O’Reilly Theater
January 26—February 26
8 p.m., 2 p.m., 7 p.m.
Shakespeare may have penned Twelfth Night in 1601 as a way to entertain the Elizabethan court during the Christmas holiday, but this season at Pittsburgh Public Theater, Bard fans will experience the iconic comedy in entirely news ways.
Under the vision of Pittsburgh Public Theater’s own Ted Pappas, Shakespeare’s comedic masterpiece is due for a lively new production making its Pittsburgh premiere from January 26 through February 26 at downtown’s O’Reilly Theater.
Reinventing ancient Illyria as a circa 1912, pre-World War I locale filled with the sounds of jazz music and the sights of grand mansions and gardens (think: Newport, Rhode Island), the play showcases original new music composed by Michael Moricz. Music director and arranger for Broadway’s annual “Jimmy Awards,” Moricz has worked with John Lithgow, Chita Rivera and Marvin Hamlisch, created original music for Showtime, Disney and PBS and served as music director and pianist for the acclaimed children’s television series, Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood.
Follow all the action as outspoken Viola—who is reunited with her twin brother Sebastian—washes ashore after a dramatic shipwreck. Find out what ensues when Viola pretends to be a boy working as a servant to Duke Orsino, and her “gender disguise leads to an outrageously out-of-whack love triangle.”
Equal parts hilarious and moving, the refreshing new take on the classic is packed with plenty of rowdy plot twists, over-the-top pomposities, grand romance, and “ridiculous public displays of affection.”
Tackling the play’s singing duties and playing the role of Feste is Broadway veteran and Carnegie Mellon University graduate, Mitchell Jarvis. Accompanying Jarvis live on stage will be pianist Chad Bender as Curio and guitarist Andrew Miller as Valentine.
Starring as Viola is Carly Street, while her long-lost twin Sebastian is played by Max Rosenak. Twelfth Night also features Timothy D. Stickney (Duke Orsino), Gretchen Egolf (Olivia), John Ahlin (Sir Toby Belch), Daniel Krell (Sir Andrew Aguecheek), Helena Ruoti (Maria), and Brent Harris (Malvolio).
Looking for more events? Check out our Top 10 Pittsburgh events not to miss in January, Top 9 family events in Pittsburgh this January and our 17 can’t-miss Pittsburgh concerts in 2017 feature stories.
