Pittsburgh Public Has U.S. Premiere of Ayckbourn's RolePlay in 2005-06 Season; Mark Rylance Brings Measure for Measure

By Kenneth Jones
February 20, 2005

Pittsburgh Public Theater, under the leadership of artistic and executive director Ted Pappas, has 2005-06 season, to include two American premieres.

The 31st season opens with Alan Ayckbourn's RolePlay, an American premiere directed by Pappas Sept. 22-Oct. 23, 2005. "In this hilarious comedy from the co-author of PPT's hit By Jeeves Justin and Julie-Ann are attempting to throw a nice, civilized dinner party where their parents can meet each other and they can announce their engagement," according to the PPT announcement. "But when a scantily-clad damsel in distress climbs in through their window seeking refuge from her gangster boyfriend, it's just the beginning of a downhill tumble for the once simple family dinner."

The other U.S. premiere is Reduced Shakespeare Company's Completely Hollywood (abridged), March 2-April 2, 2006. "The Public has snagged the American premiere of the latest piece of hilarity from those maestros of miniaturization, the Reduced Shakespeare Company," according to the Feb. 20 announcement. "They've taken on the great works of Shakespeare, American history and the Holy Bible…Hollywood had to be the next logical target! Lights! Camera! Reduction! Just when you thought it was safe to go back into the theatre, the bad boys of abridgement return to Pittsburgh."

The 31st season also includes Oscar Wilde's The Importance of Being Earnest, directed by Pappas; Dael Orlandersmith's Pulitzer Prize finalist Yellowman, about color prejudice within the black community; Doug Wright's Pulitzer-winning solo play, I Am My Own Wife, directed by Jesse Berger; August Wilson's Gem of the Ocean; and special events including Mark Rylance in Shakespeare's Globe Theatre production of Measure for Measure Dec. 6-18.

Actor Tom Atkins returns to The Chief, Rob Zellers and Gene Collier's popular play about Pittsburgh and NFL legend Art Rooney, directed by Pappas, Jan. 2-8, 2006. The play set box office records for single ticket sales and met with great acclaim in its November 2003 world premiere at Pittsburgh Public Theater. When it returned in December 2004 for a 17-performance run, it was a hit all over again. It returns for eight performances only.

For more information on subscription packages, contact the Public's box office at (412) 316-1600 or visit www.ppt.org.