SYNOPSIS:

From Pittsburgh Public Theater’s own Rob Zellers (The Chief) with award-winning CMU grad Kent Gash comes a world premiere musical that tells the extraordinary story of jazz genius and Pittsburgh native Billy Strayhorn. Featuring riveting live jazz led by Yamaha sponsored artist Matthew Whitaker with deft choreography from Dell Howlett, Billy Strayhorn: Something to Live For pulls back the curtain to reveal the man behind household hits like “Lush Life” and “Take the ‘A’ Train.” Even as he composed for and inspired greats like Duke Ellington and Billie Holiday, Strayhorn endured hostility and heartbreak as an openly gay Black artist in mid-20th century America.

Charting Strayhorn’s groundbreaking creativity, activism, and relationships, the production follow this American prodigy and hometown hero as he pursues his passion for music and a life on his own terms in Billy Strayhorn: Something to Live For.

Directed by Kent Gash

Music Direction by Matthew Whitaker

Choreography by Dell Howlett

Featuring Charl Brown, Taylor C. Collier, Darius de Haas, Tracy Anthony Dunbar, Joseph Robert Fedore, Keziah John-Paul, Richard McBride, Joseph McGranaghan, J.D. Mollison, Arielle Roberts, Saige Smith

Tickets from $32