Summer in Pittsburgh isn’t just about festivals and picnics; it’s also a fantastic time to catch some of the last incredible theater performances of the 2024-2025 season. From the start of June all the way through the end of August, the city’s stages continue to thrive with a captivating mix of plays and musicals. There’s a seat just waiting for you at a number of Broadway musicals, familiar plays, and Shakespeare performances under the stars. Get ready to plan some memorable evenings out, because Pittsburgh’s summer theater scene is here to deliver a whole lot of on-stage magic and even give you an escape from the heat.
Summer Theater Performances in Pittsburgh
Sister Strikes Again! Late Nite Catechism 2
June 5-29, The Lillie Theatre
Kimberly Richards is back as Sister in this sequel that analyzes the Catholic church. In this comedy, Sister speaks directly to the audience in order to save their souls. She lets us know that we are guilty for tattoos, going to Hooters, and oh so much more. You’ll leave with a stomach full of laughter and maybe a few deeper questions too.
Lerner & Loewe’s Camelot
June 17-22, Benedum Center
Journey back to the days of King Arthur in this hauntingly beautiful musical by the Pittsburgh CLO. The story follows the love triangle between King Arthur, Queen Guenevere, and Sir Lancelot as they fight for passion and power all at once. Let the scenery take you away to this tale of olden times and ferocious battles.
Public Works Twelfth Night
June 27-29, O’Reilly Theater
An adaptation of Shakespeare’s most famous comedy, Public Works’ version of Twelfth Night takes this story into the modern ages with a pop score. Watch as Viola, shipwrecked and alone, disguises herself as a man in order to find safety. What ensues is one of the craziest, most hilarious love stories you’ll ever hear.
Back to the Future: The Musical
July 1-6, Benedum Center
Your favorite 80s movie is getting a musical upgrade at the Benedum Center. Pittsburgh CLO brings Doc Brown and Marty McFly to the stage including catchy songs and iconic set pieces. Don’t miss your chance to see this 2022 Olivier Award Winner for Best New Musical.
The Screwtape Letters
July 13, Byham Theater
C.S. Lewis’ The Screwtape Letters gets its satirical stage adaptation to tell a story of Earth and Hell. We’ll get to know Screwtape, a senior tempter in Hell, who plots to capture the soul of a human on Earth. What comes is a pull of spiritual warfare in a comedic yet serious fashion which is relevant to our own world.
Disney’s Frozen
July 18-27, Benedum Center
All families will want to head to see their best friends Elsa, Anna, Sven, and Kristoff on the Benedum Center stage for Pittsburgh CLO’s performance of Disney’s Frozen. Kids and adults alike will awe at the lifelike puppets and effects that bring this story of sisterhood and friendship to life.
Two Gentlemen of Verona
August 1-3 and 8-9, Tall Trees Amphitheater
Relax in the outdoors as Poor Yorick’s Players put on their summer Shakespeare in the park show. Two Gentlemen of Verona is a tale of two best friends Valentine and Proteus who happen to fall for the same lady who also happens to be taken… oh and Proteus is taken as well. What better place for this epic love story than the calm of Monroeville Park?
Fences
August 8-September 14, Outdoors at August Wilson House
Pittsburgh honors August Wilson with a series of his classic plays called August Wilson’s American Century Cycle Experience. Fences by August Wilson touches on a resident of Pittsburgh’s Hill District, Troy Maxson. It’s a story of generational struggle as he watches his son excel in ways he was never given an opportunity to.
Sunday in the Park with George
August 15-24, New Hazlett Theater
Stephen Sondheim’s Pulitzer Prize winning musical, Sunday in the Park with George takes inspiration from the painting A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte by French pointillist painter Georges Seurat. Here we meet George’s fictional version as his painting comes to life and later his great-grandson, George. It’s one of those musicals that everyone should see at least once in their lives.
Story by Kylie Thomas
Photo Courtesy of Michael Henninger
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