FROM THE DESKS OF MARYA AND SHAUNDA
Dear friends,
Have you ever wondered what the “public” in our name means?
Fifty years ago our founders knew exactly what they envisioned for Pittsburgh Public Theater — a place for dramatic excellence where communities come together to experience thrilling art made in Pittsburgh, for Pittsburgh, in a fiscally responsible way. They envisioned theater moving us — to gather, to participate, to deepen our connections to one another and to our city. In this spirit, our 50th Anniversary season promises to move you like never before: One Season to Rule Them All.
Pittsburgh Public Theater’s work still inspires, entertains, and honors many different communities — from artists to audiences, old friends to new neighbors, and kiddos to the kids-at-heart. Our upcoming season features bold mysteries, juicy dramas, epic classics, and a transformational finale production in collaboration with community partners across our region that will invite dozens of citizen-artists center stage in an exuberant celebration of who we are as a city and what we can create when we come together. This season is a true journey, designed to remind us that courage comes in many forms and, in the end, it is friendship that shows us the way forward, over and over again.
Join us as we embark on the next 50 years of The Public, home to vital, alive theater in the heart of downtown Pittsburgh. Whether this is your first time to the theater or you have journeyed with us for many seasons already, there’s something in The Public’s 50th Anniversary season for you. See you there!
Yours truly,
Marya Sea Kaminski
Shaunda McDill Artistic Director, Proud Donor Managing Director, Proud Donor
Before Rear Window and Psycho, master of suspense Alfred Hitchcock brought Dial M for Murder to the silver screen and altered the landscape of the thriller genre. On a dark and rainy night, Tony’s jealousy over his wife Margot’s illicit affair takes a sinister turn. As Tony, Margot, her lover, and a figure from his past weave an intricate web of deception, the tension rises, and the consequences of suspicion and desire become deadly. The call is coming from inside The O’Reilly in this new version of the classic murder mystery, where secrets, lies, and the thirst for revenge collide.
WINE WEDNESDAY Wed, Sept 11, at 5:30 p.m.
THEATER ON TAP Fri, Sept 13 at 6 p.m.
SITTER SUNDAYS Sun, Sept 22, at 2 p.m.
LIVE AUDIO DESCRIPTION Fri, Sept 13, at 8 p.m.
ASL INTERPRETATION Sat, Sept 21, at 2 p.m.
CAST Q & A Sat, Sept 21, post-matinee
In this all-ages adventure, J.R.R. Tolkien’s magical Middle Earth transitions from page to stage in spellbinding fashion. An unexpected journey awaits homebody hobbit Bilbo Baggins, wise wizard Gandalf, daring dwarf Thorin, and anyone brave enough to join them. Along the way, they overcome obstacles ranging from monstrous goblins to the fearsome dragon Smaug and form a bond for the ages. This epic trek, reimagined through the whimsical lens of playwright Greg Banks (Public Unplugged’s Robin Hood), is a treasure hunt sure to make families want to go there and back again.
Presented by the M. Patrick Daniels Fund of The Pittsburgh Foundation
WINE WEDNESDAY Wed, Oct 23, at 5:30 p.m.
THEATER ON TAP Sun, Nov 3, at 5 p.m.
SITTER SUNDAYS Sun, Nov 3, at 2 p.m.
LIVE AUDIO DESCRIPTION
Fri, Oct 25, at 8 p.m.
ASL INTERPRETATION Sat, Nov 2, at 2 p.m.
CAST Q & A Sat, Nov 2, post-matinee
SPIRIT!
Be a holiday hero and bring your brood downtown this season to bask in the warm glow of holiday lights and experience the joy of a tale that is anything but your average Christmas “story.” Don’t like the movie? Don’t worry — you’ll love this play! From the halls of the Parker family home to the merry madness of Higbee’s department store, this A++++++ production boasts the added charm of an all-star cast ready to show you sides of these iconic characters you’ve never experienced. This new holiday tradition is the gift that keeps on giving all season long.
THEATER ON TAP
Fri, Dec 6, at 6 p.m.
SITTER SUNDAYS Sun, Dec 16, at 2 p.m.
LIVE AUDIO DESCRIPTION
Friday, Dec 6, at 8 p.m.
ASL INTERPRETATION
Sat, Dec 14, at 2 p.m.
CAST Q & A Sat, Dec 14, post-matinee
A TIMELY AND TIMELESS BACKSTAGE DRAMA
The year is 1955 and a promising new play is headed for Broadway. The most accomplished member of the cast, Wiletta Mayer, has entertained audiences for decades, bringing both wisdom and insight as the preeminent Black actress of her time. However, nothing could prepare her for the culture clash that erupts between the director and her fellow cast members in rehearsals for this new, “progressive” play. As the curtain rises, witness them grapple with the fraught dynamics of power, race, and ego, onstage and off. Visionary playwright Alice Childress was far ahead of her time when Trouble in Mind first debuted in 1955.
WINE WEDNESDAY
Wed, Feb 5, at 5:30 p.m.
THEATER ON TAP
Sun, Feb 9, 2025 at 5 p.m.
SITTER SUNDAYS
Sun, Feb 16, at 2 p.m.
LIVE AUDIO DESCRIPTION Fri, Feb 7, at 8 p.m.
ASL INTERPRETATION Sat, Feb 15, at 2 p.m.
CAST Q & A Sat, Feb 15, post-matinee
It’s all fun and games until the one and only Edward Albee picks up his pen. His 1962 masterpiece WHO’S AFRAID OF VIRGINIA WOOLF? is a caustic cocktail of razor-sharp dialogue and electrifying performances that has kept audiences coming back for another round for decades. After a university faculty party, disillusioned professor George and his domineering wife Martha invite an unsuspecting younger couple, Nick and Honey, over for drinks. The evening devolves into a series of comedically cruel mind games and bitter confrontations, revealing deep-seated resentments and hidden truths about both couples. Buckle up for a night of explosive drama and dark humor in this dazzling theatrical powerhouse.
WINE WEDNESDAY
Wed, Mar 19, at 5:30 p.m.
THEATER ON TAP
Fri, March 21, at 6 p.m.
SITTER SUNDAYS
Sun, March 30, at 2 p.m.
LIVE AUDIO DESCRIPTION
Fri, March 21, at 8 p.m.
ASL INTERPRETATION
Sat, March 29, at 2 p.m.
CAST Q & A Sat, March 29, post-matinee
SEASON TICKET HOLDERS GET EXCLUSIVE BENEFITS
50 years. To some, it’s a lifetime. To us, it’s just the beginning. Join The Public for our 50th Anniversary — one season to electrify your soul, one season to captivate your mind, one season you’ll remember for the next 50 years — ONE SEASON TO RULE THEM ALL. Join us as a subscriber for the best seats, the best prices, and the best experience money can buy — live theater.
SUBSCRIBER BENEFITS
• Get the best seats available at the best prices
• Free & easy ticket exchanges
• Priority access to special events
• Save up to 45% over individual ticket prices
• Add on reserved parking next door in the Theater Square Garage
CHOOSE YOUR PLAN
4 TICKETS INCLUDED IN EVERY PACKAGE
FULL SEASON TICKET PACKAGE $121-257
Choose our 4-play full season ticket package and save up to 45% over individual ticket prices!
4
FLEX PLAN $251
Enjoy all subscriber benefits and maximum flexibility with 4 ticket vouchers that can be used in any combination for any performance(s). Book your tickets early for the best seats, or keep your schedule free and reserve with as little as two hours’ notice before a performance.
SEATING CHART
BLUE: Zone
GREEN: Zone
ORANGE: Zone 3
PINK: Zone 4
Brian Starks in Two Trains Running.
GROUP SALES
Gather your friends, family, colleagues, book clubs, church groups, and anyone and everyone for a shared experience like none other!
GROUP BENEFITS:
• Deep discounts and flexible payment plans
• Early access to seats
• Complimentary room rentals at the O’Reilly Theater
• Personalized service from our group sales partners at the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust
LOVE TO LUNCH?
Check out these special lunchtime offerings and book your group reservation today!
• DIAL M FOR MURDER — MURDER MYSTERY BUFFET
Thur, Sept 26, 2024 at noon
• THE HOBBIT — MIDDLE EARTH LUNCHEON
Thur, Nov 7, 2024 at noon
• A CHRISTMAS STORY: THE PLAY — COOKIES & COCOA
Thur, Dec 19, 2024 at noon
• TROUBLE IN MIND — BROADWAY BRUNCH
Thur, Feb 20 at noon
• WHO’S AFRAID OF VIRGINIA WOOLF? — DINING & DYSFUNCTION
Thur, April 3, 2025 at noon
Tim McGeever and Sebastian Madoni in A Christmas Story: The Play
SPECIAL EVENTS & SERVICES
WINE WEDNESDAYS
This crowd-favorite event features handpicked wines from The Public’s partner Dreadnought Wines in a curated tasting series.
THEATER ON TAP
Join Pittsburgh Public Theater and Barrel & Flow for a night of laughs, lessons, & libations as attendees are guided through a sampling of Barrel & Flow Fest collaborations.
SITTER SUNDAYS
Pittsburgh Public Theater is proud to offer childcare for all ages during select Sunday matinee performances in partnership with Jovie of Pittsburgh, a trusted care resource for our region. Interested patrons can reserve care for their children during a ticket purchase or as an add-on to previous purchases.
Made possible by the generous support of the McKinney Charitable Foundation
CAST Q&As
Hang out after the show for a behind-thescenes chat with your favorite artists!
ACCESSIBILITY SERVICES
Pittsburgh Public Theater is dedicated to making its performances accessible to all audiences. We are proud to offer an American Sign Language Series, assistive listening, I-Caption®, and D-Scriptive® services at select performances.
• AMERICAN SIGN
LANGUAGE
American Sign Language Interpretation is available during select Saturday matinee performances.
• AUDIO DESCRIPTION & CAPTIONING
Pittsburgh Public Theater is proud to offer the Sound Associates, Inc. I-Caption® and D-Scriptive® closedcaptioning and audio description services, the same technology as on Broadway. These services are offered at select performances. Live Audio Description is also available the first Friday of each production.
HOST YOUR EVENT HERE
THE PERFECT VENUE for weddings, birthdays, or any celebration! From a private dinner to a big, blowout banquet, The Public has you covered. Rental spaces include: Helen Wayne Rauh Rehearsal Hall, 2nd Floor Pub, Lobby, Auditorium, and more.
Lauren Marcus and Philippe Arroyo in Little Shop of Horrors.
STUDENT & SCHOOL OPPORTUNITIES
STUDENT MATINEES
Pittsburgh Public Theater has welcomed thousands of area students of all ages to the O’Reilly Theater for their Open Stage Student Matinee program. For many students, this is their very first live theatrical experience, and they go home with a lifetime of memories. Talk to the student or school in your life and make sure they know about this incredible opportunity! Contact edu@ppt.org for discounted Student Matinee tickets for students and teachers.
• DIAL M FOR MURDER
Wed, Sept 18 at 10:30 a.m.
• THE HOBBIT
Wed, Oct 30 at 10:30 a.m.
Wed, Nov 6 at 10:30 a.m.
• A CHRISTMAS STORY: THE PLAY
Wed, Dec 11 at 10:30 a.m.
• TROUBLE IN MIND
Wed, Feb 12, 2025 at 10:30 a.m.
BOOK YOUR STUDENT GROUP TODAY! Call 412.316.8200 x 729 email edu@PPT.org or visit PPT.org/Students
NEW! STREAMLAND
Pittsburgh Public Theater’s Streamland brings the magic of live theater into classrooms nationwide by delivering cinema-quality digital versions of The Public’s mainstage productions alongside curriculum-based educational materials at a low cost on a user-friendly platform. Visit PPT.org/Streamland to start watching in your classroom today.
2025 SUMMER SESSIONS
Pittsburgh Public Theater now offers summer camps and sessions for children, teens, and adults! Our 2025 Summer Sessions include options for all ages. Email edu@ppt.org to add your name to our mailing list for next year’s sessions and take the guesswork out of planning!
DON’T MISS
• Creative Dramatics: Celebrating over three decades of cross-community partnerships with area schools!
• Shakespeare Monologue & Scene Contest: 31 years of celebrating future Bards!
• NEW! Internship Opportunities: Open to high school, trade school, and university students. For more information contact moverton@PPT.org.
Amy Landis in Sweat
MAKE AN IMPACT!
Your gift — of any size — ensures that Pittsburgh Public 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 lovers.
YOUR INVESTMENT IN PITTSBURGH PUBLIC THEATER PROVIDES…
• Opportunities to share and celebrate Pittsburgh through collaborations that highlight the Public at the heart of our city and the city at the heart of our theater.
• Support as we build a True Public Theater that advances and produces art with distinction, expands the workforce, inspires the region, and strives for a sustainable future.
• Increased access to every student, every season, ensuring that every student in Pittsburgh has the opportunity to experience theater every year.
Tracy Anthony Dunbar and Taylor C. Collier in Billy Strayhorn: Something to Live For.
Shakespeare sings and love wins
If musicals be the food of love, let this groundbreaking adaptation of Shakespeare’s most cherished comedy play on! When noblewoman Viola finds herself shipwrecked, she disguises herself as the male page Cesario to blend in. Her decision triggers literature’s most hilarious love triangle and inspires the people of Illyria to see life through the eyes of another.
This production not only enchants with its catchy pop score but also introduces Pittsburgh to the transformative Public Works program. Through community collaboration, this theatrical marvel becomes a celebration that is truly for, by, and of the people. Revel in the magic of love, laughter, and fellowship in this unmissable spectacle.
TICKETS ARE LIMITED. Keep an eye on your email for presale access at the end of July!
NEW PUBLIC SERIES
PUBLIC ARTISTS CENTERSTAGE
Peek behind the curtain with Resident Director Justin Emeka and Playwright Rob Zellers as they discuss their approach to innovation and creativity. General Admission Tickets on sale soon at PPT.org: $15.
Returning to the Source: An Evening with Justin Emeka
SUN, JAN 12, 2025 AT 7 P.M.
Following his acclaimed productions of A Midsummer Night’s Dream in Harlem, Sweat, and Two Trains Running, Justin Emeka concludes his tenure as the Public’s Resident Director with an inspiring evening about his journey from stage director to filmmaker.
An Evening with Rob Zellers
WED, MARCH 26, 2025 AT 7 P.M.
Join us for a private reading and conversation with esteemed playwright Rob Zellers (The Chief, Billy Strayhorn: Something to Live For, Harry’s Friendly Service) as he explores how inspiration and loss intertwine in his newest play that maps the parallel paths of his evolution as an artist and his daughter Alexa’s battle with illness.
MAKING ART WORK: BIG CONCEPTS, GLOBAL THEATRICAL PERSPECTIVES
An informal and inspiring series that aims to bring a wide array of perspectives together to discuss how we make art happen. Tickets on sale soon: $15–100.
• Oct 14, 2024: Belonging & Radical Hospitality with Mark Valdéz, Artist Director Mixed Blood Theatre
• Nov 4, 2024: Race & the Real American Theater Crisis: Featuring Executive Leaders of Color with Kelvin Dinkins, Jr. (A.R.T. at Harvard), Anyania I. Muse (Oregon Shakespeare Festival), Shannon A. Jones (TheatreSquared), Meredith Suttles (Marin Theatre Company)
• Dec 16, 2024: To Adapt or Not to Adapt: Shakespeare and Democracy with James S. Shapiro, Author & Larry Miller Professor of English and Comparative Literature at Columbia University
• Feb 17, 2025: Culture Rx with Erik Holmgren, Massachusetts Cultural Council and Chris Appleton, Art Pharmacy Founder & CEO
• March 31, 2025: The Creative Economy with Valerie Gay, Director of Creative Philadelphia & Chief Cultural Officer, City of Philadelphia
PUBLIC PRESENTS
A place & space where all artists are welcome
Public Presents is a series of performances and events brought to the O’Reilly Theater by community organizations, theater companies, and non-profits. Current Public Presents partners include New Horizon Theater, uNiqu’ Arts, and DNAWORKS. To inquire about Public Presents opportunities, please contact smcdill@PPT.org.
Vanessa Severo in Frida: A Self Portrait.
