Entertainment category, Page 320
Review: ‘Bombshell’ is another sneaky, fact-adjacent docudramaVideo
One week after the tepid box office reception for “Richard Jewell,” a well-acted, sneakily political, fact-adjacent drama of no little controversy, here comes “Bombshell” — another well-acted, sneakily political and fact-adjacent picture, representing the other side of what’s left of the aisle in this country. It’s hard to assess the...
Review: Love it or hate it, ‘Cats’ is a pop culture phenomenonVideo
There’s apparently enough groundbreaking technology used in “Cats” for NASA to send a rocket to unexplored parts of the universe — perhaps to a far-off planet where cats sing, dance on two legs and recite T.S. Eliot poetry in half-Cockney accents. But let’s forget the much-discussed “digital fur technology” used...
PPG Paints Arena ranks 11th in U.S. ticket sales for 2019
Bringing big name performers to its stage has helped PPG Paints Arena rank 11th in the United States and 21st in the world in ticket sales for concerts and other live touring events in 2019, according to figures released by Pollstar. “That’s probably the highest that we’ve been,” says Gary...
Andy Serkis on why the world needs a new ‘Christmas Carol’
Wearing a tall black hat, a heavy mottled fur coat covered in trinkets, a long beard and plenty of hair, Andy Serkis received a round of applause from the crew of “A Christmas Carol” after thanking them for their hard work on the set. An hour later, he emerged clean...
Entertainment planner: Dec. 19-Jan. 1
Thursday Dec. 19 Penn Trafford Community Flute Choir, Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, Oakland. 412-622-6914 or phipps.conservatory.org Friday Dec. 20 The Affordable Floors, Roxian Theatre, McKees Rocks. 412-331-1050 or roxianlive.com Dancing Queen, disco tribute band, Jergel’s Rhythm Grille, Warrendale. 724-799-8333 or jergels.com Saturday Dec. 21 Brothers Kelly, The Wicked Googly,...
Relive a miracle with Resonance Works’ ‘Amahl and the Night Visitors’
The origins of many Christmas traditions are shrouded in the mists of time, but there is no doubt about the most popular Christmas opera. “Amahl and the Night Visitors” was first seen on Christmas Eve 1951, when it was premiered on NBC television. The artistic range of commercial television was...
Harlem Globetrotters soar into Pittsburgh for annual showVideo
The world-famous Harlem Globetrotters are “Pushing the Limits” in so many amazing ways. They’re embarking on a world tour that will bring their high-energy basketball show to more than 250 North American cities — including Pittsburgh on Dec. 26 — and 30 countries into 2020. They also added six new...
The Illusionists will immerse Heinz Hall in magic
The holiday season will be even more magical than usual when the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust makes a group of seven master entertainers appear on the Heinz Hall stage with their bag of sophisticated tricks and illusions. “The Illusionists — Magic of the Holidays” is a touring production of a successful...
Watch: Billie Eilish shares throwback video for 18th birthdayVideo
Billie Eilish turned 18 today and she gave fans a gift to celebrate. The music superstar shared a video with clips of her singing as a child to her performing on arena stages now. View this post on Instagram 18 tomorrow A post shared by BILLIE EILISH (@billieeilish) on Dec...
‘Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker’ reviews range from disappointing to satisfying
The latest installment of “Star Wars” films is almost here. But if you can’t wait for “Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker,” here’s some reviews from around the web, ranging from disappointment to satisfaction. • Gizmodo’s Germain Lussier writes that “the film plays like a 150-minute checklist of cool stuff...
Mariah Carey’s ‘All I Want For Christmas Is You’ is 1st holiday song to top charts in 61 yearsVideo
Not since The Chipmunks. It’s been a long 61 years, but another artist has finally topped Billboard’s Hot 100 charts with a holiday song. And it’s Mariah Carey that’s done it. With her “All I Want For Christmas Is You” track, Carey lands her 19th No. 1 song, replacing Post...
Cabaret Theatre plans 2 free readings of Christmas elf story
The Cabaret Theatre is planning free readings of “Biggie, the Elf Who Didn’t Fit In” at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 20-21 in the Olde Main Theater, 350 Main St., Latrobe. “The story of ‘Biggie’ centers around an elf who isn’t an elf at all. He is rather an aging, simple-minded man...
Trans-Siberian Orchestra goes back to beginning for latest tour stopping in PittsburghVideo
Considering how Trans-Siberian Orchestra has become an annual touring powerhouse that fills arenas nationwide with its annual Christmas tour, it might be surprising to know that there was plenty of uncertainty in the early days. The combination progressive rock band and orchestra played its first shows with trepidation. TSO will...
‘Home for the Holidays’ a nostalgic turn for Westmoreland Symphony Orchestra
Christmas is an extra special time of the year for musicians. In addition to enjoying the holiday like everyone else, they get to perform music they’ve known and loved since childhood. “I always enjoy holiday programs that have a really nostalgic feel to them, in addition to including real classical...
Television’s ‘Survivor’ dealing with #MeToo-era issues
NEW YORK — The CBS game “Survivor” ends its 39th edition this week reeling from controversy over its first-ever forced removal of a contestant, a Hollywood agent sent packing after young women complained about inappropriate touching. The abrupt exit of player Dan Spilo, for what CBS said was an off-camera...
Odd-looking extras sought for Amazon’s ‘Lord of the Rings’ seriesVideo
Are you less than attractive? Maybe have a wonky eye? Maybe no eye at all? Well, your big break may have just arrived. The Wall Street Journal reports the Auckland, N.Z.-based BGT Actors Models and Talent is on the hunt for odd-looking extras to be a part of Amazon’s new...
Jeff Dunham’s new puppet doesn’t ignore ‘the elephant in the room’
Imagine trying to talk, only to be constantly interrupted by a motley crew of characters with names like Peanut, José Jalapeño and Bubba J. It could be a real pain. But for ventriloquist Jeff Dunham, the pain is self-inflicted, as he plays straight man to that trio and other puppets,...
KISS ‘End of the Road’ tour adds David Lee Roth as openerVideo
Billed as the “final tour ever,” KISS will bring its End of the Road world tour to KeyBank Pavilion in Burgettstown next summer. Opening up for the band known for decades of hits including “Rock and Roll All Nite,” “Detroit Rock City” and “Beth” will be David Lee Roth, long-time...
The Westmoreland Museum announces 4 major 2020 exhibitions
The Westmoreland Museum of American Art in Greensburg has announced four temporary exhibitions to be featured in the museum’s Cantilever Gallery during 2020. “The varied roster of upcoming exhibitions is an exciting one, addressing both historical and contemporary art, while offering a broad range of artists, styles, mediums, subjects and...
Post Malone to headline Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve
You can ring in the New Year with Post Malone: The rap-pop star will perform at “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest 2020” in New York City on Dec. 31. Dick Clark Productions announced Tuesday that K-pop group BTS, country singer Sam Hunt and singer-songwriter Alanis Morissette...
Rick Sebak documents his ‘Seven Weeks in Magee’ in latest ‘Nebby’ showVideo
After a fall in August 2018 requiring surgery, WQED producer Rick Sebak began a long recovery in UPMC Magee-Womens Hospital’s transitional care unit. His friends and fans soon began showering him with gifts, surprises and plenty of food. Naturally, he has turned the experience into a new program for his...
Yinzer Yuletide celebrates Christmas traditionsVideo
Yinzer Yuletide, Pittsburgh Public Theater’s new entertainment experience, fills the O’Reilly Theater with holiday spirit. Beginning with the decor of the theater’s large front windows, the experience features WQED producer Rick Sebak hosting a variety show. The idea for the program came from the theater’s managing director, Lou Castelli, and...
Chance the Rapper cancels 2020 tour
Chance the Rapper’s Big Tour is over, even before it began. The rap artist announced Sunday on Instagram that he’s calling of the tour that was set to make a Pittsburgh stop at PPG Paints Arena on Feb. 20. “Hey guys I’ve decided to cancel the Big Tour,” Chance wrote...
Sick of the old holiday staples? 10 movies you may have missedVideo
Though much beloved and holiday staples, yet another viewing of “A Christmas Story” or “Home Alone” might be enough to bring out your inner Grinch … with a vengeance. Looking for something still holiday-ish, that might just become a new favorite? Here are 10 to consider: 1. ‘Meet Me in...
Point Park University record label names Pioneer Stars
Point Park University’s student-operated record label, Pioneer Records, has named Elias Khouri and Dejah Monea, both sports, arts and entertainment management majors, as its 2019-20 Pioneer Stars. Khouri, 18, is a freshman focusing on the rock, blues and soul genres. He cites artists including Peter Frampton, Eric Clapton and Carlos...
