Highmark Presents Billy Strayhorn: Something to Live For opens the 2023/2024 season at Pittsburgh Public Theater and runs September 19 to October 8. This lush new project is the latest passion project of Pittsburgh favorite and long-time member of The Public family Rob Zellers (The Chief) with Kent Gash, who is also directing, and musical direction from internationally renowned jazz pianist Matthew Whitaker. They tell the extraordinary story of jazz songwriter Billy Strayhorn, known for songs including “Lush Life” and “Take the ‘A’ Train,” who faced hatred and heartbreak as a Black queer man even while playing alongside greats including Duke Ellington and Billie Holiday. Something to Live For will feature a live jazz band on stage at the O’Reilly Theater, and is produced in association with Swee Pea, LLC.   https://www.strayhornmusical.com/