When there are so many theater performances in Pittsburgh, it can be hard to choose which to buy tickets for first. Thankfully, Patrick Jordan is here to help with his top 5 must-see theater productions of 2025.
At the helm of barebones productions since 2003, Patrick Jordan focuses on three interdependent key elements of theater: the plays, the artists, and the audience. Even as this tripartite focus informs his work, it also makes him constantly curious about what’s happening in live theater. He shares some key productions, both his own and those of colleagues, which TABLE readers should put in their 2025 bucket lists.
The Top 7 Pittsburgh Theater Performances of 2025
The Shark is Broken by barebones productions
Barebones Black Box Theater in Braddock, May 30-June 15
We kicked off our 22nd Season with an excellent one-man piece, written and performed by Jay Sefton, that broached some heavy topics. True to barebones form, we’re turning the season on its ear with a hilarious piece celebrating movie history. To celebrate the 50th anniversary of the first summer blockbuster, The Shark is Broken is a hysterical and touching look behind the scenes on the “Orca” with your favorite three cast members during the making of Jaws. I’m also performing in this one – and let me tell you, the sideburns alone might be worth coming out for. We’re also doing some pretty amazing collabs with our neighbors at Braddock Public House for this – stay tuned to our socials for those!
The Seagull by Quantum Theatre
Chatham’s Outdoor Pond, July 24-August 17
Quantum’s founder Karla Boos creates dynamic experiences for Pittsburgh audiences. Joanie Schultz is adapting Anton Chekov’s The Seagull for this production staged at Chatham’s Outdoor Pond. As an actor, one of my most memorable Pittsburgh theatre experiences was performing in Quantum’s outdoor production of Cymbeline. Every night is different in an ever-changing environment, and it’s as exciting for the actors as it is for the audience. This production of The Seagull also features one of my favorite actors, Phoebe Lloyd, who recently brought down the house as Fianna Devlin in barebones’ recent production in Crocodile Fever.
Two Trains Running by Pittsburgh Playwrights
Madison Arts Center, August 9–30
There’s no place I would rather see August Wilson plays performed than at Pittsburgh Playwrights and under the care of Mark Southers. What Mark and his team are doing to preserve this legacy is remarkable. Set in the ’60s, Two Trains Running is one of my favorite August Wilson works. Without giving too much away, the main character’s restaurant is becomes a target for demolition by the city in the name of urban renewal. It’s eerily reminiscent of issues people are facing today and that’s why Wilson’s work will always stand the test of time.
Midnight Radio in the Dark by Bricolage Production Company
Wilkinsburg, September
barebones and Bricolage have collaborated since day one on so many creative projects – we’ve performed in each other’s shows, helped build each other’s sets, and worked together in a way that’s rare and special for two theatre companies in the same small city. Needless to say, this company and everyone in it have a special place in my heart. I performed in some of their first Midnight Radio productions and most recently hosted them at our theater in Braddock when they brought back Midnight Radio Die Hard N’At this past holiday season. It’s some of the most fun you can have on or off the stage. Midnight Radio in the Dark is a new format and I can’t wait to see what Jeff and Tami have up their sleeves!
Another Kind of Silence
City Theatre, September 20–October 12
City Theatre is known for producing great new works. I am really looking forward to this rolling world premiere that is kicking off in Pittsburgh. The play is bilingual – English and American Sign Language – and will feature both a hearing and Deaf cast and creative team. Giving visibility and voice to artists of all backgrounds is something I am passionate about and this production will deliver that experience to artists and audiences alike. The play is described as, “An epic journey of language, desire, and dreaming”… I am ready to get on board!
Dracula by Pittsburgh Ballet Theater
Benedum Center, October 31-November 2
The PBT has been knocking it out of the park with their season selections the past few years. They have incredible and diverse programming for every age, but I have to say I am really looking forward to their Dracula ballet, just in time for Halloween. You know I love dark pieces and this production is based on Bram Stoker’s classic story. The costuming alone will be worth the price of admission. Luckily, we also have incredible world class dancers that bring the drama to every piece they endeavor. I have to give a shout out to the legendary and wonderful arts champion Lou Castelli for opening up the world of ballet to so many of us, just by being a part of this storied and respected company.
God Of Carnage by barebones productions
Barebones Black Box Theater in Braddock, November 2025
Some of my favorite Pittsburgh-based actors have signed on for this one and it’s going to be explosive. The Tony-Award winning play begins with a playground altercation between eleven-year-old boys that brings together two sets of Brooklyn parents for a meeting to resolve the matter. At first, diplomatic niceties are observed, but as the meeting progresses and the rum flows, tensions emerge and the gloves come off. This work has the barebones signature viscerality and it will leave you wrung out, in the best possible way.
Story by Patrick Jordan, barebones productions
Photo Courtesy of barebones productions
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