Theater & Arts category

Tyler Shaffer doesn’t know how many times he watched the 1988 Tim Burton gothic comedy, “Beetlejuice.” But it was a lot. “Watching it has been a Halloween tradition for my family forever,” said Shaffer, 16, of Jeannette, who will play the titular villain in the Theatre Factory’s production of “Beetlejuice...

If going to a midnight theater showing of “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” would have you up way past your bedtime, I have a great solution — at least, for the next few weeks. While most are aware of the now 50-year-old cult classic film, not everyone knows that before...

While it’s still pretty warm outside — especially for late October — why not venture out and try something new? New music, new food and new fun await in Pittsburgh this weekend. Monster Pumpkins Festival You may have seen plenty of pumpkins already this October, but you probably haven’t seen...

If you’re an animal lover, a music or film nerd, a history buff or just looking for a good time, Pittsburgh’s got lots to offer in the next few days. Here’s just a sample of what’s going on around town this weekend. International African Penguin Awareness Day Pittsburgh is a...

It’s like “Hamilton” but set two centuries before and British. Like Taylor Swift, sextupled and scorned by a 16th-century king. Like the Spice Girls with an extra member and possessed by the ghosts of infamous women from history. However you look at it, “Six” is a smashing good time. Owning...

If you’re reeling from the lack of Steelers football this weekend, never fear! There’s so much to do in the city this weekend that you’ll barely remember. Here are just a few ideas of how to fill up your free days. Beer Collectibles Show Especially with so many Oktoberfests, ‘tis...

The trees are starting to turn and the scent of falling leaves is sneaking into the breeze. Autumn is here and there’s no better time of year to grab a hot drink, meet up with friends and make some memories. Here are a few events around the city this weekend....

On stages across Western Pennsylvania, the drama unfolding isn’t only scripted — it’s real. Five years after covid-19 shuttered theaters and silenced auditoriums, regional arts organizations are still navigating the fallout of the pandemic, shrinking funding streams and an audience base that looks much different than before. National data from...

There’s no “unofficial” about it — Monday will officially see the end of the summer season with the fall equinox. Make the most of the last few days before autumn sets in with these events. Celebrate Africa and African Diaspora Festival With a variety of talks, panel discussions, fashion shows,...

If the “Seussical” musical was a person, it would surely be related to Mallory Grantz’s Monroeville family. “This is the fifth time in our family that one or more of us has been involved in ‘Seussical,’” said Grantz, 39, who will direct a production of the show to kick off...

After a highly successful summer season, Pittsburgh theater is gearing up for a 2025-26 calendar that is jam-packed with blockbuster shows, new additions and nostalgia. From musicals to new plays to dreamy ballets, don’t miss out on the wide array of shows coming to stages around the city. Pittsburgh Cultural...

I guess it’s not bad luck to say the name of “the Scottish play” if it’s not being performed inside a theater. For their annual September Shakespeare production, Pittsburgh Shakespeare in the Parks has selected perhaps the ultimate political thriller, William Shakespeare’s “Macbeth.” A perfectly spooky, bloody play for the...

StoryZ Theatre will launch its new season with a staged reading of “The Happiest Man On Earth” by Mark St. Germain, inspired by the best-selling memoir of Holocaust survivor Eddie Jaku. Jaku recounts his journey as a young Jewish boy in Nazi Germany, his survival at the Auschwitz death camp...

The unofficial end of summer? Psh! The temperatures are still high, the sun is still out and there’s still plenty to do before we call it a day on the most beloved season. Enjoy your long weekend with these events. Acrisure Stadium Kickoff and Rib Festival It’s time for football...

Summer vacation is coming to an end — if it hasn’t already — even if it’s still blazing hot outside. Get some family time in with these events around Pittsburgh this weekend. Pittsburgh Water Lantern Festival This festival is both a fun and a meaningful experience for attendees. Held at...

The Pittsburgh New Works Festival will bring together 14 brand new one-act plays from around the world with local Pittsburgh theater talent, all starting on Aug. 21. This festival season will encompass four weekends, with performances on Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday at the Genesius Theater at Duquesne University. A...

A tradition is returning to Hartwood Acres with Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre’s “Ballet Under the Stars” program on Aug. 24. With a variety of pieces from PBT classics past and future, this free performance will wow attendees of all ages. “We are pleased to be participating in this community-based tradition, and...

“One, two, you know what to do.” The inaugural production held in Madison Arts Center’s new cabaret space is the third in Pittsburgh Playwrights Theatre Company’s August Wilson’s American Century Cycle Experience, “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom.” Before Saturday’s matinee performance, founder and producing artistic/technical director of the company Mark Clayton...

Earlier this summer, I had the opportunity to visit the Art Institute of Chicago. It’s an amazing collection that contains artifacts and art from all over the world, both old and new. But one of the most mesmerizing pieces in the whole museum is the massive “A Sunday Afternoon on...

Continuing a winning streak with their August Wilson’s American Century Cycle Experience, Pittsburgh Playwrights’ production of “Two Trains Running” takes the audience on a fantastic ride — and marks a milestone. Playwrights has shown a long-standing dedication to producing Wilson’s work. As of this production, they have now twice completed...

It may still be hot out, but there’s something in the air that’s suggesting a whisper of fall. Maybe it’s all the back-to-school sales or the Halloween decorations all over stores. Or maybe it’s the football. Hold on to summer a little longer with these events this weekend. Little Italy...

WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump on Wednesday named country music star George Strait, “Rocky” actor Sylvester Stallone, singer Gloria Gaynor, the rock band Kiss and actor-singer Michael Crawford among the first batch of Kennedy Center Honors nominees under his leadership as the center’s chairman and said he’ll host the awards...

Audiences will have the opportunity to see Shakespeare in a whole new light Thursday through Sunday at the Geyer Performing Arts Center in Scottdale in the musical “Something Rotten!” With numerous awe-inspiring dance numbers, catchy music and endless laughs, this show is bound to please audiences. “It’s a lot of...

It was a glorious Sunday night in August to see August Wilson’s words performed outdoors. In this case, the play was the Pulitzer Prize-winning “Fences,” the first of three of Wilson’s works being produced this month by Pittsburgh Playwrights as part of its August Wilson’s American Century Cycle Experience. Considering...

All corners of the city will be full of excitement in the next few days, so this August weekend is the best time to venture out and explore. Here are a few events to get you started. Barrel and Flow This acclaimed festival celebrating Black brewers and artists is back...