The final live performance of the world premiere run has been cancelled due to illness

Current ticket holders will be offered the opportunity to see our critically acclaimed world premiere production come to life on the silver screen. This special event includes a preshow concert featuring pianist Matthew Whitaker.

WORLD PREMIERE - Billy Strayhorn: Something to Live for - Pittsburgh Public Theater

Billy Strayhorn: Something to Live For brings to life the remarkable true story of one of the greatest composers of all time.

From his impoverished beginnings in Pittsburgh to his lifelong collaboration with Duke Ellington, this world-premiere new musical follows the highs and lows of Billy Strayhorn's career, the joys and heartbreak of his personal life, and the challenges he faced living as an openly gay Black man in mid-20th century America at the dawn of the civil rights movement. Through his collaborations with Lena Horne, Billie Holiday, and the greatest jazz orchestra of all time, Billy Strayhorn transcended racial and sexual barriers and brought a unique fusion of jazz and classical music to the world with all-time favorites including “Take the ‘A’ Train” and the immortal “Lush Life.”