Pitts. Public Theater Announces 09-10 Season, Runs Thru 6/27

Producing Artistic Director Ted Pappas has announced the line-up for Pittsburgh Public Theater's 09/10 season. The six-play subscription series begins October 1, 2009 and runs through June 27, 2010. "Our audiences will experience a season of infinite variety," Pappas said. "Included are Shakespeare's best-loved play, a musical about the greatest jazz singer of all time, and a ferocious tour-de-force starring a great actress. Add to that a British comic masterpiece from a living genius and friend, a Pulitzer Prize-winning romantic comedy by an American treasure, and a sweet surprise as the finale. This season has it all," he said. In addition, The Public will present two special engagements.

Subscriptions are available by calling 412.316.1600. Prices for the 09/10 season have not been increased and six-play packages range from $126 to $309. Pittsburgh Public Theater's home is the O'Reilly Theater in the heart of Downtown's Cultural District. Visit www.ppt.org for more.

Pittsburgh Public Theater's 09/10 Season

Six-Play Subscription Series OCTOBER 1 - NOVEMBER 1, 2009

ELLA

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.

NOVEMBER 12 - DECEMBER 13, 2009

THE LITTLE FOXES

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.

JANUARY 21 - FEBRUARY 21, 2010

A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM

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.

MARCH 4 - APRIL 4, 2010

TALLEY'S FOLLY

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.

APRIL 15 - MAY 16, 2010
TIME OF MY LIFE
Written by Alan Ayckbourn

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.

MAY 27 - JUNE 27, 2010
SEASON FINALE

To be announced: We are currently deciding on the perfect play to bring our 35th season to a rousing finale.

Special Engagements
DECEMBER 17 - 19, 2009. FOUR PERFORMANCES ONLY
THE SECOND CITY 50th ANNIVERSARY TOUR

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.

JANUARY 6 - 10, 2010. SIX PERFORMANCES ONLY
The Farewell Production of THE CHIEF
Written by Rob Zellers & Gene Collier. Starring Tom Atkins

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.

 

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