Pittsburgh Public Theater Presents Two Plays Directed by Ted Pappas

Pittsburgh Public Theater starts 2010 with two beloved yet completely different plays, both directed by Ted Pappas. Running Jan. 6 - 10, for six performances only, is the farewell production of The Chief. Written by Pittsburghers Rob Zellers & Gene Collier, this one-man show celebrating Steelers founder Art Rooney, Sr. was created at The Public in 2003. Starring acclaimed actor Tom Atkins, The Chief has returned each year since then. But now The Public has decided to retire the play, so this is the last chance to say hail to The Chief. Showtimes: Wed., Jan. 6 through Fri., Jan. 8 at 8 pm; Sat., Jan. 9 at 2 & 8 pm; Sun., Jan. 10 at 1 pm. Ticket Prices: $48 & $65. $15 for students and age 26 and younger. The Chief is presented by PPG Industries Foundation.

Running Jan. 21 - Feb. 21 is William Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream, a comic extravaganza which brings together the vibrant fairy kingdom, a quartet of mismatched lovers, the bewitched Bottom, and a band of bumbling rustics in the world's most magical play. The cast features Pittsburgh-based actors Tony Bingham, Alex Coleman, James Fitzgerald, Daniel Krell, Devon Malcolm and David Whalen, as well as local children Meggie Booth and ALex Lindsay Roth. Appearing as Puck is Harris Doran (Cabaret at The Public), as well as John Ahlin, Bianca Amato, J.T. Arbogast, Lindsey Kyler, Lucas Near Verbrugghe, and Beth Wittig. Showtimes: Tues. through Sat. at 8 pm (except Tues., Feb. 16 when the show is at 7 pm); Sat. & Sun. at 2 pm (except Sat., Jan. 23 & 30); Sun. at 7 pm (except Sun., Feb. 21). There will be an additional 2 pm matinee on Thurs., Feb. 18. Ticket Prices: $35 to $55. $15 for students and age 26 and younger.

Led by Producing Artistic Director Ted Pappas, Pittsburgh Public Theater's home is the O'Reilly Theater in the heart of Downtown's Cultural District.

For tickets call 412.316.1600 or visit www.ppt.org.