Pittsburgh CLO has announced the casts of productions for its 2026 summer season, a mix of frequent PCLO performers, Pittsburgh-based artists, and newcomers. After 80 seasons as the Pittsburgh Civic Light Opera, this is the company’s final season of locally produced professional musicals under that name. A new entity that combines elements of Pittsburgh Public Theater and Pittsburgh CLO will be announced in January 2027. Also this summer, PCLO also will presents the National Tour of Suffs, July 21-16, 2026.
BEAUTIFUL: THE CAROLE KING MUSICAL | June 23-28, 2026 | Benedum Center.
Leading the large cast is Kyra Kennedy (Pittsburgh Public Theater’s production of Steel Magnolias) as Carole, and Carnegie Mellon alums Dylan S. Wallach as Gerry Goffin and Lee Harrington (Company at PPT) as Cynthia Weil.
The cast also includes Barrett Riggins as Barry Mann, and Pittsburgh-based actors J. Alex Noble as Don Kirshner and Christine Laitta as Genie Klein, King’s mother, along with Brett Barthelemy as Lou Adler. Pittsburgher Max Peluso, as Nick and a Righteous Brother, previously was seen in the 2023 production of The Sound of Music as Friedrich Von Trapp.
Marina Brazendale, a rising sophomore at CMU, plays pop singer Marilyn Wald. Cadence Gates, as Janelle/Shirelle, is a rising senior at the University of Oklahoma, making her PCLO debut. In her third PCLO show, Samantha Allison Nelson (CMU) plays “Uptown” Singer/Shirelle.
Cast members representing many of the voices of 1960s pop music include Anthony Cangiamila, Charles Curry, J’Quay Gibbs, Laura Guley, Mell Holley, Isabel Mincy, Avery Ramsey, Kai Sachon, Ayyoob Shuibat, Sunayna Smith, Bree S. Taylor, and Justus Wheatley.
The teen ensemble includes Zev Aselson, Adalyn Burgoyne, Sialia Chambers, Mia Evankovich, Drew Haring, Kaitlin Howe, Paislie Klein-Merlin, Trevor McClintock-Comeaux, Anna Rhoads, and Simran Shah.
Dan Knechtges serves as director/choreographer, with music director Catie Brown.
“There’s no better way to begin our 2026 PNC Summer of Musicals than with the uplifting story and unforgettable music of Beautiful,” said Mark Fleischer, Pittsburgh CLO Executive Producer. “This production showcases the extraordinary depth of talent that defines Pittsburgh CLO, with Academy students, emerging professionals, accomplished local artists, and Broadway veterans sharing the stage together. Created right here in Pittsburgh for our community, Beautiful celebrates the power of music, mentorship, and storytelling to bring people together.”
MORE THAN A SHOW EVENTS
- Create Your Own Tapestry Crafting with Contemporary Craft (Wednesday, June 24, 6 p.m., Benedum Center Multipurpose Room).
- Vocal Masterclass for ages 8-18 (Thursday, June 25, 4 p.m., Pittsburgh CLO Academy of Musical Theater).
- Talkback with cast (Thursday, June 25, immediately following performance).
MEAN GIRLS | July 7-12, 2026 | Benedum Center
As with the Beautiful cast, Mean Girls reflects a mix of Pittsburgh CLO alumni and performers making their PCLO debuts.
“We’re thrilled to welcome back so many familiar faces while also introducing exciting new talent to our audiences,” said Fleischer said.
As Apex Predator Regina George, Cecilia Petrush “is excited to step into one of her dream roles.” The Murrysville native is fresh off the National Tour of MJ the Musical (Rachel). Abigail Isom, as Cady, “is stoked to be making her PCLO debut!”
The cast includes Sydni Moon as Gretchen, Point Park graduate Kaley Bender as Karen, Luda Jade Harlan as Janis, Jack Haroutunian as Damian, and Quincy Hampton as Aaron. Jennifer Lybarger (Ms. Heron/Ms. Norbury/Mrs. George) returns to the stage after spending the last decade directing at Pittsburgh CAPA 6-12, Little Lake Theatre and the Pittsburgh CLO Academy.
Brady D. Patsy is back with PCLO as Mr. Duvall, while rising Point Park senior Rayhan Khimji plays Kevin in his PCLO debut.
Pittsburgher and Dance Moms alum Nia Sioux joins the cast as a featured ensemble member. Sioux made her off-Broadway debut in 2016’s Trip of Love. and is currently starring in 11 to Midnight. Along with a recording career and publishing a book, her stage and screen credits have included a cameo appearance as herself in the screen version of the Mean Girls musical.
The PCLO ensemble includes Brett Barthelemy, Bella Bilandzija, Ben Allen Carter, Lydia Holland, Emmy J. Lane, Paris Martino, Maile Oravitz, Brittany Pent Rohm, Kai Sachon, Austin Schulte, Alejandro Tinnell, Lyla Tsiokos, Rodrigo Varandas and Sioux.
The creative team includes director Mara Newbery Greer, choreographer Dana Solimando, and music director Robert Neumeyer.
MORE THAN A SHOW EVENTS
- Anti-Burn Book Crafting, with War Streets Art Salon (Wednesday, July 8 at 6 p.m., Benedum Center Multipurpose Room).
- Dance Masterclass, ages 8-18 (Thursday, July 9 at 4 p.m., Pittsburgh CLO Academy of Musical Theater, $40 and one performance ticket).
- Talkback with cast (Thursday, July 9, immediately following performance).
- Mean Girls Spring Fling, ages 18+ (Saturday, July 11, immediately following evening performance, Benedum Center Multipurpose Room)
TICKETS AND DETAILS
Tickets are on sale now at pittsburghclo.org or 412-456-6666. Click on the show’s “info” for more information about cast members and the creative team.
Categories: Our Posts, Show Previews
Leave a Reply