Regional Theater of the Week: Benedum Center in Pittsburgh, PA

BroadwayWorld.com, the largest theatre site on the Internet, is excited to announce a new feature to its comprehensive regional coverage - the Featured Regional Theater of the Week! Each week, BWW will introduce its readers to a regional theater located in one of our (over 130!) coverage cities. By exploring these different venues, their history and showcasing the production seasons, BWW continues its commitment to expand our presence in communities and cities across the United States.

This Week's Featured Regional Theater: Benedum Center in Pittsburgh, PA

The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust has transformed a downtrodden section of Downtown into a world-class Cultural District that stands as a national model of urban revitalization through the arts. The best of touring Broadway, contemporary dance, family events and cutting-edge visual arts are among the variety of arts and entertainment the Trust presents and exhibits. Hundreds of artists, thousands of students, and millions of people expand their horizons in our theaters, galleries, and public art environments.

Benedum Center for the Performing Arts was originally built in 1928 and was renovated and reopened to the public in 1987. Benedum Center Pittsburgh is located conveniently on 719 Liberty Avenue. Formerly called the Stanley Theatre, after the $43 million restoration the official seating capacity is 2,800. The Benedum Center has hosted many star performers in its history including the likes of Grateful Dead, Bob Marley, Prince, and others.

The Benedum Center for the Performing Arts is home to Pittsburgh Cultural Trust presentations including PNC Broadway Across America, Pittsburgh Dance Council, CD Live, Pittsburgh International Children's Theater, Cohen & Grigsby Trust Presents, and First Night Pittsburgh. The Trust also provides priority programming dates on the Benedum stage to Cultural District resident companies including Pittsburgh CLO, Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre, and the Pittsburgh Opera. The venue is also available on a rental basis to promoters and community groups.

Three 2012 Tony Award-winning productions including Best Musical (ONCE), Best Revival (The Gershwins' PORGY AND BESS) and Best Scenic, Costume, Sound, and Lighting Design of a Play (PETER AND THE STARCATCHER) will take to Cultural District stages for the 2013-2014 PNC Broadway Across America-Pittsburgh season, along with critically-acclaimed audience favorites and the triumphant return of Disney's THE LION KING. Offering something for everyone, these 7 season presentations and 3 Broadway Specials contribute to the city's reputation as a major destination for arts, culture, and entertainment, attracting over 300,000 visitors each year.

The PNC Foundation is the presenting sponsor of this series that delivers the finest national tours to Pittsburgh-allowing our community to experience world-class Broadway entertainment close to home. PNC Broadway Across America-Pittsburgh is co-presented by Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, Pittsburgh Symphony and Broadway Across America.

For tickets and more information about the Benedum Center, visit: http://www.trustarts.org/

Photo Credit: Pittsburgh Cultural Trust