City Theatre Sets First Three Productions of 2016-17 Season

City Theatre Artistic Director Tracy Brigden has announced three plays of the six-show 2016-17 season. The South Side company's 42nd season includes a trio of exciting Pittsburgh premieres: Hand to God by Robert Askins, Feeding the Dragon written and performed by Sharon Washington, and The Royale by Marco Ramirez. "I am really excited about next season at City Theatre where we have culled the hottest new plays for our Pittsburgh audience. Where else can you find a vivid new voice, a theatrical history lesson, and a rollicking and irreverent Broadway hit all at one theatre? Stay tuned for the next installment of three more new plays-coming soon!"

New this season, in response to audience demand, City Theatre is introducing Saturday matinee performances at 1:00 p.m. Performance dates to be announced, but will include at least two Saturday matinees per production. Subscription packages are available for the Saturday matinee series and cost $198.

THE ANNOUNCED PLAYS

HAND TO GOD by Robert Askins

In the church basement of a little town in Texas, something evil is afoot. Or, well - at hand. The youth group has a monster in its ranks: a rogue puppet named Tyrone. He's hijacked the hand of timid teen Jason and there's nothing his classmates, his mother, or the pastor can do to exorcise this foul-mouthed demon. Hand to God is a thrill ride of a comedy about good and evil, sex and sin, faith, and the filthy mind of one twisted sock puppet. Don't miss the Pittsburgh premiere of the uproarious Tony Award Nominated Broadway hit The New York Times calls "Flat out hilarious."

FEEDING THE DRAGON written and performed by Sharon Washington

Award-winning stage and screen actress Sharon Washington (String of Pearls) returns to City Theatre for her world premiere playwriting debut in this heartfelt coming-of-age story. Deep in the bowels of a New York Public Library lies a dragon: the monstrous coal furnace that Sharon's father, the live-in custodian, must feed every night. A moving investigation of family secrets, forgiveness, and the power of language, Feeding the Dragon explores Sharon's life growing up in the library and the fire she never allowed to fade.

THE ROYALE by Marco Ramirez

Jay "The Sport" Jackson is a legend in the making. He has his eyes set on becoming the heavyweight champion of the world, but the Jim Crow reality of 1905 America might just be his fiercest opponent yet. This thrilling drama by Marco Ramirez (Netflix's Daredevil, Orange is the New Black) goes ringside for the fight of the century. Inspired by the true story of trail-blazing boxer Jack Johnson, The Royale follows one man's quest for victory against all odds.

A NOTE ON THE PLAYS BY THE ARTISTIC DIRECTOR

"We are opening our season with Robert Askins' Hand to God, a dark comedy featuring a notoriously foul-mouthed puppet. The smash-hit Off-Broadway production rolled onto Broadway last year with great fanfare, and we're one of the first regional theaters to produce it," said Ms. Brigden. "It's unlike anything you've seen before, Pittsburgh. Get ready.

"Our season continues with a poetic and truly one-of-a-kind performance by Sharon Washington. She starred in the unforgettable String of Pearls in 2003. Sharon is a new voice to be reckoned with. In the tradition of Daniel Beaty's Through the Night and Tami Dixon's South Side Stories, Sharon will embody a multitude of characters in this tour-de-force biographical play.

"Finally, we're excited to present The Royale, by the incredibly talented Marco Ramirez. Those who couldn't help but binge on Orange is the New Black or Daredevil this year on Netflix have Marco to thank. In The Royale, he tackles ambition and race in one gripping new play, inspired by the turn-of-the-century boxer, Jack Johnson.

"We're still putting the final touches on our 42nd season and have three more dynamic new plays to reveal," she finished. "I can't wait to share them."

TICKET INFORMATION

Season subscriptions are available now. Customers who subscribe by April 3 will be entered to win a $500 Amazon gift card and will receive a loyalty pin good for one free pre-show drink before each of their scheduled 2016-17 productions (offer good on house wine, beer, and soft drinks only). Season ticket holders enjoy 25% or more off single ticket prices, unlimited exchanges, and preferred seating. Subscribers may also choose to purchase season-long parking in the City Theatre lot, and will receive exclusive discounts to City Events and special attractions.

Subscribers who purchase their package on the same night as their performance of Sex with Strangers (through April 3) receive a complimentary bottle of 10Span Cabernet Sauvignon. A portion of proceeds from 10SPAN wines benefit the Ventana Wildlife Society and its efforts to reintroduce the California condor into the wild.

Three ways to subscribe:
On-site: City Theatre Box Office, 1300 Bingham Street, Pittsburgh PA 15203
By phone: 412-431-CITY (2489)
Online: Beginning June 1. Visit www.citytheatrecompany.org

Season Subscription Packages:
$168 Tuesday 7:00 p.m., Wednesday 1:00 p.m. or 7:00 p.m., Thursday 8:00 p.m,
Saturday 9:00 p.m.
$198 Friday 8:00 p.m., Saturday 1:00 p.m. (NEW this season!), Sunday 2:00 p.m.,
Sipping Sunday 7:00 p.m. (First Sunday of each production)
$264 Saturday 5:30 p.m., Opening Night 8:00 p.m. (First Friday of each production)

Flex Packages: Choose your own schedule.
$216 Basic Flex: Six vouchers, good for Tuesday-Thursday and Saturday at 9:00 p.m.
performances.
$276 Premium Flex: Six vouchers, good for any performance.

Single tickets for the 2016-17 season will go on sale Monday, August 15. An exclusive pre-sale for Hand To God will begin Friday, August 12, open only to CityM@il subscribers. Sign up to receive CityM@il at www.citytheatrecompany.org.

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