Pittsburgh Public Theater Presents TRUE WEST, Now thru 12/8

Pittsburgh Public Theater's MASTERPIECE SEASON continues with a brand-new staging of Sam Shepard's most famous play, True West. Directed by Pamela Berlin (last season's Clybourne Park), True West runs tonight, Nov. 7 - Dec. 8, 2013 at the O'Reilly Theater, Pittsburgh Public Theater's home in the heart of Downtown's Cultural District. For tickets call 412.316.1600 or visit ppt.org.

True West debuted in 1980 at San Francisco's Magic Theater. In the play, Austin (Ken Barnett) comes to his mother's house in southern California to water her plants while she's away on vacation. He's left his wife and kids up north while he works on his screenplay and gets ready to meet with Saul (Dan Shor), a Hollywood producer. Austin's solitude is shattered when his long-lost brother Lee (David Mogentale), a drifter and thief, shows up unexpectedly. Soon Lee announces that he, too, can write a movie. This role reversal leads to an epic battle filled with action, humor, and famously, dozens of slices of toast. When Mom (Mary Rawson) returns, she hardly recognizes either her house or her sons. Described as Sam Shepard's most accomplished play, True West reflects on authenticity, myths of the American desert, and what it means to be a real man.

The design team for Pittsburgh Public Theater's production is Michael Schweikardt (Scenic), Michael Krass (Costumes), John Lasiter (Lighting), and Zach Moore (Sound). Randy Kovitz is the Fight Director. Casting is by McCorkle Casting. Fred Noel is the Production Stage Manager; Kelly Haywood is the Assistant Stage Manager.

Ticket Prices: $23 to $55. Students and age 26 and younger $15.75 with valid ID.

For tickets call 412.316.1600 or visit ppt.org.

2026 Theater Fans' Choice Awards - Live Stats

Best Direction of a Play - Top 3

1. Joe Mantello - Death of a Salesman

20.9% of votes

2. Duncan MacMillan, Jeremy Herrin - Every Brilliant Thing

15.4% of votes

3. Whitney White - Liberation

9.3% of votes

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