Point Park University Announces Final 2017 Production THE GIFT OF THE MAGI

Point Park University's Conservatory Theatre Company presents The Gift of the Magi, a classic Christmas story about the power of love and unexpected surprises of life. This heartwarming show will fill you and your loved ones with holiday spirit and joy.

Directed by Penelope Lindblom, The Gift of the Magi runs from December 8 - 17, 2017, in the Rauh Theatre at the Pittsburgh Playhouse, 222 Craft Ave. Performances will be at 8 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays, and 2 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. Adult tickets are $20-24, students and seniors are $10, and can be purchased by calling the Pittsburgh Playhouse box office at 412-392-8000 or visiting www.pittsburghplayhouse.com.

Here at the Pittsburgh Playhouse, we believe that everybody deserves the opportunity to access our fresh and innovative performances, which is why we will be providing an ASL Interpretive Performance on Saturday, December 16, 2017 at 2 p.m. in the Rauh Theatre.

$1.87. That's all Della has to spend on a present for her beloved husband, Jim
and Christmas is tomorrow! Based on the short story by O. Henry, adapted by Jon Jory, The Gift of the Magi is the timeless story of a young couple struggling to make ends meet while giving each other sincere holiday presents. This heartwarming story will leave you with the idea that the greatest gifts of all may not always appear what they seem to be.

"The Gift of the Magi is a wonderful ensemble piece that lets our Conservatory students shine as actors, dancers, singers, and musicians," said Lindblom. "The world of the play is the East side of New York at the turn of the last century, with all the ugliness and beauty, poverty and privilege exposed. We present it, colored in nostalgia, as a holiday greeting card come to life with humanity and humor."

Scenic design by M.K. Hughes, costume design by Joan Markert, lighting design by Antonio Colaruotolo, and sound design by Steve Shapiro.

Penelope Lindblom, originally from the San Francisco Bay Area, is a member of Actor's Equity, holds a B.F.A. in acting from Wayne State University in Detroit and an M.F.A. in acting and directing from California State University, Long Beach, graduating with honors. She holds two Los Angeles Dramalogue Awards for Excellence in Performance and Best Actress, New York Shakespeare Society, Best Supporting Actress, San Fransisco Critic's Circle and many mentions in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Other professional regional credits from across the nation include seasons with The Arizona Theatre Company, New Arts Theatre, Dallas,TX , Seventh Sign Theatre, New York, NY, StageWest Rep, The San Francisco Actor's Ensemble, The Malibu Stage Co, California Repertory Company and the Denver Center for the Performing Arts, where she created the role of "Mercedes" in Lahr and Mercedes, directed by Peter Hackett. Also at the Denver Center, Penelope appeared in the late Garland Wright's controversial production of Don Juan and in Laird Williamson's Pericles, singing the role of Chorus, with original music by Larry Dellinger. As a member of The REP at the Pittsburgh Playhouse she has appeared in multiple roles over 17 seasons: Hamlet, King Lear, Lamarck, Three Penny Opera, Mercy and the Firefly, A View from the Bridge, Death of a Salesman, Ah! Wilderness, and All My Sons among many others. For Playhouse Jr. and for the Point Park University Conservatory, Penelope has adapted, coached, conceptualized and directed since 1999. Critically acclaimed productions with friend and collaborator, Point Park choreographer, the late, great Ron Tassone include: Jane Eyre, Hans Brinker or the Silver Skates, The Velveteen Rabbit, Romeo and Juliet and his last production, The Wind in the Willows in 2014.

The ASL Interpretive Performance of The Gift of the Magi is not the only way the Pittsburgh Playhouse is beginning to expand its availability. The Pittsburgh Playhouse Accessibility and Inclusion Committee (PAIC) strives to continually provide an inclusive experience for all students and patrons. In addition to ASL Interpretive Performances, PAIC has developed services for patrons such as curb to seat assistance, wheel chair access, assistive listening devices, service animal accommodations, and audio description. It is the mission of the Pittsburgh Playhouse to provide resources to enhance our students and patrons experience. If you have specific questions regarding the program or need an accommodation that is not listed please contact Barbara Houston at 412-392-8107 or bhouston@pointpark.edu.

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