Here is a look at the coming week’s openings along with a flurry of news from the business side of the performing arts in Greater Pittsburgh.
On Stage:
🎶 PNC Broadway in Pittsburgh Kicks Off with A Beautiful Noise
Start the season with the inspiring true story of a Brooklyn kid who became an American rock legend.
Created in collaboration with Neil Diamond, A Beautiful Noise celebrates his journey with hits like “America,” “Forever in Blue Jeans,” and “Sweet Caroline.” With sold-out concerts worldwide, Grammy® Lifetime Achievement, and inductions into the Songwriters and Rock and Roll Halls of Fame, his story is made for Broadway.
Presented by: Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, as part of the 2025-26 PNC Broadway in Pittsburgh series
📍 Location: Benedum Center
📅 Dates: September 9–13, 2025
🎸 Rock Out with Rock of Ages
Step back to 1987 on the Sunset Strip in this glitzy, glam-packed jukebox musical!
Follow Drew and Sherrie as they chase rock ‘n’ roll dreams while fighting to save the Strip from developers. Featuring ’80s hits like “We Built This City,” “I Wanna Rock,” and “Don’t Stop Believin’”, it’s a celebration of the spirit of rock ‘n’ roll.
📍 Location: Strand Theatre, Zelienople
📅 Dates: September 12–21, 2025
🎟 Tickets & Info
🎭 Pittsburgh New Works Festival – Final Weekend
The festival features new plays from local and international artists. Plays from the fourth weekend include:
- Happy by Marjorie Williamson (The Summer Company) – Brenda discovers that embracing happiness is more complicated than she thought.
- January by Sarah Schreck (R-ACT Theatre Productions) – A mother-daughter duo explores heroes, art, and generational bonds.
- Ahimsa by Matt Thekkethala (The Bobcat Players) – A joke sparks a fiery rift between lovers.
📍 Location: The Genesius Theater, Duquesne University
📅 Dates: September 11–14, 2025
🎟 Tickets & Info
🌟 Final Performances of August Wilson’s Fences
Pittsburgh Playwrights Theatre Company wraps up its August Wilson Experience with Fences, set in the 1950s Hill District. Follow Troy Maxson as he navigates generational change in this powerful drama.
📍 Location: August Wilson House
📅 Dates: Through September 14, 2025
🎟 Tickets & Info
“The downward spiraling of Troy is written in the agony and cruelty, sweat and tears expressed on Brown’s face…” – Sharon Eberson, onStage Pittsburgh
Off Stage:
🏆 Pittsburgh Cultural Trust Icon Awards 2025
The following individuals will honored at the Trust’s annual Gala this coming Saturday at the Benedum Center.
- Outstanding Community Impact: Charles R. “Chi” Burke, Jr. & the Grable Foundation. Burke is Chairman of The Grable Foundation—a family foundation dedicated to improving the lives of children in the Pittsburgh region. By supporting programs essential to young people and families, the Foundation aims to make Pittsburgh the best place in the world for children and families. Family and Foundation support of the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust includes contributions to the organization’s arts education initiatives.
- Outstanding Artistic Contribution: Christopher Hahn, General Director of Pittsburgh Opera, has been dedicated to artistic excellence in Pittsburgh for over 25 years. He was appointed General Director of Pittsburgh Opera in 2008, having served as Artistic Director since 2000. Since then, he has significantly enriched the company’s repertoire, introducing a range of Baroque and contemporary operas presented in various production styles, and transformed Pittsburgh Opera’s Resident Artists program into one of the country’s premier training programs for young artists. He is planning to retire following Pittsburgh Opera’s 2025-26 season.
- Outstanding Leadership: Sylvia Hill Fields, former Executive Director of the Eden Hall Foundationprovided philanthropic leadership to the Pittsburgh region as the executive director of the Eden Hall Foundation, which supports health, education, and social welfare programs. Recently retired, she was the first and only African American woman to direct a major private foundation in the Pittsburgh area. Eden Hall Foundation’s support of the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust under Fields’ leadership included essential contributions for the naming and renovation of the Greer Cabaret Theater and the construction of Arts Landing, among other initiatives.
🎭 Pittsburgh CLO Welcomes New Board Members
Joshua Stewart (PNC), Linda DiBucci (PiattSotheby’s International Realty), and Tracy Saula (Highmark Health) join the Board of Directors.
“We are delighted to welcome Joshua, Linda, and Tracy,” said Joseph V. DiVito, Jr., Chairman of the Board. Each brings professional expertise, community leadership, and a personal connection to Pittsburgh CLO’s mission. Their perspectives will help guide us into the future.”
💡 Arts Council Grant Applications Open
The Creative Sector Flex Fund offers $5,000 grants for arts organizations in Allegheny, Beaver, Greene, and Washington counties.
- Info Session: Tuesday, September 16, 12–1 p.m. (Zoom)
- Applications Open: Now – October 31, 2025
- Eligible Uses: Administrative, programmatic, and project-related expenses
To help organizations prepare, the Arts Council is hosting a free Info Session on Tuesday, September 16th, from 12–1 p.m. on Zoom. During the session, attendees will receive critical information about the program, including grant guidelines, program objectives, eligibility criteria, and other relevant details.
🔗 Application and full details here
📧 Email questions: grants@pittsburghartscouncil.org
💡 New Hazlett Theater Community Supported Art (CSA) – Season 14 Applications Open
Emerging and mid-career artists from Southwestern PA are invited to submit proposals for theater, dance, music, spoken word, or multidisciplinary performances.
- Submission Open: Tuesday, September 2, 2025
- Early Deadline: Friday, October 31, 2025 (feedback by November 10)
- Final Deadline: Sunday, November 30, 2025
Categories: Arts and Ideas
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