The Pittsburgh Public Theater introduces its new artistic director and new season

By Michael “Buzz” Buzzelli, ‘Burgh Vivant

On Tuesday, February 27, the Pittsburgh Public Theater opened its doors to welcome donors, actors and press into the O’Reilly Theater to introduce incoming artistic director Marya Sea Kaminski and usher in the 2018-2019 season.

Outgoing Producing Artistic Director Ted Pappas said a fond – if only temporary – farewell (Pappas will return to direct Lucas Hnath’s “A Doll’s House – Part Two” next March).

The new season is comprised of some fresh, original programming. It also features some twists on some familiar favorites.

Marya Sea Kaminski introduces the 2018-2019 season on the Public’s O’Reilly stage.

PRIDE AND PREJUDICE

By Kate Hamill
Directed by Desdemona Chiang

September 27 – October 28, 2018

Kate Hamill’s wild adaptation of Austen’s classic love story is anything but plain Jane. To save the family estate, the Bennet sisters are in a flurry to find suitable men to marry—except Lizzy who’d rather risk the family fortunes than force a second date. This madcap romance is filled with clever seductions, awkward escapes, and perhaps just enough luck to win at this wicked game called love.

SWEAT

By Lynn Nottage
Directed by Justin Emeka

November 8 – December 9, 2018

Winner of the 2017 Pulitzer Prize
The folks at Olstead’s Steel Tubing in Reading, Pennsylvania work, drink, and dream together, until layoffs and lockouts at the factory begin to drive them apart. By following the lives of nine friends between 2000 and 2008, this combustible drama unearths the brutal consequences of a battered economy and dares to ask how we begin to heal. Critically acclaimed on Broadway, Sweat was awarded the 2017 Pulitzer Prize.

The O’Reilly Theater, 621 Penn Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15222

THE TEMPEST

By William Shakespeare
Adapted and Directed by Marya Sea Kaminski

January 24 – February 24, 2019

Marya Sea Kaminski’s premiere production will crack open this old story to unleash a world where magic reigns, sailors sleep with fish, spirits surround us, and love can strike like lightning to brighten the darkest night. Told from a female perspective with an original score, this Tempest will swirl with vicious plots, ridiculous jokes, and the powerful pull between violent revenge and veritable forgiveness.

A DOLL’S HOUSE PART 2

By Lucas Hnath
Directed by Ted Pappas

March 7 – April 7, 2019

Remember when Nora walked out and slammed the door behind her in Ibsen’s 1879 masterpiece, A Doll’s House? Well, she’s back. It’s 15 years later and Nora confronts Torvald to demand that he officially divorce her. She navigates some hilarious and harrowing negotiations with her husband, their daughter Emmy, and their nanny Anne Marie, as we watch the woman who once up-ended the rules of marriage return to set the record straight. A must-see for theater-lovers and anyone who’s ever tried to be married.

INDECENT

By Paula Vogel
Directed by Risa Brainin

April 18 – May 19, 2019

Based on incredible true events, this story of a Jewish playwright and his resilient acting troupe unfolds with unexpected joy, beautiful stagecraft, and the contagious melodies of a live Klezmer band. In 1923, Sholem Asch’s first play opens on Broadway—a love story between two women set in a brothel—and scandal erupts when the entire cast is arrested for obscenity. Indecent unearths the perilous history of this groundbreaking work of literature, and reveals the way art can deeply connect us even in a world unravelling.

MARJORIE PRIME

By Jordan Harrison
Directed by Marya Sea Kaminski

May 30 – June 30, 2019

In the near future, “primes” are programmed to look, sound, and smile like our dearly departed. With young Walter, Marjorie recalls the good old days of their marriage despite the frustrations of her rapidly failing memory. He acts and feels like family, even as Marjorie’s own daughter seems less and less familiar. Jordan Harrison (writer for Orange is the New Black) brings us this inventive, intimate play about a world where advancing technology can lead us back to who we are and to the people we love.

The Pittsburgh Public Theater is located at 621 Penn Avenue – in the heart of Pittsburgh’s Cultural District – Pittsburgh, PA 15222. For more information, season subscriptions and more click here.

 

 

 

 

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