Thursday, May 9, 2013

Lion King Tix Go on Sale


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Today's date: April 29, 2013
Contact:
PNC Broadway Across America-Pittsburgh
Shaunda Miles, miles@trustarts.org
Diana Roth, roth@trustarts.org


Tickets for Disney’s THE LION KING On Sale in Pittsburgh on Monday, May 6, 2013
Performances begin on Tuesday, September 3 and and play for four weeks through September 29, 2013, at the Benedum Center.

Pittsburgh, PA:  Disney Theatrical Productions and PNC Broadway Across America-Pittsburgh announce that tickets for the long-awaited return engagement of Disney’s THE LION KING will go on sale to the public on Monday, May 6, 2013 at 9:00a.m. EDT.  Pittsburgh’s most eagerly awaited return will once again leap onto the Benedum Center stage on Tuesday, September 3 for a limited engagement of four weeks through Sunday, September 29.  The opening night is Friday, September 6 at 8:00 p.m.

Tree of Life 
The show’s six-week premiere engagement in 2004 played a sold-out run at the Benedum Center and received the following praise from the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette (1/12/04),  “ The Lion King is a triumph of visual design, but it is also a marriage of human and animal, of actor and puppet, that seems to extend and multiply theatrical possibility.” For Pittsburgh’s second sold-out engagement, six-weeks in 2008, the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review commented (1/15/08), “The spectacle and solid storytelling of The Lion King continue to delight audiences as this Disney musical makes a return appearance in Pittsburgh.”


Disney’s THE LION KING is part of the PNC Broadway Across America-Pittsburgh series, presented by The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, Broadway Across America and Pittsburgh Symphony.

In Pittsburgh THE LION KING will play Tuesday through Thursday evenings at 7:30 p.m., Friday evenings at 8:00 p.m., Saturdays at 2:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. and Sunday at 1:00 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. There will be a 1:00 p.m. matinee performance on Thursday, September 26.  Beginning Monday, May 6, 2013 tickets (starting at $30) will be available at the Theater Square Box Office, 655 Penn Avenue, and online at TrustArts.org.  VIP Ticket Packages are also available and include a prime seat location, a commemorative souvenir program and an exclusive THE LION KING merchandise item. To charge tickets, call (412) 456-4800. Orders for groups of fifteen (15) or more may be placed by calling (412) 471-6930; email at groupsales@TrustArts.org or www.TrustArts.org/groupsales.

Ticket buyers are reminded that www.TrustArts.org and Box Office at Theater Square, 655 Penn Avenue are the only official retail ticket outlets for all performances at the Benedum Center, a project of the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust. Ticket buyers who purchase tickets from a ticket broker or any third party, should be aware that the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust’s box office is unable to reprint or replace lost or stolen tickets and is unable to contact patrons with information regarding time changes or other pertinent updates regarding the performance.

The North American touring productions of THE LION KING have been seen by more than 14 million theatergoers and grossed over $983 million to date.  Having already played more than 70 cities across North America, THE LION KING now proudly makes its third return engagement at the Benedum Center, Pittsburgh, PA, September 3-29, 2013.  The current schedule is listed below.  

ABOUT THE LION KING
In its 16th year, THE LION KING remains ascendant, and one of the most popular stage musicals in the world.  Since its Broadway premiere on November 13, 1997, 21 global productions have been seen by more than 68 million people and, cumulatively, run a staggering 96 years.  Produced by Disney Theatrical Productions (under the direction of Thomas Schumacher), THE LION KING is only the second show in history to generate five productions worldwide running 10 or more years.  Translated into seven different languages (Japanese, German, Korean, French, Dutch, Mandarin, Spanish and Portuguese), productions of THE LION KING can currently be seen on Broadway and on tour across North America, in Tokyo and on tour in Japan, in London’s West End and on tour throughout the UK, and in Hamburg, Madrid and Sao Paolo.  To date, THE LION KING has played 98 cities in 16 countries on every continent except Antarctica.

Among the most successful titles in entertainment history, with a cumulative gross in excess of $5 billion, the stage production of THE LION KING has already earned more than the biggest hit films in movie history: more than the Lord of the Rings trilogy combined, more than the six Star Wars films combined, and more than Avatar and Titanic, the two highest-grossing films in movie history, combined.

The award-winning musical will celebrate a new milestone in December 2013 when it returns to Australia, making it the tenth concurrent worldwide production of THE LION KING, the highest number of productions running at any one time in the show’s history.  

THE LION KING won six 1998 Tony® Awards:  Best Musical, Best Scenic Design (Richard Hudson), Best Costume Design (Julie Taymor), Best Lighting Design (Donald Holder), Best Choreography (Garth Fagan) and Best Direction of a Musical.  THE LION KING has also earned more than 70 major arts awards including the 1998 NY Drama Critics Circle Award for Best Musical, the 1999 Grammy® for Best Musical Show Album, the 1999 Evening Standard Award for Theatrical Event of the Year and the 1999 Laurence Olivier Awards for Best Choreography and Best Costume Design.

The show’s director, costume designer and mask co-designer Julie Taymor continues to play an integral part in the show’s ongoing success.  The first woman to win a Tony® Award for Direction of a Musical, Taymor has in recent years supervised new productions of the show in Las Vegas, Madrid and the UK tour and just completed casting the Brazilian production in Sao Paolo.

The Broadway score features Elton John and Tim Rice’s music from The Lion King animated film along with three new songs by John and Rice; additional musical material by South African Lebo M, Mark Mancina, Jay Rifkin, Julie Taymor and Hans Zimmer; and music from "Rhythm of the Pride Lands," an album inspired by the original music in the film, written by Lebo M, Mark Mancina and Hans Zimmer.  The resulting sound of THE LION KING is a fusion of Western popular music and the distinctive sounds and rhythms of Africa, ranging from the Academy Award®-winning song “Can You Feel the Love Tonight” to the haunting ballad “Shadowland.”

The book has been adapted by Roger Allers, who co-directed The Lion King animated feature, and Irene Mecchi, who co-wrote the film’s screenplay.  Other members of the creative team include:  Michael Curry, who designed the masks and puppets with Taymor, Steve Canyon Kennedy (sound design), Michael Ward (hair and makeup design), John Stefaniuk (associate director), Marey Griffith (associate choreographer), Clement Ishmael (music supervisor) and Doc Zorthian (production supervisor). Anne Quart serves as associate producer.

 Photo Credit: Joan Marcus
Posted on behalf of Dreamweaver Marketing Associates.  Joyce Kane is the owner of Cybertary Pittsburgh, a Virtual Administrative support company, providing virtual office support, personal and executive assistance, creative design services and light bookkeeping.  Cybertary works with businesses and busy individuals to help them work 'on' their business rather than 'in' their business.  www.Cybertary.com/Pittsburgh

27th Annual Pittsburgh International Children's Festival


The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust Presents:
 The 27th Annual Pittsburgh International Children’s Festival
May 15-19, 2013
Preview Opportunities:
Monday, May 13 & Tuesday, May 14, 2013
Festival Information: www.PGHKIDS.org | Box Office: 412-456-6666


Festival Overview
The Festival is presented by The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust and programming division, Pittsburgh International Children's Theater.  Pittsburgh currently hosts one of only four international theater festivals for children in the United States.  Over 100 performances and activities draw upwards of 20,000 visitors each year with the goal of promoting an understanding of and appreciation for different cultures. The Children’s Festival has presented over 500 performing arts companies from over 40 countries.

Giant Eagle is the presenting sponsor of this year's Pittsburgh International Children's Festival with the generous help of Citiparks, the University of Pittsburgh, the Parks Conservancy and Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh.  This year, the Festival is pleased to welcome featured performers from Australia, Russia, Ireland, the United Kingdom and United States.  Each performance will be as educational as it is fun, and throughout the Festival, children are encouraged to participate in the process.  Additionally, the Festival will have free hands-on activities and performances at two free outdoor Community Stages.  The Festival will once again take place in the beautiful green spaces surrounding Schenley Plaza and the University of Pittsburgh in Oakland.

Below is a list of various media opportunities during the Festival.  Additional interview opportunities may be available upon request.

Monday, May 13 (Preview)
The Girl Who Forgot to Sing Badly
In Studio Interview with Louis Lovette, Co-Founder of Theatre Lovette (Ireland)

*Louis Lovett leads the audience on an adventure that crosses snowy lands and wild seas. All the while, Peggy sings with the voice of an angel—a grossly unfortunate angel, who can’t sing at all. As Peggy desperately tries to save the day, we learn about love, loss, the reassurance of goats, and the courage to sing gloriously on-or off-key.

In Studio Interview with Pam Lieberman, Executive Director-Pittsburgh International Children's Theater / Manager of Children's Theater Programming-Pittsburgh Cultural Trust
Tuesday, May 14 (Preview)
The Girl Who Forgot to Sing Badly
In Studio Interview with Louis Lovette, Co-Founder of Theatre Lovette (Ireland)

Tuesday, May 14 (Preview)
Preview Reception
Time: 6:30-7:00 pm - Preview of Exxopolis by Architects of Air(Nottingham, UK)

Location: Mazeroski Field, Corner of Clemente Drive & Schenley Drive (Across from the Frick Fine Arts Building)

*Join us for this preview of Architects of Air outdoor luminaria installation: Exxopolis.  This installation was inspired from natural geometry and architecture and occupies half of a soccer field and rises to the height of a 3-story house!  This giant structure will astonish you with its colorful domes and beautiful stained glass effects.  Appropriate for all ages.

RSVP opening reception, Tuesday, May 14:
Diana Roth / roth@trustarts.org / 412-471-8717


Wednesday, May 15th
Opening Ceremonies
Time: 9:30am -  Opening Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

Location: Mazeroski Field, Corner of Clemente Drive & Schenley Drive (Across from the Frick Fine Arts Building)

*Photo/video/interview opportunity and media guests will be invited to walk through the installation.

Wednesday, May 15th
Dinosaur Petting Zoo
Time: After 2 pm
In Studio Interview with the artists from Erth Visual & Physical Inc.(Australia)

*Erth’s Dinosaur Petting Zoo transports you to the Australian outback where a rugged ranger and trusty dino keeper introduce you to a menagerie of Mesozoic monsters from around the world. Operated by supremely skilled puppeteers, every dino responds instantly to the audience for an intimate, authentic encounter.

Thursday, May 16th
Dinosaur Petting Zoo
Time: Before 8:15am or Between 2-5pm
In Studio Interview with the artists from Erth Visual & Physical Inc. (Australia)

Thursday, May 16th
Aga-Boom
Time: TBD
On set photo and interview opportunity with artists from 1 to 1 Entertainment (Russia/USA)

Location: Charity Randall Theatre, 4301 Forbes Avenue, Oakland

*Jump head-first into unbridled silliness with the clown clean-up crew—three former starts of Cirque du Soleil, Ringling Brothers and the Moscow Circus. Rooted in the unique style of theatrical clowning, Aga-Boom brings together the best traditions of circus arts, physical comedy and European avant-garde.

Thursday, May 16th
Dinosaur Petting Zoo
Time: Before 8:15am or Between 2-5pm
On set photo and interview opportunity with artists from Erth Visual & Physical Inc. (Australia)

Location:Bellefield Hall Auditorium, 315 South Bellefield Avenue, Oakland

*****

RSVP opening reception, Tuesday, May 14:
Diana Roth / roth@trustarts.org / 412-471-8717

Media contacts:
Shaunda Miles / miles@trustarts.org / 412-471-1578
Saul Markowitz / Markowitz Communications / saul@markowitzcommunications.com /
(cell): 412-977-8517 / (office): 412-577-5140
Diana Roth / roth@trustarts.org / 412-471-8717

Pittsburgh International Children's Festival press release and event photos are available at: http://www.TrustArts.org/press
Search: Children's Festival 2013

Complete Festival schedule is available at www.PGHKIDS.org

Posted on behalf of Dreamweaver Marketing Associates.  Joyce Kane is the owner of Cybertary Pittsburgh, a Virtual Administrative support company, providing virtual office support, personal and executive assistance, creative design services and light bookkeeping.  Cybertary works with businesses and busy individuals to help them work 'on' their business rather than 'in' their business.  www.Cybertary.com/Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre School Showcases Rising Talent


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                            
CONTACT:  Meghan McNamara
412-454-9117                                                                                                                    mmcnamara@pittsburghballet.org    
           

Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre School Showcases Rising Dance Talent in Spring Performance 2013 & Pre-Professional Showcase 2013

PITTSBURGH, PA (April 2013) – As the capstone of the 2012-2013 school year, Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre School will spotlight the talent and diversity of nearly 200 students in the 2013 Spring Performance and Pre-Professional Showcases onstage this May in the Cultural District.

Spring Performance 2013 – August Wilson Center
Friday, May 10, 2013 and Saturday, May 11, 2013 at 7 p.m.

Under the direction of PBT Artistic Director Terrence S. Orr and School Directors Marjorie Grundvig and Dennis Marshall, nearly 200 students from the school’s Student and Pre-Professional divisions will perform a range of classical and contemporary works, including choreography by James Washington of the August Wilson Center Dance Ensemble.

The program will include two works staged by PBT Artistic Director Terrence S. Orr – Graduation Ball, choreographed by David Lichine, as well as Swan Lake Act II Divertissements in anticipation of PBT’s upcoming full-length production of Swan Lake in the 2013-2014 Season. Graduation Ball is a one-act ballet full of festivities, flirtations and exuberant divertissements that take place when a girl’s boarding school and a nearby military academy come together to celebrate their Graduation Ball. In a cameo appearance as the headmistress, PBT company soloist Robert Moore will reprise the en travesti talents he recently performed as a Stepsister in PBT’s 2012-2013 Season finale Cinderella. PBT School Faculty member and former San Francisco Ballet principal Andre Reyes also will join the students onstage to perform the character role of the General.

In an artistic offshoot of PBT’s partnership with the August Wilson Center, James Washington of the August Wilson Center Dance Ensemble choreographed Beauty, The Lack Of on a group of PBT graduate students in December 2012. Set to music by Olafur Arnalds, the contemporary ballet work is about discovering the joy in life. Pre-Professional students also will perform the elegant classical quartet Quattro a Verdi, choreographed by Michael Smuin and staged by PBT School’s Andre Reyes. Finally, the choreography of PBT School Principal Anastasia Wovchko explores the artistic journey of 120 students in Level I-B through VI in A Midsummer Night’s Dream.

Pre-Professional Showcase 2013 – Point Park University, George Rowland White Performance Studio
Friday, May 17, at 7 p.m.; Saturday, May 18, at 1 p.m. & 7 p.m.; Sunday, May 19, at 1 p.m.

PBT School’s Pre-Professional Showcase features the high school and graduate students, ages 14 to 22, who are training to be the next generation of professional ballet dancers. In addition to Swan Lake Act II Divertissements,Beauty, the Lack of; Graduation Ball and Quattro a Verdi, the program will include an all-male work created by PBT School’s newest faculty member, Andre Reyes, to spotlight the talents of the young men of the Pre-Professional program. Spanning a range of age groups and training levels, PBT School dancers include 15 international students representing Japan, Canada, Guam and Japan, as well as incoming 2013-2014 PBT company apprentice Diana Yohe.

Tickets          
Tickets for Spring Performance 2013 range in price from $16.75-28.75, and can be purchased online at www.pbt.orgor by calling 412-456-6666. Tickets for the 2013 Pre-Professional Showcase are available for $20 online atwww.pbt.org or by calling 412-281-0360.

About Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre School
Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre School is the official training institution of Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre and has an enrollment of over 900 students, including the Children’s, Student, Pre-Professional and Open Divisions. The Children’s Division gives young students an introduction to ballet and prepares them for advancement to the Student Division. Dancers in the Student Division work to refine their technique and dancers in the Pre-Professional Program prepare for professional careers in classical ballet. Many students perform in an annual School Spring Performance, and some students are chosen by Artistic Director Terrence S. Orr to perform with Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre at the Benedum Center. Each year, PBT School students can audition for The Nutcracker, and in 2012 more than 150 were cast in a variety of roles.

Posted on behalf of Dreamweaver Marketing Associates.  Joyce Kane is the owner of Cybertary Pittsburgh, a Virtual Administrative support company, providing virtual office support, personal and executive assistance, creative design services and light bookkeeping.  Cybertary works with businesses and busy individuals to help them work 'on' their business rather than 'in' their business.  www.Cybertary.com/Pittsburgh