BILLY STRAYHORN: SOMETHING TO LIVE FOR | Pittsburgh Public Theater
Billy Strayhorn: Something to Live For
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Biography, LGBT, Musical, D (Suggestive Dialogue), D (Substance Abuse), P (Prejudice), PPS (Photo Pattern Sensitivity), V (Violence), L (Coarse Language), PG-13, 19-Sep-2023
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.”
Rated PG-13 for multiple slurs relating to sexuality and race, romantic innuendo, brief video projections of police brutality from the civil rights movement to the present day, and a brief scene with on-stage racially motivated violence. Suitable for most audiences 13+ with caution advised for pre-teen and younger audiences. This show contains a brief sequence of flashing lights that may affect people who experience photosensitivity. The show contains haze and fog effects. this show includes profanity, adult themes, and reference of alcohol and drugs on and off stage. Suitable for most audiences 13+ (Grades 9-12), with caution and guidance advised for pre-teen and younger audiences.
Up Next in Billy Strayhorn: Something to Live For
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Meet the Artist: Kent Gash and Rob Ze...
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)
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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...
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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 ...