Pittsburgh CLO taking shows outside — at Heinz Field

Talk about performances at Heinz Field taking center stage.

The Pittsburgh CLO is partnering with the Pittsburgh Steelers on a two-show “Summer Under the Stars” season in July that will feature “The Wizard of Oz” and an original musical revue, “A Broadway Musical Celebration.”

“There’s no place like home, or the home field,” said Van Kaplan, CEO of Pittsburgh CLO. “Our musicals started in 1946 at Pitt Stadium and, 75 years later, in a full circle moment, we are back outdoors. We are so grateful to the Steelers and Heinz Field for making this happen.”

There will be four performances of each show. Single tickets go on sale June 7. Current ticket holders can use their tickets this summer or move their subscriptions forward to summer 2022 at the Benedum Center.

All shows previously announced for the 2021 Season will be moved to 2022.

Seating for 3,500 patrons per performance will be either on the field or in the stands. Curtain times will be 8:30 p.m. with Saturday matinees at 1 p.m.

“Ticket holders will enter the stadium through the PNC Champions Club located at Gate A in the South End Zone, with our stage placed on the 20-yard line,” said Mark Fleischer, Pittsburgh CLO executive producer. “And for those wanting a more uniquely intimate theatrical experience, we are excited to be able to offer VIP seating at tables of four on the field near the stage.”

Details include:

• “The Wizard of Oz,” July 8-10: Last produced by CLO in 2003 to sold-out audiences, this celebration of the classic 1939 MGM film will feature Dorothy, the Tin Man, Scarecrow and Cowardly Lion, with the merry old land of Oz theatrically enhanced by IMAG video technology and the stadium’s video boards.

• “A Broadway Musical Celebration,” July 21-24: Guest stars, celebrities and well-known CLO alumni will recreate songs and scenes from “An American in Paris,” “Dreamgirls,” “Thoroughly Modern Millie,” “The Color Purple,” “In the Heights” and “The Student Prince.”

The Pittsburgh CLO Orchestra will provide musical accompaniment for both shows.

“The CLO is a great cultural asset in our community, and we are excited to showcase their performances for everyone to enjoy,” said Jimmie Sacco, vice president of stadium operations and management at Heinz Field.

Stadium staff will sanitize all public spaces and surfaces before every performance. Face coverings must be worn and social distancing of at least 6 feet will be enforced at all times. Patrons are advised not to come if they are ill or have been exposed to covid-19.

Heinz Field also will be the site of Pittsburgh CLO’s annual wine tasting event on June 25 and the 75th Gala Celebration on July 23.

For ticket information about the shows, visit pittsburghCLO.org.