Billy Strayhorn: Something to Live For

Billy Strayhorn: Something to Live For

Featuring a stunning score, Billy Strayhorn: Something to Live For brings to life the remarkable true story of one of the greatest composers of all time. From his impoverished beginnings in Pittsburgh to his lifelong collaboration with Duke Ellington, this world-premiere new musical follows the highs and lows of Billy Strayhorn's career, the joys and heartbreak of his personal life, and the challenges he faced living as an openly gay Black man in mid-20th century America at the dawn of the civil rights movement. Through his collaborations with Lena Horne, Billie Holiday, and the greatest jazz orchestra of all time, Billy Strayhorn transcended barriers and brought a unique fusion of jazz and classical music to the world with all-time favorites including “Take the ‘A’ Train” and the immortal “Lush Life.”

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Billy Strayhorn: Something to Live For
  • BILLY STRAYHORN: SOMETHING TO LIVE FOR | Pittsburgh Public Theater

    Featuring a stunning score, Billy Strayhorn: Something to Live For brings to life the remarkable true story of one of the greatest composers of all time. From his impoverished beginnings in Pittsburgh to his lifelong collaboration with Duke Ellington, this world-premiere new musical follows the h...

Extras

  • Meet the Artist: Matthew Whitaker

    Introducing Matthew Whitaker, acclaimed pianist and music director of BILLY STRAYHORN: SOMETHING TO LIVE FOR. Follow Matthew on his journey through music and the unique challenges he faces as a music director who is visually impaired. Learn how he approaches the process, how music has shaped his ...

  • Meet the Artist: Dell Howlett

    Meet Dell Howlett, choreographer of BILLY STRAYHORN: SOMETHING TO LIVE FOR at Pittsburgh Public Theater. Learn what a choreographer is, and how they help shape a story through movement. Hear about Dell's unique artistic journey and even get a chance to try out your own moves by learning a basic s...

  • Meet the Artist: Kent Gash and Rob Zellers

    Sit down with playwrights Rob Zellers and Kent Gash, who co-wrote BILLY STRAYHORN: SOMETHING TO LIVE FOR at Pittsburgh Public Theater. Learn about the art of directing, playwriting, and how collaboration is at the heart of theater and storytelling. (Content rated PG)

  • Billy Strayhorn - Content Rating Guide

    147 KB

    This detailed description of our content rating for Billy Strayhorn: Something to Live For contains a detailed annotation of considerations that go into the show's PG-13 rating.

  • Billy Strayhorn - Play Guide

    22.2 MB

    This play guide walks educators and students through detailed information about the context of the story, historical figures depicted in the show, and more.