Previews for the production, directed by PPT artistic and executive director Ted Pappas, began March 3. Performances continue to April 3. Murray is respected for work both off Broadway and on, and earned Tony nominations for revivals of The Crucible and The Little Foxes and the Broadway bow of Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead.

The company for the magical staging of what is arguably Shakespeare's most magical play (it is thought to be his final full-length work for the stage) includes John Ahlin as Stephano, Ross Bickell as Antonio, Edward Conery as Alonso, Darren Eliker as Boatswain, Lucas Hall as Ferdinand, Douglas Harmsen as Trinculo, Lara Hillier as Miranda, Edward James Hyland as Gonzalo, Daniel Krell as Adrian, Michael McKenzie as Sebastian, Mark Saturno as Ariel and Daniel Freedom Stewart as Caliban.

The creative team includes James Noone (scenic designer), Gabriel Berry (costume designer), Kirk Bookman (lighting designer), Zach Moore (sound designer) and Michael Moricz (original music).

For tickets and further information, call (412) 316-1600 or www.ppt.org.

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Pittsburgh Public Theater is staging an exhibit of James Noone's set designs during the run of The Tempest. Located on the O'Reilly's second floor, the special display, "Rough Magic: The Scenic Designs of James Noone," features Noone's work from the many productions that he has designed for the Public, along with his work from Broadway and other regional companies.

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The Shakespeare Theatre in Washington, D.C., is also staging The Tempest this spring, in a separate production.