Experience a vivid, outdoor performance of The Tempest in a nature-filled version of Shakespeare’s final and most lyrical play, as hosted by Quantum Theater and directed by Karla Boos, the theater’s outgoing artistic director.
The public is invited to catch a showing of The Tempest this summer at the Carrie Blast Furnaces National Historic Landmark in Pittsburgh. That’s what makes Quantum Theatre special…the audience can escape reality for a couple of hours to see an imaginative new world in an unexpected space!
The Tempest is no fairytale story. Instead, audiences will see protagonist character Prospero struggle to put the world into some sort of order, an order which he can peacefully leave hoping his life has meant something. Filled with comedy, romance, choreography, audiences will be left intrigued and maybe even have higher hopes for humankind after the show.
This production is Quantum Theatre’s 12th Shakespeare show. But for Karla Boos, it’s her final show with the organization, as she sets to retire after 35 years at the theatre. Under Boos’ visionary direction, Quantum became synonymous with environmental theatre—staging productions site-specifically in places as varied as abandoned warehouses, city parks, historic churches, and even cemeteries. (It doesn’t get cooler than this.)
There are big shoes to fill once Karla retires! The search is on for Quantum’s next artistic director. See here if this interests you or someone you know.
The Tempest stars Jeffrey Carpenter. With Tomé Cousin, Jerreme Rodriguez, Carolina Ignacia Vargas Romero, Joshua Brelsford, Julia Silverman, Mark Staley, Joe McGranaghan, Corey Rieger, Dave Mansueto, Sandy York, Adrienne Wehr, and Jennifer Tober. Design by Stephanie Mayer-Staley, Susan Tsu, C. Todd Brown, Joe Pino, and Daniel Nesta Curtis.
Showtimes
July 17th – August 23rd, 2026
Tuesday – Sunday at 7:30pm
Tickets
Visit the event website to purchase tickets and to learn about the pre-show Q&A with Karla Boos on select dates.
This content was provided by a local, independent contributor to Made in PGH, a lifestyle blog.
