leader, today announced the line-up of plays for 2010/2011. The season includes a six-play subscription series, running September 30, 2010 through June 26, 2011, plus two bonus events.
"I love the Pittsburgh audience," said Pappas. "They are discerning, generous, and endlessly curious. Because of them, we have the confidence to program a season of variety and flair, celebrating three classic American works and focusing the latter part of the year on new American voices."
Subscriptions are now available by calling the Box Office at 412.316.1600. Package prices range from $130.50 to $316.50. Pittsburgh Public Theater's home is the O'Reilly Theater in the heart of Downtown's Cultural District. For more info visit www.ppt.org.
2010/2011 SEASON
September 30 - October 31, 2010
The Royal Family
By George S. Kaufman & Edna Ferber
Directed by Ted Pappas
The Cavendish clan lives in a lavish Manhattan apartment, befitting their status as the glamorous first family of 1920s Broadway (think Barrymores). While the outsized egos of these actors can lead to outrageous comedy, the play is also a valentine to the theater and the people who make the stage their home. From the powerhouse team of George S. Kaufman and Edna Ferber, this grand show will be directed by Ted Pappas, who began his tenure at The Public with a hitproduction of Kaufman & Hart's You Can't Take it With You.
November 11 - December 12, 2010
Talley's Folly
by Lanford Wilson
Announced for last season but delayed due to an upcoming Broadway revival, The Public is thrilled to finally present Lanford Wilson's Pulitzer Prize-winning romantic comedy. The story centers on Sally, a former cheerleader from a conservative family, and Matt, a Lithuanian Jew who escaped from war-torn Europe. When they meet in a Missouri boathouse on July 4, 1944, a lot separates this unlikely couple. But they discover one thing that just might be stronger than all their differences.
January 20 - February 20, 2011
Camelot
Book & Lyrics by Alan Jay Lerner. Music by Frederick Loewe
Directed by Ted Pappas
The legend, imitated but never equaled. Fall in love again with the chivalry of King Arthur, the beauty of Guenevere, and the wizardry of Merlyn. Experience the magic of this magnificent score, by Lerner & Loewe, and the alchemy of a musical staged by Ted Pappas, who has thrillEd Pittsburgh audiences with his showmanship in productions of The Mikado, Man of La Mancha, Cabaret, and many more.
March 3 - April 3, 2011
Circle Mirror Transformation
By Annie Baker
A Vermont community center is the location of a Beginner's Drama Workshop. As the teacher leads her class of four through role-play exercises and acting games, unexpected truths, both hilarious and touching, are revealed. The New York Daily News said that playwright Annie Baker has "an original voice, appealing quirkiness, and an astute sense of what makes people tick." About her sparkling new play, Entertainment Weekly raved "packs a terrific punch. Grade A." Circle Mirror Transformation also landed a spot on The New York Times "Best of 2009" list.
April 14 - May 15, 2011
Superior Donuts By Tracy Letts Directed by Rob Ruggiero
Arthur is settled in his life as the owner of Superior Donuts, a coffee shop in a Chicago neighborhood full of eccentric characters. He remains laid-back even after the cops come to investigate a break-in. When lively young Franco Wicks shows up to make repairs, he decides to stick around and fix Arthur as well. Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Tracy Letts (August: Osage County) puts sweet icing on his career with this brand-new comedy directed by Rob Ruggiero (from last season's smash hit Ella).
May 26 - June 26, 2011
TBA
Choices for the perfect play to complete our 2010/2011 season are currently being considered.
BONUS EVENTS
December 16 - 18, 2010
The Second City
The Best of The Second City
From politicians and pundits to entertainers and sports stars, no one is safe from The Second City's quick-witted and brilliant improvisation and sketches. Their sure-fire ability to mine comedic gold from current events has made them favorites with audiences all over the world. They have performed to packed houses each holiday at The Public.
January 4 - 9, 2011
Reduced Shakespeare Company
The Complete World of Sports (abridged)
Do you have the stamina for a brand-new show about football, hockey, baseball, golf, tennis, basketball, bowling, weight-lifting, AND in-line skating? Get pumped-up because The Complete World of Sports (abridged) is coming to Pittsburgh Public Theater. This hilarious workout is brought to you by the winning team from the Reduced Shakespeare Company, three of the funniest men on the face of the earth.
Videos