Theater & Arts category, Page 4
Play about ‘Jaws’ actors bickering on set extends run in Braddock
As the iconic 1975 blockbuster “Jaws” marks its 50th anniversary this week, the stage play “The Shark Is Broken,” which dives into the behind-the-scenes drama of the movie’s actors stuck on a boat with a constantly malfunctioning mechanical shark, enters its fourth week of a sold-out run in Braddock. Since...
Pittsburgh’s theater community reacts to Trump administration’s anti-DEI measures, gutting of the NEA
For arts organizations across the nation, the first several months of President Donald Trump’s second term have been marked by anti-DEI executive orders and plans to gut the National Endowment for the Arts. After Trump announced intentions to eliminate funding for the NEA in his May 2 budget proposal, City...
Trump plans to attend ‘Les Misérables’ at the Kennedy Center after taking over the institution
WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump is set to take a seat at Wednesday’s opening night of the award-winning musical “Les Misérables” at the Kennedy Center, where he replaced the previous leadership with loyalists, had himself installed as chairman and pledged to rid the performing arts venue of programming he has...
Carnegie Mellon alumni, former faculty win big at Tony Awards
Carnegie Mellon University alumni and faculty had a strong presence at this year’s Tony Awards, which recognized excellence in Broadway theatre for the 78th year in a row. Throughout the night, two CMU alumnae received a Tony. Natalie Venetia Belcon received one for her role in “Buena Vista Social Club”...
Here are 5 things to do in Pittsburgh this weekend: June 6-8
If you’re in search of a more lowkey day out and want to avoid the Arts Festival crowds, there’s still plenty to do around town this weekend. Here are five events to check out instead. ‘The Shark is Broken’ at barebones productions “Jaws” was the original blockbuster film in the...
Hallelujah! Sister is heavenly in ‘Late Nite Catechism 2’ at City Theatre
“If nuns ran the world, it would be better,” one audience member declared at Thursday night’s performance of “Sister Strikes Again! Late Nite Catechism 2” at City Theatre on the South Side. Now, those of us who attended CCD — as yours truly did — or Catholic school may not...
Irwin theater company reprises shows from founding years in 10th season
Rob Jessup is taking a step back in time, reprising his role as director for the first show Split Stage Productions performed in its inaugural season 11 years ago. Split Stage Productions spawned out of a conversation between Jessup and his friend Nate Newell about the lack of risqué or...
Pop the cork: Pittsburgh CLO’s ‘Madame Clicquot’ is a revolutionary revelation
Even in some of history’s darkest moments, there were still reasons to drink champagne. This is a fact proven by the world premiere show “Madame Clicquot: A Revolutionary Musical.” In association with 42nd Parallel Productions, Pittsburgh CLO is bringing the story of one of history’s greatest businesspeople to the Byham...
Special Tony for educators goes to NYC high school teacher who urges students to ‘step out the box’
NEW YORK — The special Tony Award that honors educators is going to a New York public high school teacher who shows how theater skills can apply to a career in the arts — and also far away from it. “My platform is career focused,” says Gary Edwin Robinson. “So,...
Here are 5 things to do in Pittsburgh this weekend: May 30-June 1
There are big concerts and Pride events happening this weekend, but if you want to avoid too much congestion and too many people, this will still be a great weekend to get out and about. Get to the theater, enjoy some sports or indulge your love of reading with these...
2025 Gene Kelly Awards honor high school musical theater, the late Charlie Gray
During his tenure as executive director of Pittsburgh CLO, Charlie Gray steered the creation of the Gene Kelly Awards, which annually honor excellence in Allegheny County’s high school musical theater. On Saturday — at the first awards ceremony since his passing last year — his legacy was celebrated, along with...
Here are 5 things to do in Pittsburgh this weekend: May 23-26
Happy Memorial Day weekend! For many, this means an extra day to relax — but it’s also an extra day to fill with fun. Here are a few things going on this weekend around town, so make room in your three-day weekend schedule. Riverlife Chalk Fest For a lot of...
Front Porch Theatricals’ musical ‘Baby’ is a labor of love
Walking into the New Hazlett Theater on the North Side on Saturday night was like walking into a supersized, candy-colored building block structure in a sunny nursery. It was a sight that was both intriguing and comforting, a perfect introduction to Front Porch Theatricals’ season opener musical, “Baby.” The show...
Here are 5 things to do in Pittsburgh this weekend: May 16-18
It’s the middle of May with nice, toasty temperatures on tap for the weekend. There are great chances to hang outside — or inside, if you prefer — at these events around town. Pierogi festival Pittsburgh loves pierogis, so why wouldn’t we have a whole festival dedicated to these delicious...
Pittsburgh Musical Theater’s ‘Waitress’ is a sweet treat for audiences
Creating a good musical is a lot like baking a pie. There are some crucial ingredients — a strong cast, plenty of great numbers, a little bit of humor (and maybe a hint of spice) and a lot of heart. Then, it all gets mixed together and put out under...
Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre’s ‘The Wizard of Oz’ is an epic spectacle of colorful dance
A trip to the Emerald City is the perfect end for Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre’s season, and they’re doing it in style. The Pittsburgh premiere of Septime Webre’s “The Wizard of Oz” is an epic, surprisingly cinematic showcase of beautiful dance, jaw-dropping costumes and cleverly conceived sets. The story may be...
Luigi Mangione musical set to debut in San Francisco
Most are familiar with the name Luigi Mangione by now — the 26-year-old charged with killing UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in New York in December. Well, his case is now being made into a musical. Titled “Luigi: The Musical,” the show will debut June 13 in San Francisco at the...
Carnegie Mellon University alumni score big with 13 Tony Award nominations
Nominations for the 78th Tony Awards — the highest honors in American theater — have been announced, and five of the nominees are graduates of Pittsburgh’s Carnegie Mellon University. The alumni received a total of 13 nominations between them. The American Theatre Wing’s 78th Tony Awards will be held on...
Prime Stage Theatre’s ’12 Angry Men’ is a gripping production of a classic
Considering how eager most people are to avoid a jury summons, it’s a little surprising that one of the most enduring stories of the 20th century takes place entirely within the confines of a locked jury room. “12 Angry Men” began in 1954 as a teleplay for CBS anthology series...
‘Come From Away’ at the Benedum Center is completely cathartic and Canadian
Everyone who can remember Sept. 11, 2001, has a story that they’ve probably recited a thousand times by now. Where they were and what they were doing that Tuesday morning. How they found out what happened. And how it felt. In the opening song of the musical “Come From Away,”...
Tony Award nominations: ‘Buena Vista Social Club,’ ‘Death Becomes Her’ and ‘Maybe Happy Ending’ lead the way
NEW YORK — Three Broadway shows — “Buena Vista Social Club,” “Death Becomes Her” and “Maybe Happy Ending” — each earned a leading 10 Tony Award nominations Thursday, as nominators spread out the joy and gave nods to George Clooney, Sarah Snook and Bob Odenkirk in their debuts. Twenty-nine shows...
Pittsburgh Playwrights to produce 3-play tribute to August Wilson
This summer, Pittsburgh Playwrights Theatre Company will be pulling out all the stops to celebrate the late legendary Pittsburgh-born playwright August Wilson. With their August Wilson’s American Century Cycle Experience, Pittsburgh Playwrights will produce three of the works from Wilson’s “Century Cycle” — “Fences,” “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom” and “Two...
City Theatre’s ‘King James’ is a slam-dunk season finale
Finally, theater for sports fans. City Theatre is wrapping up their 50th anniversary season with this gripping two-man play that explores the unique loyalty of hometown sports fans — and the loyalty of friendships that spring from that fanaticism. “King James” has a structure reminiscent of a platonic version of...
Pittsburgh Opera’s ‘Woman with Eyes Closed’ is an enigmatic world premiere with 3 possible endings
Pittsburgh Opera is closing its season with an enigmatic world premiere — with three distinct endings. “To be performing something that has never hit a stage before is always super exhilarating,” said tenor Fran Daniel Laucerica, who plays Thomas the thief in “Woman With Eyes Closed.” The new opera from...
Penn Middle students bring cult classic film turned musical ‘Mean Girls Jr.’ to stage
Penn Middle School student Felice Hutchison has learned there is more to the movie-turned-musical “Mean Girls” than the title may imply. Hutchison is one of dozens of Penn Middle students who have rehearsed since November for their performance of “Mean Girls Jr.,” slated for April 25 to 27 in the...
