PIPPIN, NEWSIES & More Set for PNC Broadway Across America-Pittsburgh's 2014-15 Season

Tony Award-winning productions including 2013 TONY AWARD-WINNER for BEST MUSICAL REVIVAL! (PIPPIN) and 2012 TONY AWARD-WINNER for BEST SCORE & BEST CHOREOGRAPHY! (NEWSIES) will take to Cultural District stages for the 2014-2015 PNC Broadway Across America-Pittsburgh season, along with critically-acclaimed audience favorites and the triumphant return of THE BOOK OF MORMON as part of the season specials.

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 two Broadway specials contribute 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 success of the PNC Broadway series contributes to the Trust's ability to bring diverse programming to the Cultural District that is presented across disciplines, and includes free festivals, and world-class art," said J. Kevin McMahon, President & CEO of the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust. "The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust is grateful to the PNC Foundation for its continued generosity as title sponsor. We are also grateful for the collaboration and contributions of both Broadway Across America and the Pittsburgh Symphony."

"It is an honor to work year-round to shape and guide what I aspire to be an amazing season," said Paul Organisak, Vice President of Programming for the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust. "Securing the best possible Broadway presentations is my highest priority, and we are able to do so because of incredibly loyal audiences."

2014-2015 SEASON EVENTS

ANNIE
Benedum Center
October 28, 2014 - November 2, 2014

Leapin' Lizards! One of the world's best-loved musicals is back in time-honored form. Directed by original lyricist Martin Charnin, this new production of ANNIE will be a classic incarnation of the beloved original. Featuring book and score by Tony Award-winners Thomas Meehan, Charles Strouse and Martin Charnin, ANNIE includes such unforgettable songs as "It's the Hard Knock Life," "Easy Street," "I Don't Need Anything But You," plus the eternal anthem of optimism, "Tomorrow."
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Irving Berlin's WHITE CHRISTMAS The Musical
Benedum Center
November 18, 2014 - November 23, 2014

The classic holiday movie "White Christmas" comes to the stage at last! This new musical shines with classic Irving Berlin hits like "Blue Skies," "How Deep is the Ocean?" and, of course, the unforgettable title song. Irving Berlin's WHITE CHRISTMAS tells the story of two buddies putting on a show in a magical Vermont inn and finding their perfect mates in the process. Full of dancing, laughter and some of the greatest songs ever written, Irving Berlin's WHITE CHRISTMAS promises a merry and bright theatrical experience for the whole family!
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NEWSIES
Benedum Center
November 25, 2014 - November 30, 2014

They delivered the papers, until they made the headlines...Direct from Broadway comes NEWSIES, the smash-hit, crowd-pleasing new musical from Disney. Winner of the 2012 Tony Awards for Best Score and Best Choreography, NEWSIES has audiences and critics alike calling it "A MUSICAL WORTH SINGING ABOUT!" (The New York Times) Filled with one heart-pounding number after another, it's a high-energy explosion of song and dance you just don't want to miss.
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MOTOWN The Musical
Heinz Hall
December 30, 2014 - January 4, 2015

It began as one man's story... became everyone's music... and is now Broadway's musical. MOTOWN THE MUSICAL is the true American dream story of Motown founder Berry Gordy's journey from featherweight boxer to the heavyweight music mogul who launched the careers of Diana Ross, Michael Jackson, Smokey Robinson and many more. Motown shattered barriers, shaped our lives and made us all move to the same beat. Now, experience it live on stage in the record-breaking smash hit MOTOWN THE MUSICAL!

Motown is a registered trademark of UMG Recordings, Inc. Photos of Raymond Luke, Jr. and Bryan Terrell Clark are by Joan Marcus. All other photos are by Andrew Eccle.
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PIPPIN
Benedum Center
January 20, 2015 - January 25, 2015

PIPPIN is back on Broadway for the first time since it thrilled audiences 40 years ago... the show The New York Times declared "ASTONISHING. A PIPPIN FOR THE 21ST CENTURY." It won the Tony Award for BEST MUSICAL REVIVAL! With a beloved score by Tony nominee STEPHEN SCHWARTZ (GODSPELL , WICKED), PIPPIN tells the story of a young prince on a death-defying journey to find meaning in his existence. Will he choose a happy but simple life? Or will he risk everything for a singular flash of glory? This captivating new production is directed by Tony Award- winner DIANE PAULUS (HAIR and THE GERSHWINS' PORGY AND BESS). It features sizzling choreography in the style of BOB FOSSE and breathtaking acrobatics by LES 7 DOIGTS DE LA MAIN, the creative force behind the nationwide sensation TRACES.
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THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA
Benedum Center
February 18, 2015 - March 1, 2015

Following an acclaimed sold-out tour of the United Kingdom, Cameron Mackintosh's spectacular new production of Andrew Lloyd Webber's phenomenal musical success, THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA, will come to Pittsburgh as part of a brand new North American Tour. Critics are raving that this breathtaking production is "bigger and better than ever before."

This PHANTOM features a brilliant new scenic design by Paul Brown, Tony Award-winning original costume design by Maria Björnson, lighting design by Tony Award-winner Paule Constable, new choreography by Scott Ambler, and a new staging by director Laurence Connor. The production, overseen by Matthew Bourne and Cameron Mackintosh, boasts many exciting special effects including the show's legendary chandelier. The beloved story and thrilling score-with songs like "Music of the Night," "All I Ask Of You," and "Masquerade"-will be performed by a cast and orchestra of 52, making this PHANTOM one of the largest productions now on tour.
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DIRTY DANCING
Benedum Center
April 7, 2015 - April 12, 2015

DIRTY DANCING - THE CLASSIC STORY ON STAGE is an unprecedented live theater experience, exploding with heart-pounding music, passionate romance, and sensational dancing. Seen by millions across the globe, this worldwide smash hit tells the classic story of Baby and Johnny, two fiercely independent young spirits from different worlds who come together in what will be the most challenging and triumphant summer of their lives. Featuring the hit songs "Hungry Eyes," "Hey Baby," "Do you Love Me?" and the heart stopping "(I've Had) The Time of My Life." London's Sunday Express says, "This crowd-pleasing stage adaptation hits the jackpot!" Don't miss your chance to see this record-breaking live theatre sensation. You'll have the time of your life!

2014-2015 SEASON SPECIALS

THE BOOK OF MORMON
Heinz Hall
September 23, 2014 - October 5, 2014

Nine 2011 Tony Awards say it's the Best Musical of the Year. Vogue says, "the best musical of the last 25 years." And The New York Times says, "It's the best musical of the century." It's THE BOOK OF MORMON, the Broadway phenomenon from South Park creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone and Avenue Q co-creator Robert Lopez. The Daily Show's Jon Stewart calls it, "A crowning achievement. So good, it makes me angry."

Parental advisory: Explicit content.
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DISNEY'S BEAUTY AND THE BEAST
Heinz Hall
March 31, 2015 - April 5, 2015

The most beautiful love story ever told comes to life! The romantic Broadway musical for all generations, Disney's BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, the smash hit Broadway musical, is coming to Pittsburgh! Based on the Academy Award-winning animated feature film, this eye-popping spectacle has won the hearts of over 35 million people worldwide. This classic musical love story is filled with unforgettable characters, lavish sets and costumes, and dazzling production numbers including "Be Our Guest" and the beloved title song.

TICKETS
Season tickets range from $129-$494. 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, please visit www.TrustArts.org.

PRE-SHOW TALKS
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 join Christopher 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, 15222) on the opening 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, please visit www.TrustArts.org.

Photo by Joan Marcus