Alexis Papalia stories
Review: ‘Beauty and the Beast’ at the Benedum Center is a dazzling Disney fantasy
It’s a tale as old as time … or about as old as the early ’90s, anyway. “Beauty and the Beast” lit up silver screens as a Disney animated film in 1991 and took its place on Broadway in 1993. As screen-to-stage transfers go, this one had to be something...
Review: Pittsburgh Musical Theater’s ‘Annie’ brings a shining cast to a classic musical
Some artistic works are both timeless and very much of their time. That’s the case with “Annie,” a massive hit musical that was already a cultural touchstone before it even existed. Drawing from more than half a century of source material in the form of comics, radio programs and movies,...
Shop local, eat global: Specialty grocery stores are keeping traditions alive and palates refreshed
Southwestern Pennsylvania is a prime example of the American melting pot. Varied traditions have blended together to create a distinct culture — and we have the food to show for it. Yet many people, with busy lives and seeking convenience, stick with what they know when they go food shopping....
The Frick puts the immigrant history of America and Pittsburgh in focus with new exhibit
Whether it was forging Pittsburgh steel or building iconic New York City landmarks, immigrants in the early 20th century were at the forefront — and photographer Lewis Hine captured it all. The Frick is showing more than 70 of Hine’s photographs in its new exhibit, “Lewis Hine Pictures America,” opening...
Here are 5 things to do in Pittsburgh this weekend
There’s light (and warmth) at the end of the tunnel at last! We’re finally seeing bearable temperatures outside, so why not get out and take in the post-frost city? Here are some events to try out this weekend. Disney on Ice Americans young and old have been captivated by the...
Here are 5 things to do in Westmoreland this weekend: Feb. 20-22
The warmup has arrived — at least for the moment. Residents should take the weekend to bask in the 45-degree weather and head outdoors for several events across Westmoreland County. Donnie Iris and the Cruisers Pittsburgh’s legendary singer-songwriter Donnie Iris takes the stage with his band, The Cruisers, at 7:30...
The most romantic Valentine’s Day gift? Communication (every day)
Valentine’s Day is a holiday all about communicating love. Whether through a bouquet of flowers, a card scrawled with heartfelt words or heart-shaped candies stamped with affectionate phrases, this is the time to express love to our nearest and dearest. But what about the other 364 days of the year?...
Local wineries using Pennsylvania grapes are turning out some easy-to-love libations
France, Italy, California, and Australia are well-known wine regions. Pennsylvania, alas, doesn’t crack the top 50 for most people. But don’t count out local wineries. Pennsylvania has a winemaking tradition that dates to the late 1600s, when William Penn himself established a vineyard in Philadelphia, as documented by the Pennsylvania...
‘The Pitt’ tries a Pittsburgh accent, and locals have opinionsVideo
The Pittsburgh accent is one of those “if you know, you know” things. Lifelong denizens of the 412 can recognize it in others immediately, but outsiders can struggle to pick it out — or pick it up. “Growing up in Pittsburgh, I didn’t know there was anything particular about it...
Here are 5 things to do in Pittsburgh this weekend: Feb. 13-15
Are you ready for Valentine’s Day? Be honest. Did you procrastinate making reservations or buying a gift? No worries. Here are some events where you can take someone special for the holiday weekend. Symphony Dances from ‘West Side Story’ The classic musical “West Side Story” is based on the tragic...
Review: Dropkick Murphys mark 30 years with pulse-pounding show at Stage AE
While the lineup of Massachusetts-bred Celtic punk band the Dropkick Murphys may have changed over their now 30-year-long history, plenty about them has stayed the same. They’re proudly from Boston; they’re proud of their Irish influences; they speak (and sing) on behalf of working people everywhere; and they will rock...
Here are 5 things to do in Westmoreland County: Valentine’s Day options galore
Valentine’s Day falls on a Saturday this year, which is good news for some — but bad news for the procrastinators among us. Did you forget to make a reservation or buy a gift? Don’t worry. You can take your valentine to one of these events instead. ‘Rhapsody in Blue’...
Carnegie Museum of Art names full roster of artists for the 59th Carnegie International
The 59th Carnegie International, titled “If the word we,” opens at the Carnegie Museum of Art on May 2. The Oakland museum released the full list of 61 artists and collectives in the eight-month-long exhibition. This International includes 36 pieces commissioned for the exhibition and its publication. “It’s fast approaching....
Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl halftime show delivers a party with a message of loveVideo
While the reason to tune in to the Super Bowl on Sunday night was ostensibly to watch the Seattle Seahawks and New England Patriots duke it out for the NFL championship, the buzz leading up to the broadcast was all about the music. In September, it was announced that Puerto...
Book clubs are booming as readers rejoice in reconnecting
Some groups gather in cozy living rooms, some among the shelves of independent bookshops or in local libraries, and some over a brunch table or a round of cocktails. But they all hold one item in common: a book. Book clubs may have roots in the French salons of the...
A look at the best and worst Winter Olympics Opening Ceremony outfitsVideo
The 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina officially kicked off on Friday with a spectacular program that celebrated Italian art, culture, language and heritage. While host country Italy took center stage for the performance portion, the Parade of Nations featured athletes from all of the participating countries waving their flags and...
Kid Rock to bring his ‘Freedom 250’ tour to Star Lake
Rap-rock musician Kid Rock will perform at the Pavillion at Star Lake with special guest Jon Pardi on his “Freedom 250: The Road to Nashville” tour this summer. The concert, which promises to be high-energy and include Kid Rock’s hit songs, will take place on Saturday, June 20. Kid Rock’s...
Here are 5 things to do in Pittsburgh this weekend: Feb. 6-8
It’s a busy weekend for sports fans, with both the Olympics and the Super Bowl filling up the schedule. But it’s a busy weekend in Pittsburgh too. Don’t forget to check out these events. Monster Jam This weekend, you won’t have to stay out on the frozen roads to see...
Here are 5 things to do in Westmoreland this weekend: Feb. 6-8
Between the Olympics and the Super Bowl, this is a big weekend for all types of sports fans. But for those who aren’t interested — or those who need a break — this is a big weekend for events in Westmoreland County, too. Here are a few options. ‘Chicago: The...
Review: ‘The Chief’ at Pittsburgh Playhouse is a riveting evening with the soul of the Steelers
Few people are as truly, splendidly Pittsburgh as Art Rooney Sr. Not just because he gave the Steelers to the world, though that doesn’t hurt, but also because he embodied qualities that make Pittsburghers the best people in the world: loyalty, toughness, humor, passion. (Disclosure: This reviewer, a third-generation Pittsburgher,...
DJ Pauly D brings a little Jersey Shore to Rivers Casino
Revelers lined up at Rivers Casino on Saturday night in their best club wear — with a generous sprinkling of “GTL” T-shirts thrown in. This wasn’t a typical night of partying; they were here to see a “Jersey Shore” legend. Paul “DJ Pauly D” DelVecchio reached the heights of international...
Go Laurel Highlands’ annual photo contest captures the region’s beauty
From brightly colored birds to foggy vistas, the nine photographs recognized as winners of Go Laurel Highlands’ annual photography contest reveal the beauty of the region. The winners are all local, from veteran photographers to hobbyists just starting out. Alex Byers, the lead photographer and videographer for Go Laurel Highlands,...
Here are 5 things to do in Pittsburgh this weekend: Jan. 30-Feb. 1
Let’s not even talk about the weather. It’s time to put it on the back burner and shake off the cabin fever for a weekend of dancing, dining, competing and more. Whether you love the cold and want to get outside or stay indoors and toasty, Pittsburgh is your playground...
Here are 5 things to do in Westmoreland this weekend: Jan. 30-Feb. 1
It’s safe to say that after a frigid and snow-covered week, it’s time to shake off that cabin fever and rejoin the world for some good times away from your couch. Here are a few events around Westmoreland County that are a sure cure for those those cold feet and...
Larry Cervi, beloved arts director and founder of East End Kids, dies
Larry Cervi, who spent decades shaping students and stages as an educator and performing arts director across the Pittsburgh region, was a people person at heart. Cervi, of Churchill, died Thursday, after a yearlong battle with bladder cancer, only two days after his 90th birthday. He founded the Larry Cervi...
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