'BEAUTIFUL', CABARET, 'BRIDGES' and More Set for Pittsburgh's 2015-16 Broadway Season

The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust is pleased to announce the 2015-2016 PNC Broadway Across America-Pittsburgh season. The series proudly features two Pittsburgh premieres, BEAUTIFUL -- THE CAROLE KING MUSICAL and MATILDA THE MUSICAL, and welcomes returning favorites JERSEY BOYS and BLUE MAN GROUP, along with an exciting lineup of more award-winning Broadway productions that will grace the stages in the Cultural District.

The PNC Broadway Across America-Pittsburgh series features new touring Broadway shows and revivals direct from New York City stages. The season regularly showcases the most current Tony Award-winning performances along with returning blockbuster events and time-honored classics to all ages. Offering something for everyone, these seven season presentations and five Broadway specialscontribute to the city's reputation as a major destination for arts, culture, and entertainment, attracting millions of visitors each year. The PNC Foundation is the presenting sponsor of this series that delivers the finest national tours to Pittsburgh -- allowing our community to experience world-class Broadway entertainment close to home.

"The PNC Broadway series plays an important and vital role in the Trust's mission to bring a wide array of programming to the Cultural District that focuses on the arts and brings cultural and economic success to this downtown District and region," said J. Kevin McMahon, President and CEO of the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust. "The PNC Foundation has generously provided support of this Broadway series and the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust is grateful for this partnership. We also thank Broadway Across America and the Pittsburgh Symphony for their collaboration."

"The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust is pleased to present so many critically acclaimed recent Broadway productions and Pittsburgh premieres for its 2015-2016 PNC Broadway Across America season," shared Paul Organisak, Vice President of Programming for the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust. "The season features some of the most "Beautiful" scores in recent Broadway memory including the legendary songs of Carole King in BEAUTIFUL: THE CAROLE KING MUSICAL, the exquisite, Tony Award-Winning score of THE BRIDGES OF MADISON COUNTY, to the legendary Kander & Ebb's CABARET. We are also so pleased to welcome the incredibly popular MATILDA on its inaugural national tour with our friends at the Pittsburgh CLO. There is certainly something for everyone."

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2015-2016 SEASON EVENTS:

BEAUTIFUL - THE CAROLE KING MUSICAL
Benedum Center
October 27 - November 1, 2015

BEAUTIFUL - THE CAROLE KING MUSICAL tells the inspiring true story of King's remarkable rise to stardom, from being part of a hit songwriting team with her husband Gerry Goffin, to her relationship with fellow writers and best friends Cynthia Weil and Barry Mann, to becoming one of the most successful solo acts in popular music history. Along the way, Carole King made more than beautiful music, she wrote the soundtrack to a generation.

Featuring a stunning array of beloved songs written by Gerry Goffin/Carole King and Barry Mann/Cynthia Weil, including "I Feel The Earth Move," "One Fine Day," "(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman," "You've Got A Friend" and the title song, BEAUTIFUL has a book by and Tony Award-nominee and Academy Award-nominated writer Douglas McGrath, direction by Marc Bruni, choreography by Josh Prince, and took home two 2014 Tony Awards.

A GENTLEMAN'S GUIDE TO LOVE & MURDER
Benedum Center
November 17 - 22, 2015

Getting away with murder can be so much fun... and there's no better proof than the knock-'em dead hit show that's earned unanimous raves and won the 2014 Tony Award for BEST MUSICAL-A GENTLEMAN'S GUIDE TO LOVE & MURDER! Coming directly from New York, where a most gentlemanly NPR critic said he'd "never laughed so hard at a Broadway musical," GENTLEMAN'S GUIDE tells the uproarious story of Monty Navarro, a distant heir to a family fortune who sets out to jump the line of succession, by any means necessary. All the while, he's got to juggle his mistress (she's after more than just love), his fiancée (she's his cousin but who's keeping track?), and the constant threat of landing behind bars! Of course, it will all be worth it if he can slay his way to his inheritance... and be done in time for tea. The Hollywood Reporter raves, "GENTLEMAN'S GUIDE restores our faith in musical comedy" and The New York Times cheers, "it will lift the hearts of all those who've been pining for what sometimes seems a lost art form."

THE WIZARD OF OZ
Heinz Hall
January 5 - 10, 2016

This new production of THE WIZARD OF OZ is an enchanting adaptation of the all-time classic, totally reconceived for the stage. Developed from the ever popular MGM screenplay, this production contains the beloved songs from the Oscar-winning movie score, all the favorite characters and iconic moments, plus a few surprises along the way, including new songs by Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber. Click your heels together and join Scarecrow, Tin Man, Lion, Dorothy and her little dog Toto as they journey through the magical land of Oz to meet the Wizard and obtain their hearts' desires. Watch out for the Wicked Witch of the West and her winged monkeys as you rediscover the real story of Oz in this fantastic musical treat for the whole family.

CABARET
A ROUNDABOUT THEATRE COMPANY PRODUCTION
Benedum Center
February 2 - 7, 2016

Direct from Broadway, the acclaimed masterpiece returns to Pittsburgh! As part of their 50th Anniversary Season, Roundabout Theatre Company is proud to present Sam Mende's (Skyfall, American Beauty) and Rob Marshall's (Nine and Chicago films) Tony Award-winning production of CABARET. Welcome to the infamous Kit Kat Klub, where the Emcee, Sally Bowles and a raucous ensemble take the stage nightly to tantalize the crowd-and to leave their troubles outside. But as life in pre-WWII Germany grows more and more uncertain, will the decadent allure of Berlin nightlife be enough to get them through their dangerous times? Come hear some of the most memorable songs in theatre history, including "Cabaret," "Willkommen" and "Maybe This Time." Leave your troubles outside-life is beautiful at CABARET, John Kander, Fred Ebb and Joe Masteroff's Tony-winning musical about following your heart while the world loses its way.

THE BRIDGES OF MADISON COUNTY
Benedum Center
March 8 - 13, 2016

THE BRIDGES OF MADISON COUNTY, one of the most romantic stories ever written, first captured the nation's attention as a best-selling novel and is now an irresistible, two time Tony Award-winning Broadway musical. This stunning new production features gorgeous, soulful music by Tony Award-winning composer Jason Robert Brown (Parade, The Last Five Years) that the Daily News hails as "one of Broadway's best scores in the last decade." With a book by Pulitzer Prize Winner Marsha Norman (The Secret Garden, The Color Purple) and direction by Tony Award-winner Bartlett Sher (South Pacific), THE BRIDGES OF MADISON COUNTY is the unforgettable story of two people caught between decision and desire, as a chance encounter becomes a second chance at so much more.

THE SOUND OF MUSIC
Benedum Center
March 22 - 27, 2016

The Hills Are Alive! A brand new production of THE SOUND OF MUSIC, directed by three-time Tony Award-winner Jack O'Brien, is coming to the Benedum Center. The spirited, romantic and beloved musical story of Maria and the Von Trapp Family will once again thrill audiences with its Tony, Grammy and Academy Award-winning Best Score, including "My Favorite Things," "Do-Re-Mi," "Climb Ev'ry Mountain," "Edelweiss" and the title song. THE SOUND OF MUSIC enjoyed extraordinary success as the first live television production of a musical in over 50 years when "THE SOUND OF MUSIC Live!" aired on NBC in December, 2013 (seen by over 44 million people). 2015 marks the 50th anniversary of the film version, which continues to be the most successful movie musical in history.

Roald Dahl's MATILDA THE MUSICAL
Benedum Center
May 31 - June 12, 2016

TIME Magazine's #1 Show of the Year! Winner of 50 international awards including four Tony Awards, MATILDA THE MUSICAL is the story of an extraordinary girl who, armed with a vivid imagination and a sharp mind, dares to take a stand and change her own destiny. Based on the beloved novel by Roald Dahl, MATILDA continues to thrill sold-out audiences of all ages on Broadway and in London's West End. The Wall Street Journal says, "The makers of MATILDA have done the impossible - triumphantly! It is smart, sweet, zany and stupendous fun." The Bloomberg News wrote, "Welcome to the deliriously amusing, heartwarming, head spinning world of MATILDA THE MUSICAL. You won't want to leave." MATILDA is produced by theRoyal Shakespeare Company and the Dodgers. MATILDA THE MUSICAL will be presented as part of the PNC Broadway Across America-Pittsburgh 2015-2016 series and the Pittsburgh CLO 2016 summer season.

2015-2016 SEASON SPECIALS:

JERSEY BOYS
Benedum Center
September 22 - October 4, 2015

JERSEY BOYS is the Tony, Grammy and Olivier Award-winning Best Musical about Rock and Roll Hall of Famers The Four Seasons: Frankie Valli, Bob Gaudio, Tommy DeVito and Nick Massi. This is the true story of how four blue-collar kids became one of the greatest successes in pop music history. JERSEY BOYS features their hit songs "Sherry," "Big Girls Don't Cry," "Rag Doll," "Oh What a Night" and "Can't Take My Eyes Off You."

"I LOVE LUCY" LIVE ON STAGE
Benedum Center
November 24 - 29, 2015

I LOVE LUCY LIVE ON STAGE is the brand-new hit stage show adapted from the most beloved program in television history! It's 1952 and you are a member of the Desilu Playhouse studio audience awaiting the filming of two hilarious and oh-so-familiar I LOVE LUCY episodes. A charming host entertains and enlightens you to the behind-the-scenes filming process of this brand new thing called "television," the Crystaltone Singers perform advertising jingles in perfect 50s style harmony and the sidesplitting antics of America's favorite foursome - Lucy, Ricky, Fred and Ethel - are presented live on stage and in color for the very first time! It's a one-of-a-kind theatrical experience TV Guide's William Keck calls "the most entertaining stage production I've seen in years - including Broadway!" The truth is in the title - whether young or old, everybody really does LOVE LUCY!

RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDEER: THE MUSICAL
Heinz Hall
December 22 - 27, 2015

The beloved TV classic RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDEER soars off the screen and onto the stage this holiday season. Join us in celebrating Rudolph's 50 years on television and come see all of your favorite characters from the special including Santa and Mrs. Claus, Hermey the Elf, Bumble the Abominable Snow Monster, Clarice, Yukon Cornelius and, of course, Rudolph, as they come to life in the all new RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDEER: THE MUSICAL. It's an adventure that teaches us that what makes you different can be what makes you special. Don't miss this wonderful new holiday tradition that speaks to the misfit in all of us. Based on the animated television special "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" and the stage production directed and conceived by Jeff Frank and First Stage. Script adaptation by Robert Penola. Arrangements and orchestrations by Timothy Splain.

BLUE MAN GROUP
Heinz Hall
February 23 - 28, 2016

Experience the Phenomenon. BLUE MAN GROUP is best known for their wildly popular theatrical shows and concerts which combine comedy, music, and technology to produce a totally unique form of entertainment. The New York Times heralds the show as "One of the most delightful performance pieces ever staged." E! Entertainment News exclaims, "BLUE MAN GROUP is what every live performance aspires to be." The Baltimore Sun raves, "BLUE MAN GROUP packs a wallop. It's a big, loud, funny, silly, visually arresting production!"

Although it is impossible to describe, people of all ages agree that BLUE MAN GROUP is an intensely exciting and wildly outrageous show that leaves the entire audience in a blissful, euphoric state. With no spoken language, BLUE MAN GROUP is perfect for people of all ages, languages, and cultures. BLUE MAN GROUP is now on the road for its first U.S. theatrical tour. This unique experience is a form of entertainment like nothing else; guaranteed to be an outing you will never forget.

THE ILLUSIONISTS - WITNESS THE IMPOSSIBLE
Heinz Hall
April 19 - 24, 2016

THE ILLUSIONISTS - WITNESS THE IMPOSSIBLE is produced by Simon Painter, Tim Lawson, MagicSpace Entertainment, Road Show Entertainment LLC, and The Production Office. Conceived by Simon Painter, the show's creative team also includes executive producer Tim Lawson, director Neil Dorward and creative director Jim Millan.

Having shattered box office records around the world,THE ILLUSIONISTS - WITNESSTHE IMPOSSIBLE is now coming to captivate Pittsburgh. This mind-blowing spectacular showcases the jaw-dropping talents of five of the most incredible illusionists on earth. Full of hilarious magic tricks, death-defying stunts and acts of breathtaking wonder, THE ILLUSIONISTS has dazzled audiences of all ages. Creative Producer Simon Painter said, "We can't wait to bring this electrifying show to Broadway for a truly entertaining experience for the whole family. THE ILLUSIONISTS is the most non-stop and powerful mix of outrageous and astonishing acts ever to be seen on the live stage."

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Season tickets range from $156-$502. Single tickets will go on sale approximately 6-8 weeks in advance of the show's opening for most events. Group discounts apply to orders of 10 tickets or more for most events.

SEASON TICKETS: TrustArts.org/Broadway | 412-456-1390
GROUP ORDERS: TrustArts.org/GroupSales | 412-471-6930

For more information, visit www.TrustArts.org.

PRE-SHOW TALKS - The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust is pleased to offer pre-show talks for the PNC Broadway Across America-Pittsburgh series. How do you prepare to see a Broadway musical? And how do you know you've had a good time?Ticket holders are invited to joinChristopher Rawson, senior theater critic for KDKA-TV and the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette for Know The Show Before You Go. Know The Show Before You Go provides educational and background information on each of the Broadway performances, aiming to further deepen each patron's theatrical experience. Select company members are interviewed at the Trust Arts Education Center (805-807 Liberty Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15222) on certain nights of PNC Broadway Across America - Pittsburgh series performances. Know The Show Before You Go does not take place for Season Special performances. For more information, visit www.TrustArts.org/KnowTheShow.

BROADWAY ACROSS AMERICA is part of the Key Brand Entertainmentfamily of companies operated by John Gore (Owner & CEO). BAA is the foremost presenter of first-class touring musicals and plays in North America, operating in 40 markets. As a leading Broadway producer, BAA is dedicated to thedevelopment and production of new and diversetheatre. Current/upcoming productions include Beautiful, Bullets Over Broadway, Million Dollar Quartet and Pippin. Past productions include Hairspray, How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, Memphis, Promises, Promises, The Producers and War Horse. For more information, visit BroadwayAcrossAmerica.com.

PITTSBURGH CULTURAL TRUST - The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust has overseen one of Pittsburgh's most historic transformations: turning a seedy red-light district into a magnet destination for arts lovers, residents, visitors, and business owners. Founded in 1984, the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust is a non-profit arts organization whose mission is the cultural and economic revitalization of a 14-block arts and entertainment/residential neighborhood called the Cultural District. The District is one of the country's largest landmasses curated by a single nonprofit arts organization. A major catalytic force in the city, the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust is a unique model of how public-private partnerships can reinvent a city with authenticity, innovation and creativity. Using the arts as an economic catalyst, the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust has holistically created a world-renowned Cultural District that is revitalizing the city, improving the regional economy and enhancing Pittsburgh's quality of life. Thanks to the support of foundations, corporations, government agencies and thousands of private citizens, the Cultural Trust stands as a national model of urban redevelopment through the arts. For more information, visit TrustArts.org. Follow us on Twitter @CulturalTrust, and like us on Facebook.

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