SAVE UP TO 45%!
Flexible options INSIDE
“Ever up and onward...”
This phrase was Billy Strayhorn’s personal motto and inspires the 2023/2024 season at Pittsburgh Public Theater. Being a true public theater requires this type of reliable and consistent movement, propelled by steadfast hope and true joy. In the next year, we celebrate heroes, experience live jazz classics, launch multiple world premieres, serve up some serious comedy, and celebrate plenty of Pittsburgh-bred artistic genius from across generations.
We all know there is nothing in the world like live theater. The feeling of settling in your seat before the lights go down, ready to share a tender moment and unexpected laugh with the people sitting beside you, is an experience unmatched anywhere else. The American theater is also in the midst of change. Attendance and donation habits have shifted as the world continues to evolve, but the news is not all uncertain. Our future is bright, but not without a core of steadfast supporters at the heart of our work. Will you join us?
At The Public, it’s our privilege and terrific responsibility to nurture that future by filling our stage with top-tier theater comprised of world premieres and productions made in Pittsburgh, for Pittsburgh. We are working toward solutions that ensure our sustainability for generations to come. We are centering the core values of artistic excellence, community relevance, fiscal responsibility, and attracting and retaining talent as we drive toward our vision of being a true public theater for you and our neighbors across the region.
Join us on the journey. We hope to see you at the O’Reilly Theater soon.
Highmark Presents Billy Strayhorn: Something to Live For
September 19–October 8, 2023
Music and lyrics by Billy Strayhorn
Book by Rob Zellers with Kent Gash
Musical direction & original compositions by Matthew Whitaker
Choreography by Dell Howlett
Directed by Kent Gash
A LEGEND BEGINS HERE
Marya Sea Kaminski Shaunda Miles McDill Artistic Director Managing Director
Featuring a stunning score, Billy Strayhorn: Something to Live For brings to life the remarkable true story of one of the greatest composers of all time. From his impoverished beginnings in Pittsburgh to his lifelong collaboration with Duke Ellington, this world-premiere new musical follows the highs and lows of Billy Strayhorn’s career, the joys and heartbreak of his personal life, and the challenges he faced living as an openly gay Black man in mid-20th century America at the dawn of the civil rights movement. Through his collaborations with Lena Horne, Billie Holiday, and the greatest jazz orchestra of all time, Billy Strayhorn transcended racial and sexual barriers and brought a unique fusion of jazz and classical music to the world with all-time favorites including “Take the ‘A’ Train” and the immortal “Lush Life.” This show contains mature language.
World Premiere Musical
A Tell Tale Heart
October 19–November 19, 2023
A new commission of Edgar Allan Poe’s stories
Adapted and performed by Alec Silberblatt
Directed by Marya Sea Kaminski
A CHILLING MYSTERY WITH A PITTSBURGH TWIST
In our latest Public Unplugged production, Poe meets Pittsburgh as hometown playwright Alec Silberblatt invites audiences into the heart of Downtown — and the underbelly of The O’Reilly — for his immersive adaptation of this chilling classic. Experience what beats beneath the surface of this macabre murder mystery as a terrifying cycle of violence threatens to envelop a neighborhood of innocent friends and neighbors. This show contains mature language. Not available as part of subscription package.
A Christmas Story: The Play
December 7–23, 2023
Play by Philip Grecian
Based upon A Christmas Story ©1983 Turner Entertainment Co., Distributed by Warner Bros.
Written by Jean Shepherd, Leigh Brown, and Bob Clark, and In God We Trust, All Others Pay Cash by Jean Shepherd
A TIMELESS COMEDY RETURNS TO PUT YOU AND YOURS ON THE NICE LIST THIS HOLIDAY SEASON
Back by popular demand, last year’s holiday hit becomes your newest yuletide tradition at Pittsburgh Public Theater, bringing you amazing memories, famous moments from the iconic movie, and sparking nostalgia for kids of all ages.
Special Event:
Ralphie’s Roundup! This cowboy-themed kids’ party will feature special activities, cookies, and crafts on Saturday, December 23.
Dragon Lady
February 7–25, 2024
Written and performed by Sara Porkalob
Directed by Andrew Russell
GANGSTERS, MURDER, AND... KARAOKE
Sara Porkalob of Broadway’s 1776 brings her transformational one-woman cabaret musical to Pittsburgh, tracing her family’s history and tales of her grandmother’s life and legacy, all while guided by the beats of a karaoke machine.
The Importance of Being Earnest
March 27–April 14, 2024
By Oscar Wilde
Adapted and directed by Jenny Koons
A SATIRICAL MASTERPIECE OF WIT AND WISDOM
Enjoy Oscar Wilde’s classic ‘trivial comedy for serious people,’ adapted and directed by acclaimed playwright and director Jenny Koons.
The plot twists and turns will at once keep you on the edge of your seat and doubled over in fits of laughter as we invite you into a world of sparkling conversation, romance, and sheer absurdity!
[ IMMERSIVE EXPERIENCE ]
The Coffin Maker
May 29–June 16, 2024
By Mark Clayton Southers Directed by Monteze Freeland
THIS INSTANT CLASSIC IS TO DIE FOR
In this world premiere play by August Wilson mentee Mark Clayton Southers, free man Lawrence Ebitt and his wife Eula live peacefully preparing bodies for burial until their world is turned upside down by a bounty hunter and a fugitive who get more than they bargained for. This show contains mature language.
Save up to 45% with Season Tickets!
Subscribers get the best seats at the best prices! Join us for our 49th season, “Ever Up and Onward” and enjoy a season filled with familiar tales and new stories fit for all fans.
Subscribers enjoy exclusive benefits, including free ticket exchanges, special discounts, early access to tickets, and the ability to reserve parking in advance.
Season ticket package options include our signature 5 Play and Flex subscriptions, and the return of Wine Wednesdays!
We are proud to offer guests ASL Interpretation and Audio Description during the first Saturday matinee of each production as well as a special Q & A with the cast following that performance.
Flex Plan: Get 6 ticket vouchers to use in ANY combination for $376.50. Enjoy all subscriber benefits and the best available seats in the entire theater with our most flexible subscription!
5-Play Package (per person)
Make an impact.
Gifts to The Public ensure that the region’s flagship producing theater can tell powerful stories through exquisite artistry, support Pittsburgh-based talent, and bring acclaimed arts education programming to the next generation of theater-makers and audiences. Make your gift today at PPT.ORG/GIVE. Your gift — of any size — is greatly appreciated and comes with exclusive benefits to bring you closer to the art you love.
Visit PPT.ORG/Support for details. Thank you!
You get to choose your seat for the season and save up to 45% when you sign up for a full season package.
Previews Wed & Thurs Evening Fri Evening
Zone 1 $241.25 $291.25
Zone 2 $216.25 $256.25
Zone 3 $161.25 $193.75
Zone 4 $151.25 $158.75
Regular Performances Tues, Wed, Thurs, & Sun Evenings; All Matinees Fri & Sat Evenings
Zone 1 $283.75 $321.25
Zone 2 $246.25 $283.75
Zone 3 $188.75 $223.75
Zone 4 $156.25 $158.75
PPT.ORG/Subscribe • 412.316.1600
Seating Chart
Individual Ticket Information
Looking to purchase a gift for that special someone or treat yourself to a night on the town this coming season? Tickets to all shows go on sale this July!
Tickets on sale this July at PPT.ORG•412.316.1600
HOTTIX
Full-time student? 26 or younger? Get tickets to any show for just $16.50!
Buy online for any show using promo code HOTTIX* or order by phone at 412.316.1600. HOTTIX buyers must pick up their tickets and present valid ID in-person at the O’Reilly Theater Box Office on the day of your show. . *Restrictions apply.
SIDE BALCONY L S K L301 K301 L262 S301 S101 K259 K212 L209 C301 B301 A301 A201 B201 C201 D201 E201 F201 G201 H201 J201 A221 B222 C221 D220 E219 F216 G215 H210 K241 L241 K230 L230 M231 N231 O231 P231 Q231 R231 M241 N241 O241 P241 Q241 R241 RS41 M223 M248 N224 O224 P224 Q224 R224 S226 S201 S208 M240 N240 O240 P240 Q240 R240 M230 N230 O230 P230 Q230 R230 N247 O247 P247 Q247 R247 S245 S230 K240 L240 K231 L231 J206 K101 L101 A101 B101 C101 SIDE BALCONY K L S A B C B A C SEATING CHART SEASON 49 STAGE Blue Zone 1 Green Zone 2 Orange Zone 3 Pink Zone 4
M. Anthony, Andre. G Brown, and Chrisala Brown in Pittsburgh Public Theater’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream.
Hope
Photo by Michael Henninger.
Groups Save at The Public!
Save 30% off regular ticket prices with the purchase of 10 or more tickets. Senior groups and non-profit groups receive 50% off single ticket prices.
Groups can use our pre- and post-show event spaces for no additional charge! Reserve group seats with just a 10% deposit, payable in full at six weeks prior to the performance. You’re guaranteed VIP service and an experience your group will never forget.
Special Events
(Group minimum does not apply to these events.)
Sips & Scripts: Like a book club, but better! Gather ‘round our table for a discussion about select plays paired with wine, cheese and more.
Theater on Tap: Relax and reconnect at the O’Reilly Theater prior to the performance with a discounted ticket and complimentary bites and brews. This special event will be co-curated by Barrel & Flow.
New! A unique ‘stage’ for your event.
Plan your next event at the beautiful O’Reilly Theater in one of our multipurpose spaces, including the lobby, lounge, and rehearsal hall.
Email Events@PPT.org for rental information. Room availability for groups of 10-500 available.
School Matinees
Pittsburgh Public Theater is proud to welcome schools from across the region for our exciting slate of school matinees.
Additional matinees this season include:
Billy Strayhorn: Something to Live For Wednesday, September 27 at 10:30 a.m.
Dragon Lady Wednesday, February 14 at 10:30 a.m.
The Importance of Being Earnest Friday, March 29 at 10:30 a.m. & Wednesday, April 3 at 10:30 a.m.
Student ticket prices are $16.50, and faculty/chaperone tickets are $27.50.
PPT.org/GroupSales•GroupSales@PPT.org•412.471.6930
Company of Pittsburgh Public Theater’s A Christmas Story.
