University of Pittsburgh Stages Sets 2016-17 Lineup

The University of Pittsburgh Stages has begun its 2016-17 season, with offerings ranging from the musical Hair to a free production of Baltimore, which explores the intricacies of racism. 

The plays will showcase the performance and technical talents of students from more than 22 majors throughout Pitt, as well as those based in the Department of Theatre Arts within the Kenneth P. Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences.

Performances will take place in the Henry Heymann and Charity Randall Theatres, both located in the Stephen Foster Memorial. Shows except Hair are Tuesday through Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m.; Hair does not have a Tuesday performance. Visit www.play.pitt.edu for ticket prices and more details.

“The lineup is a good fit for Pitt’s Year of Diversity,” says Theatre Arts Chair Annmarie Duggan, also an associate professor. “Our goal is to engage the viewer in conversations that promote an understanding of diversity, inclusion, and principles of equal opportunity.”

The season began Oct. 6 with Lynn Nottage’s Intimate Apparel, a story about the life of a Black seamstress who makes delicate lingerie for both wealthy White society ladies and poor prostitutes.

The remaining lineup:

Nov. 10-20
Hair
By Gerome Ragni and James Rado
Music and lyrics by Galt McDermot
Charity Randall Theatre

A trio of unlikely friends is swept up in the counterculture movement of the 1960s, but love and politics clash when one of them is drafted into the Vietnam War. Can their free spirits keep love alive in the Age of Aquarius? Find out in this iconic musical that defined a generation. Directed by the Department of Theatre Arts’ Cynthia Croot, assistant professor and head of performance, with musical direction by Rob Frankenberry, lecturer in musical theatre.

Feb. 9-19
The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee
By Rachel Sheinkin, conceived by Rebecca Feldman
Music and lyrics by William Finn
Henry Heymann Theatre

There’s a quirky cast of characters on either side of the microphone as Putnam Valley Middle School hosts its 25th annual spelling bee. In this long one-act musical comedy, tensions run high as the words become multisyllabic and the pressure mounts. Directed by Rob Frankenberry.

March 30-April 9
Peter and the Starcatcher
By Rick Elice, based on the novel by Dave Berry and Ridley Pearson
Music and lyrics by Wayne Barker
Charity Randall Theatre

When starcatcher-in-training Molly meets an orphan boy longing for a home, they embark on the adventure of a lifetime. This play is a swashbuckling, grown-up prequel to Peter Pan with action and humor that will hook you from the beginning.

SPECIAL PERFORMANCE
March 29-April 9
Baltimore
By Kirsten Greenidge
Henry Heymann Theatre

College student Shelby Wilson becomes a resident advisor on a campus that has pitted student against student, following a racially charged incident. With compassion and a deep understanding of the issues, Baltimore tackles the complexities of racism in America from the perspective of eight different college students. Admission is free to this production, which is being offered in conjunction with Pitt’s Year of Diversity. Directed by Ricardo Vila-Roger, the Richard E. Rauh Teaching Artist-in-Residence, Department of Theatre Arts.

In addition to the mainstage plays, there are six student lab productions that began Oct. 12. Visit www.play.pitt.edu/current-season/student-labs-0 for more information.

For the first time, Pitt faculty and staff are able to purchase a season pass for all plays for $50. Season passes for students are $40.