BORN YESTERDAY, OTHER DESERT CITIES & More Set for Pittsburgh Public Theater's MADE IN AMERICA 2012-13 Season

Programmed by Producing Artistic Director Ted Pappas, Pittsburgh Public Theater's MADE IN AMERICA season includes a six-play Subscription Series plus two Special Events, all by American writers and set in cities across the USA. Surrounding the shows, a series of Town Hall Meetings will throw open the O'Reilly Theater doors to a broad range of topics and people. Up first, during the run of Born Yesterday, is "Born Again: Local Women Discuss How They Became Empowered to Follow a Dream." Panelists will include Erin Molchany talking about her decision to become a politician; Liz Moore Pessaro, who will discuss leaving the corporate world to open her restaurant Bluebird Kitchen; and Dr. Jessie B. Ramey, an award-winning writer and scholar who started the blog Yinzercation to rally for quality public education. "Born Again" takes place on Monday, Oct. 8. Audience participation will be encouraged at these free events. Complete details about the Town Hall series will be available in the fall.

Also new this season is a 7 pm starting time for all Tuesday shows. Six-play packages (ranging from $135 to $321) and tickets for Second City for President are currently available. Single tickets for Born Yesterday go on sale Monday, Aug. 20. Single tickets for all other shows go on sale Tues., Sept. 4. Tickets and complete details are available by calling the Box Office at 412.316.1600 or online at ppt.org. Pittsburgh Public Theater's home is the O'Reilly Theater at 621 Penn Avenue, in the heart of Downtown's Cultural District.

Pittsburgh Public Theater's 2012/2013 MADE IN AMERICA Season

SPECIAL EVENT: Second City for President. August 24 & 25

This gut-busting revue will dole out laughter at the expense of both sides of the aisle. If you elect to attend, their campaign promises non-stop hilarity and the wildest of political parties. The Second City, which launched the careers of Tina Fey, Stephen Colbert, Steve Carrell and many others, celebrates more than 50 years of cutting-edge satirical revues. Their current touring troupe features the next generation of the comedy world's best and brightest, performing the company's trademark improvisation and sketch comedy with musical accompaniment and audience participation. Showtimes: Fri., Aug. 24 at 8 pm & Sat., Aug. 25 at 5:30 and 9 pm. A cash bar will be open during each performance. 

Born Yesterday. By Garson Kanin. Directed by Ted Pappas

September 27 – October 28, 2012

This hilarious classic comedy tells the tale of Billie Dawn's transformation from ditzy showgirl to solid citizen. The makeover begins when her crooked boyfriend, Harry Brock, goes to Washington to buy himself a Senator and decides that Billie is too dumb to mingle with the political smart set. He hires a nerdy journalist to teach her how to fit in, and what transpires is the stuff of Broadway and Hollywood legend.

Good People. By David Lindsay-Abaire. Directed by Tracy Brigden

November 8 – December 9, 2012

The distance between Boston's Chestnut Hill and the Lower End is measured in more than miles. Mike and Margaret both grew up poor, but he made it out and became a doctor while she is stuck – a single mother who gets by on sarcasm and bingo games with her pals. When they meet again, an invitation leads Margaret to his luxurious home and into a turbulent conversation with Mike and his surprising wife. This tough and tender play looks at luck, choices, blame, pride, and what people will do to survive. 

Alexandra Strycula is currently pursuing a degree in Theatre and American Studies at Barnard College of Columbia University in New York City. While at Barnard, Alexandra has produced and assistant directed several works of student theatre. Her keen interest in arts administration has also led her to positions with Disney-ABC Television Group, Pittsburgh CLO, The New Group, The New York Musical Theatre Festival, and Pittsburgh Irish and Classical Theatre. Born and raised in the suburbs of Pittsburgh, Alexandra is thrilled to put her theatrical passion to use as a contributing editor for her hometown.

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