April 7–May 1, 2005
Ghetto Superstar
Presented by City Theatre in association with The Public Theater in New York City, the story of this Pittsburgh native, Broadway veteran, and recording artist is told with intensely candid writing and outrageous musical style.
City Theatre in association with The Public Theater in New York City presents Ghetto Superstar (The Man That I Am), written and performed by Billy Porter, from April 7 through May 1, 2005. Directed by Brad Rouse (Hedwig and The Angry Inch at City Theatre), Ghetto Superstar features vocalists Maria Becoates Bey (Constant Star at City Theatre) and Sherell Davis, along with a live quartet. Ghetto Superstar runs on City Theatre’s 270-seat mainstage, which will also include cabaret seating for 20.
Many people in Pittsburgh know Billy Porter as an outstanding vocalist and actor. In Ghetto Superstar he reveals the powerful experiences that shaped him. As a black Christian child growing up in Pittsburgh, Billy was recognized for his amazing voice, singing and even preaching in the Friendship Baptist Church. As time went on, however, it became apparent that Billy’s ministry would be non-traditional. As an adolescent he faced challenges at home and at school, and also issues of personal identity.
Billy’s life was transformed when he saw Jennifer Holliday perform on the Tony Awards in 1982. “From that moment on, the theatre became my church. My life is in two parts: B.C. and A.D.—Before Christ and After Dreamgirls,” he says. Ghetto Superstar shares Billy’s life, from the Dancin’ Feats troupe at Kennywood Park to the Broadway company of Miss Saigon; from Star Search with Britney Spears to Grease with Rosie O’Donnell; from losing his voice to discovering the man that he is.
Ghetto Superstar features original music composed by Billy Porter, as well as songs by artists such as Rodgers & Hart, Marvin Hamlisch, Donna Summer, and traditional gospel music.
The design team for City Theatre’s production of Ghetto Superstar is: Michael Olich, set design; Andrew David Ostrowski, lighting; Miguel Angel Huidor, costumes; James Sampliner, music supervision and orchestrations; and Elizabeth Atkinson, sound.
Preview Week Performance Schedule:
Thurs. & Fri. April 7 & 8 at 8 pm
Sat. April 9 at 5:30 pm
Sun. April 10 & Tues. April 12 at 7 pm
Press/Opening Night is Weds., April 13 at 8 pm.
Regular Run Schedule:
Tues. at 7 pm
Weds. thru Fri. at 8 pm
Sat. at 5:30 & 9 pm
Sun. at 2 pm
Tickets:
$15 to $40
Students and age 25 and younger can reserve $15 tickets in advance.
Senior rush (age 60 and older) begins at the Box Office 2 hours before showtime.