Up-and-coming theatre productions in Pittsburgh

If you’re into the theatre scene, you don’t have to travel to the Big Apple to see great,… If you’re into the theatre scene, you don’t have to travel to the Big Apple to see great, live performances. From a comedic musical to a Salem witch trial and all the way to a Bollywood drama, the Pittsburgh theatre district has something in store for everyone this summer.

Through July 30

“Forbidden Broadway”

Theatre Square Cabaret

Enjoy a side-splitting spoof of the stars and shows that have made Broadway famous while sitting in a lounge-type venue. Arrive early and you can make it dinner and a musical with fine meal choices from the Cabaret menu served right to your seat.

The Theatre Square Cabaret is Pittsburgh’s newest venue; with food catering and late, late shows, it provides a nice alternative to those who study or work late into the summer nights.

This show has some mature themes and adult language, so it’s best not to bring along your little brother or sister for this one.

Tickets range from $30.50 to $37.50, but a student purchase through Pitt Arts can get you a seat for $12.

July 27 – Aug. 20

“The Crucible”

Quantum Theatre at Mellon Park, Shadyside

Take a trip outdoors to hear the words of America’s most beloved playwright, Arthur Miller, in Quantum Theatre’s adaptation of “The Crucible.” The company calls it an “elemental” version of play about witch trials, so expect the unexpected.

Quantum, founded by Karla Boos, is Pittsburgh’s most innovative and daring theatrical company. Famous for its edgy, environmental set-designs, Quantum may go hardcore for this production and seat the audience on trees. Who knows what’s brewing in their cauldron?

Save this date: On the July 30 performance, you can learn more about the actors, director and what’s really on Karla Boos’ mind with a “Talkback Evening” directly after the show.

Tickets start at $24; Pitt Arts can get you in for $15.

Aug. 1 – Aug. 6

“Bombay Dreams!”

Benedum Center

Mix the biggest movie industry in the world with a dash of groovy dance songs about a young Indian actor in search of his dreams, and what do you get? The Broadway version of Bollywood.

“Bombay Dreams!” might not inspire you to abandon all things Hollywood, but it will certainly expose you to a multi-faceted culture shared by more than a billion people. And it’s a great love story produced by none other than the man behind “The Phantom of the Opera,” Andrew Lloyd Webber.

Having toured in London, New York and Atlanta with great success, “Bombay Dreams!” promises much for Pittsburgh.

Tickets range form $16.50 to $52.50; check out Pitt Arts for cheaper seats.

Aug. 24 – Aug. 27

“RENT”

Benedum Center

Ten live seasons, a Sony Pictures movie deal, a scorching soundtrack — Broadway’s award-winning musical just keeps getting hotter. This show is a particular favorite among students for its young-love story set in the East Village of New York City.

One of the most diverse and groundbreaking shows from Broadway, featuring characters who struggle with orientation, race and the AIDS epidemic, “RENT” is a must-see for all who want to know what makes a Tony and Pulitzer Prize-winning play.

If you’re keen on seeing one of the six (or all six!) performances in Pittsburgh, get tickets early. The Box Office opened July 10 for seat reservations.

Tickets start at $27.50; limited student discounts are available.

Finally, for those of you who take the absurdist or post-modern approach to life and theatre, Samuel Beckett’s “Waiting for Godot” will run Oct. 18 through 22 (you folks don’t care for summer anyway!) at the Byham Theatre. This will be rare performance by the Gate Theatre of Ireland, but if you can’t attend this show, Pittsburgh will have many troupes performing Beckett’s plays from August to September as part of a centennial celebration of his birth. After all, this summer in Pittsburgh really is all drama.