Unprecedented discount to LGBTQ+ community at PTC
Pioneer Theatre Company is rewarding us for being queer.
In a remarkable first, Pioneer is offering a whopping 50 percent discount on what it has coined Pride Night to the Jan. 13, 2025, production of DIAL M FOR MURDER.
There has never been a similar discount at regional theaters or on Broadway, according to theater observers. Just use the code P4PRIDE at the box office or online during checkout.
“It’s worth noting that this work is supported by a team of folks here — led by artistic director Karen Azenberg, who is a strong ally. Our new managing director, Adrian Budhu, is a member of both the BIPOC and LGBTQ+ communities and has a strong background working for organizations that elevate this work,” says Joshua Black, Pioneer’s director of marketing and communications.
This first Pride Night is in partnership with the Utah Pride Center. “We have had a relationship with the center for several years, and this has been an ongoing dialogue since we participated in its Queer Prom during our production of THE PROM,” he adds.
While Pioneer has extended other various promotions to queer groups, this is the first time an offer is made to the LGBTQ+ community at large — and with the substantially reduced ticket offer.
“In a way, we’ve had a Pride Night for every production at PTC since I first invited Deb Hall’s group Seniors Out and Proud to SHUCKED. We’ve had 70 to 80 queer seniors on fixed incomes attend our invited dress rehearsals of nearly every production since,” Black says.
Pioneer plans to ensure the theater is a welcoming space for the entire community. The company recently hosted a successful BIPOC night for SOUVENIR.
“We’re also continuing to make our theater company more accessible in terms of offering pay-what-you-can nights and literal accessibility, with ASL and audio-described performances being offered during the run of every production.”
DIAL M FOR MURDER was selected for Pride Night “partly because of the themes in this new adaptation. There is a plotline that will be of particular interest to the LGBTQ+ community,” said Black.
According to Black, the company aims for diverse stories and characters. A number of previous shows have included queer characters, and the company understands the desire to see even more LGBTQ+ representation on stage.
“This season alone, we have featured or will feature four productions with LGBTQ+ characters. Cosmé, one of the leads in our current production SOUVENIR, is a gay character. DIAL M FOR MURDER reimagines Margot and Maxine in a romantic relationship. Additionally, Keith, one of the two central characters in A CASE FOR THE EXISTENCE OF GOD, is also gay,” Black said.
There has never been a Pioneer cast comprised exclusively of queer characters. A short list of popular shows, naming three, includes THE INHERITANCE, THE BOYS IN THE BAND, and LOVE! VALOR! COMPASSION! However, with THE PROM, there has been one staging that prominently celebrates LGBTQ+ themes and characters: two high school girls working to allow them to attend the event as a couple.
If successful, will there be more Pride Nights?
“Absolutely,” he responds. “In fact, we’re already planning a cross-generational Pride event (LGBTQ+ youth and seniors) around the run of BEAUTIFUL. We’re also working on a Pride Night for A CASE FOR THE EXISTENCE OF GOD, and I’m sure we’ll do one for WAITRESS — although that’s a bit further out!”
► tickets.pioneertheatre.org
