The Kite Runner at Benedum Center Pittsburgh

Experience one of this century’s most soul-rending displays of redemption from May 7 to 12 in Pittsburgh’s presentation of The Kite Runner LIVE at the Benedum Center! After gripping Broadway audiences in the Summer of 2022, this critically acclaimed play based on Khaled Hosseini’s bestselling novel will tour North America this spring, with over twenty city stops scheduled en route. Bare your heart and bear witness to Amir as he embarks on a life-changing journey spanning two cultures and two continents in a desperate bid for atonement. The story portrays 2 ½ hours of trials and tribulations that venture into the heart of a war-torn Afghanistan, where hope and forgiveness lie for him who seeks them. The Kite Runner is adapted for the stage by multi-awarded playwright Matthew Spangler and helmed by UK director Giles Croft, with special tabla music from the original Broadway production’s Salar Nader. Book your seats now through the “Get Tickets” link above!

The Kite Runner Tickets:

“Croft’s production unfurls like the beautiful, giant kites that dominate Barney George’s stunning set.” – Variety

“Engrossing and captivating!” – The Wall Street Journal

Khaled Hosseini’s tale of a friendship and country divided has made its harrowing statement basked in Broadway lights. Now, this highly regarded stage adaptation of The Kite Runner will tour North American cities this Spring of 2024, kicking off in Tempe, Arizona, followed by stops in more than twenty of the country’s most distinguished theatrical venues. These will include a string of Pittsburgh performances from May 7 to 12 LIVE at the Benedum Center.

Our story begins during a peaceful moment in time in Kabul, Afghanistan, where a young Pashtun boy, Amir, passes his childhood afternoons with his friend Hassan, the son of his father’s Hazara servant. The expanses of a deep, unending sky oversaw the two boys’ escapades sun in and sun out, playing against winds and sunbeams, dodging bullies both crass and cruel, and reading stories of heroes under the comfort of a pomegranate tree.

Then came that fateful day when the watchful heavens hugged legions of ambitious kites during the town’s yearly kite-fighting tournament. To win his father’s approval, Amir sets out to conquer the competition, with the ever-loyal Hassan supporting him with all his might. It was meant to be an afternoon of festivities… Until a gut-wrenching horror descends between Amir and Hassan, tarnishing the brotherhood they once shared. And as the two grow further and further apart, their country teeters closer and closer to the brink of war.

“The Kite Runner soars!” – The Independent

“Incredibly moving & beautiful. There is nothing on Broadway like it!” – Amsterdam News

The Kite Runner, in two hours and thirty minutes, depicts a powerful portrayal of the sins that shape us, the bonds between fathers and sons, and the desire for redemption harbored within the deepest creases of the soul. Experience this agonizing yet ultimately hopeful saga played by a cast of today’s most compelling theater actors and staged by an acclaimed team of creatives.

Casting details for the North American tour are yet to be announced. Check back with us at a later date regarding the latest updates.

The Kite Runner, adapted by award-winning American playwright Matthew Spangler, features reprising contributions from UK director Giles Croft and tabla music by the Broadway show’s original percussionist Salar Nader. The following group of creative veterans joins them:

• Barney George – Scenic and Costume Designer
• Charles Balfour – Lighting Designer
• Drew Baumohl – Sound Designer
• William Simpson – Projection Designer
• Jonathan Girling – Composer and Musical Supervisor
• Kitty Winter – Movement Director
• Laura Stanczyk – Casting Director
• Humaira Ghilzai – Cultural Advisor and Script Consultant
• Damian Sandys – Associate Director
• Victoria Lang, Ryan Bogner, Tracey McFarland, Jayne Baron Sherman – Producers
• Daryl Roth – Executive Producer

The production is also made possible with the partnership of the following organizations: The Khaled Hosseini Foundation, USA for UNHCR — the UN Refugee Agency, Welcome.US, and Women for Women International.

“It’s not often that something as powerful and uplifting as The Kite Runner comes along. We’re delighted to take audiences across America on this emotional and hopeful journey,” Producer Tracey McFarland, President of Booking at Broadway & Beyond Theatricals, said in an interview.

Originally published in 2003, Afghan-American author Khaled Hosseini’s debut novel achieved both critical and commercial success, selling over 38 million copies in 70 countries and 60 languages and accomplishing a two-year streak in the New York Times Best Seller list.

A film adaptation written by David Benioff and directed by Marc Forster launched in cinemas worldwide in 2007. It received several nominations from the BAFTA, Golden Globe, and Academy Awards and clinched six other accolades, including one from the Satellite Awards.

“Truly a cultural phenomenon.” – The Sunday Express

“Enormously moving, satisfying and soulful!” – New York Post

The Kite Runner first premiered on stage in 2009 at the San Jose Repertory Theater, followed by a 2013 UK production in England’s Nottingham Playhouse. In 2017, the play returned to the spotlight for two greatly applauded limited arrangements at the Wyndham’s and Playhouse Theatres in West End London. Then, in the summer of 2022, it finally made its Broadway debut at the Helen Hayes Theatre, culminating in this year’s highly anticipated tours across North America, the UK, and Ireland.

Come and see a story of sins and salvation set against the backdrop of the Benedum Center! This Spring of 2024, Pittsburgh’s premier performing arts venue will host a run of shows for The Kite Runner from May 7 to 12. Seats are limited. Click the “Get Tickets” link above to book your reservations today!