Photo Coverage: Tammy Ryan's SOLDIER'S HEART Premiers at Pittsburgh Playhouse

The REP, Point Park University's professional theatre company, presents the world premiere of Soldier's Heart, Pittsburgh playwright Tammy Ryan's gripping new play that shines a light on the struggles facing women in the military.

Directed by John Amplas, Soldier's Heart began previews on Thursday, Sept. 26, and runs Sept. 27-Oct. 13, in the Studio Theatre at the Pittsburgh Playhouse, 222 Craft Ave. Performances are 8 p.m., Thursday - Saturday, and 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

Soldier's Heart tells the story of Casey Johnson, who heads off to Iraq after making sure her young son's life is neatly organized while she is away. She returns home to western Pennsylvania months later forever changed, with deep psychological scars from her wartime experiences.

The REP's production of Soldier's Heart stars Marie Elena O'Brien as Casey Johnson, Jenna Cole as Margie, Joshua Elijah Reese as Kevin, Sundiata Rice as Sean, Justin Lonesome as Staff Sergeant Williams, Jaime Slavinsky as Lance Corporal Hernandez and Michael Fuller as Captain Christopher Baines. Scenic design is by Gianni Downs, costume design by Cathleen Crocker Perry, lighting design by Andrew David Ostrowski, and sound design by Kristopher Buggey. Caitlin Roper is the stage manager.

Tickets range from $24 to $27; preview tickets are $15. Tickets can be purchased by calling the Pittsburgh Playhouse box office at 412.392.8000, or online atwww.pittsburghplayhouse.com. Patrons can take advantage of the "Pay what you will" performance at 2 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 28, subject to availability. New in 2013-2014, The REP's Talkback series, where the audience is invited to stay after the performance and discuss the show, has been moved to the matinee performance on the second Saturday of every show. For Soldier's Heart, the Talkback session will be held after the 2 p.m. performance on Saturday, Oct. 5.

Photos by Jeff Swensen