ELLA, THE LITTLE FOXES & More Set For Pittsburgh Public Theater's New Season

Pittsburgh Public Theater is a vibrant professional theater company whose home is the O'Reilly Theater, in the heart of Downtown's Cultural District. The Public is led by Producing Artistic Director Ted Pappas, who brings together the finest designers, actors and directors to produce original works for the stage that invigorate as they entertain. The Public specializes in a vital mix of world premieres, musicals of exceptional merit, classics, and contemporary plays of the highest quality. A year-round hub of energy and artistry, The Public's upcoming 35th season will include eight world-class productions, unique educational programs for children and adults, and outreach initiatives designed to enrich the community.

For tickets and information call 412.316.1600 or visit www.ppt.org

ELLA. OCTOBER 1 - NOVEMBER 1, 2009

Book by Jeffrey Hatcher. Conceived by Rob Ruggiero and Dyke Garrison

Musical Direction and Arrangements by Danny Holgate. Directed by Rob Ruggiero

Frank Sinatra's favorite singer. Cole Porter's finest interpreter. Duke Ellington's muse. Ella Fitzgerald is the greatest jazz singer of all time. The Public will transport you to the French Riviera and one of Ella's most thrilling concerts in this exquisite gem of a musical, starring the magnificent vocalist Tina Fabrique and a top-notch band. Songs includes "Night and Day," "It Don't Mean a Thing (If It Ain't Got That Swing), "The Man I Love," "A-Tisket, A-Tasket," and nearly two dozen more legendary hits.

THE LITTLE FOXES. NOVEMBER 12 - DECEMBER 13, 2009

Written by Lillian Hellman. Directed by Ted Pappas

Its juicy characters, scathing humor, and emotional fireworks have made The Little Foxes one of the absolute essentials of the American theater. Living in 1900 in the New South, the wealthy Hubbard clan will go to any lengths to get even richer. When a lucrative business venture beckons them, they turn against each other in a vicious struggle fueled by greed and the lust for power. Acclaimed actress Helena Ruoti will play the coveted role of Regina, made famous on the screen by Bette Davis.

Special Engagement

THE SECOND CITY 50th ANNIVERSARY TOUR. DECEMBER 17 - 19, 2009

The Second City is taking the party on the road to celebrate an anniversary of epic proportions: 50 years of legendary sketch comedy and improvisation. Experience the best from the comedic geniuses of The Second City, with material written by their quickest and wittiest alumni, including Alan Arkin, Robert Klein, Bill Murray, Mike Myers, Tina Fey, Stephen Colbert, and more. This fast-paced and funny history lesson hilariously skewers every scandal, war, and dalliance from the past 50 years.

Special Engagement

THE CHIEF. JANUARY 6 - 10, 2010

Written by Rob Zellers & Gene Collier

The Public's final production of this beloved one-man play celebrating the life and legacy of Pittsburgh Steelers founder, Art Rooney, Sr. Don't miss your LAST CHANCE to say "Hail to The Chief" and experience Tom Atkins in the performance of a lifetime.

A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM. JANUARY 21 - FEBRUARY 21, 2010

Written by William Shakespeare. Directed by Ted Pappas

This comic extravaganza brings together the vibrant fairy kingdom, a quartet of mismatched lovers, the bewitched Bottom, and a band of bumbling rustics in the world's most magical play. Ted Pappas, the director of Metamorphoses, Amadeus, and Cabaret, and his brilliant team of designers, will transform the O'Reilly Theater into an enchanted forest in a ravishing new production of Shakespeare's exhilarating masterpiece.

TALLEY'S FOLLY. MARCH 4 - APRIL 4, 2010

Written by Lanford Wilson

Lanford Wilson received a Pulitzer Prize for this romantic comedy set in a Missouri boathouse - a Victorian folly that has fallen into disrepair. The story centers on the reunion of one-time sweethearts Matt Friedman and Sally Talley, on the Fourth of July in 1944. Over the course of one evening, we get to know this unlikely couple. Sally, a former cheerleader, is from a conservative Protestant family. Matt, a Lithuanian Jew, has escaped from war-torn Europe. While a lot separates them, Matt and Sally discover one thing that just might be stronger than all their differences.

TIME OF MY LIFE. APRIL 15 - MAY 16, 2010

Written by Alan Ayckbourn. Directed by John Tillinger

When the Strattons meet at their favorite restaurant, they are hoping for a good time. But for playwright Alan Ayckbourn, time is relative - and wildly funny. While parents Gerry and Laura reminisce in the present, son Glyn and his wife are viewed in the future, and son Adam and his girlfriend are seen from the past. Meanwhile, one actor works overtime as the entire restaurant staff. Ultimately, Ayckbourn's sly comedy suggests that living in the moment is the best time of all.

ART. MAY 27 - JUNE 27, 2010

Written by Yasmina Reza. Directed by Ted Pappas

What do you see when you look at an artist's ultra-modern canvas? After Serge, a dermatologist, buys an expensive all-white painting, he is astounded by the reaction of his buddies Yvan and Marc. There's more than meets the eye in this smart and stylish comedy about male friendships by Yasmina Reza. Her Tony Award-winning play has been a phenomenal success all over the world and The Public's new production is sure to be a work of, well, art.

 

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