SWEET CHARITY, THE WHO'S TOMMY & More Set for Point Park University's Conservatory Theatre Company's 2016-17 Season

Point Park University's Conservatory Theatre Company will present six productions in the 2016-2017 season, ranging from revamped classic works of theatre to popular, contemporary, Tony Award-winning musicals.

The season begins Oct. 21 and runs through April 16, 2017, at the Pittsburgh Playhouse, 222 Craft Ave.

Opening the season will be the Tony Award-winning musical, The Who's Tommy, based on the band's rock opera album, Tommy. The season's other productions include Edward Bond's masterpiece about people and society, The Sea, another Tony Award winning musical, Sweet Charity and a show with a modern twist on a classic, Uncle Tom's Cabin, or the Most Popular American Play You've Never Seen among others.

The Conservatory Theatre Company 2016-2017 season subscriptions, which save patrons more than 35 percent off single-ticket prices, are available now. Five-show season packages are $50-$70. Those who purchase three subscriptions get the fourth free. Single tickets are $20-$24 and go on sale at 10 a.m., Tuesday, Sept. 8. To order tickets, contact the Pittsburgh Playhouse box office at 412.392.8000, or visit www.pittsburghplayhouse.com.

The 2016-2017 season:

The Who's Tommy

Music and Lyrics by Pete Townshend

Book by Pete Townshend and Des McAnuff

Directed by Zeva Barzell

Oct. 21 - Oct. 30; preview Oct. 20

Rockwell Theatre

The Who's Tommy is a high-energy musical that is a timeless rock and roll tale that has become a worldwide hit along with garnering Tony, Grammy, Olivier, and Drama Desk Awards.

After witnessing a traumatic event, young Tommy goes into catatonia, a shock which results in being psychosomatically deaf, dumb and blind. He grows up a sad life dealing with abusive relatives and other negative characters, until a strange encounter that changes his life. Now a teenager, Tommy finds a pinball machine and soon uncovers that he is a natural born prodigy at the game.

"This show is not merely an entertainment juggernaut, riding at full tilt on the visual and musical highs of its legendary pinball iconography and irresistible tunes, but also a surprisingly moving resuscitation of the disturbing passions that made Tommy an emblem of its era." - Frank Rich, The New York Times

The Sea

By Edward Bond

Directed by David Cabot

Nov. 11 - Dec. 4; preview Nov. 10
Studio Theatre

Described by Terry Teachout of The Wall Street Journal as "a masterpiece, in fact, that deserves to be produced and pondered again and again," The Sea is an interesting mix of farce, comedy, social mockery, and poetic tragedy. In the Edwardian world of 1907, vicious storms and the small minds of the self-destructing citizens wreak havoc in this small seaside town. Bond's play emphasizes the strengths and weaknesses between humans and society while challenging the audience to strive for a change in the world.

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever: The Musical

By Jahnna Beecham & Malcom Hillgartner

Adapted from the book by Barbara Robinson

Directed by Philip Winters

Dec. 9- 18; preview Dec. 8

Rauh Theatre

This holiday show will touch families' hearts and funny bones while celebrating Christmas, family and community. When Mrs. Armstrong is unable to direct the town's annual Christmas pageant, Beth and Charlie's mother steps up to direct what will be the best Christmas pageant ever. But will the town trouble makers, deemed 'the most awful kids in history', the Herdmans ruin her efforts and make it the worst Christmas pageant ever? Rediscover the true meaning of the holiday season and that no matter how different people are, when everyone comes together, magic happens.

Big Love
By Charles L. Mee

Directed by Reginald Douglas

Feb.24 - March 12; preview Feb. 23

Rauh Theatre

In this humorous, but tragic, modern adaptation of Aeschylus's The Suppliants, fifty brides run away to an Italian manor to prevent marriage to their cousins. Although there are fifty couples, the story follows three brides and three grooms, debating topics such as gender inequality, true love, and domestic violence. Through the contrasting relationships shown in this play, extreme measures must be taken for either true love or human independence.

"In theatrical scale, intellectual size and stylistic scope, 'Big Love' bravely traverses expansive terrain. These men and women all of them right, all of them wronged, represent a search for truth and freedom; the hope for a safe place, a society at peace, a fulfilling universe." - Alvin Klein, The New York Times

Sweet Charity

Music by Cy Coleman

Lyrics by Dorothy Fields

Book by Neil Simon

Directed by Michael Rupert

March 17-26; preview March 16

Rockwell Theatre

Based on the film, Nights of Cabiria, this jazzed musical has had numerous revivals across the world in its beloved Fosse-style which won Tony, Drama Desk, and Sydney Theatre Awards.

Charity Hope Valentine is a New York City dancer who is hopeless romantic, desperate to find love in this fast-paced world. Throughout a series of continuous bad luck with men, love comes unexpectedly and could possibly be the romance she's been searching for.

"The show itself is a joy. From the moments you hear the bleary, brassy opening notes of the show's most famous number, Hey Big Spender, one knows - as the song promises - that one is in for a good time." - The Telegraph

Uncle Tom's Cabin, or the Most Popular American Play You've Never Seen

Based on the novel by Harriet Beecher Stowe

Original play by George Aiken

Adapted and Directed by Tome Cousin and Jason Jacobs

April 7- April 16; preview April 6

Rockwell Theatre

Based on the anti-slavery novel by Harriet Beecher Stowe originally published in 1852, this show has been rewritten to reflect modern concepts and ideas that are relevant to our society today. Audiences will understand and relate to this American classic in a way that they never have before.

The show follows middle aged slave, Tom and the many changes that he goes through during his life as well as the way that he changes the lives of those that he encounters along the way. Opening audiences' eyes and minds, this inspiring show's messages will leave a lasting impact long after walking out of the theatre.

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