Theater & Arts category, Page 9
‘Beauty and the Beast Bed & Breakfast’ puts a comic spin on fairy-tale characters
Franklin Regional Middle School teacher Christine Klemstine wanted to hear the frustration in student Brynn Lacey’s voice. “This woman called the cops on you,” Klemstine said. “You have to be a little louder — I know you can yell!” Klemstine and Lacey, 13, were in rehearsal for the middle school’s...
After tumultuous times, PICT Classic Theatre looks to an exciting future
PICT Classic Theatre is back with a new name, an expanded mission and a history full of acclaimed productions, financial issues and turnover at the top. The company returned to the stage for the first time in more than two years Friday with its production of the Pittsburgh-set play “Andy...
London Williams and Izsys Archer explore their friendship in collaborative exhibit
What does it mean to be a best friend? To have someone built-in to traverse life with, someone who just gets you. A person with whom you can be vulnerable, and that vulnerability leads to growth and trust. Artists London Williams and Izsys Archer explore the intricacies and timeline of...
Patrick Cassidy talks about mom Shirley Jones in advance of gala honoring her
On Saturday, Pittsburgh CLO will honor Shirley Jones, Western Pennsylvania native and legend of stage and screen, with a Broadway star-studded gala celebration at the Byham Theater in Downtown Pittsburgh. Jones was born in Charleroi and grew up in Smithton — her family owned Jones Brewing Co., which made Stoney’s...
Pittsburgh Public Theater’s ‘Dial M for Murder’ is a riveting mystery
Considering the explosion of popularity in recent years of true crime podcasts, British detective shows and mystery media like “Knives Out,” the timing for a classic thriller to hit the stage is apt. “Dial M for Murder” started out as a 1952 play by Frederick Knott and was brought to...
Review: ‘Hamilton’ still lives up to the hype
The 2024-25 season for the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust’s PNC Broadway in Pittsburgh started off with a bang at the Benedum Center. “Hamilton” — the season’s first show — continues to earn its place as a cultural juggernaut with a stellar cast and impeccable production. Starting in 1776 and ending with...
Gilded Manos engraving revealed after 15 coats of paint stripped from Palace Theatre ticket booth
The intricate, decorative details of The Palace Theatre ticket booth were lost to 10 decades and 15 coats of paint. But now that the layers have been scraped away as part of a large restoration project in preparation for the Greensburg theater’s 100th anniversary, the old-time grandeur is visible once...
‘RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars’ shine for bedazzled crowd at Benedum Center
The reality competition series “RuPaul’s Drag Race” has enjoyed 16 regular seasons and a constellation of spin-offs since it premiered in 2009. Each season chronicles famous drag diva RuPaul’s search for “the next drag superstar.” If the regular seasons uplift one superstar, each season of “All Stars” produces supernovas. And...
Pittsburgh Shakespeare in the Parks keeps summer going with tropical ‘Twelfth Night’
“If music be the food of love, play on,” says Orsino in a famous line from Shakespeare’s comedy “Twelfth Night.” In Shakespeare in the Parks’ production of the play, they took him literally. Celebrating their 20th season, Pittsburgh Shakespeare in the Parks kicked off the month-long run of the play...
Here are 5 things to do in Pittsburgh this weekend: Aug. 30-Sept. 2
It’s a busy weekend in Pittsburgh! With three days off to bask in the last of summer and football season right around the corner, the city has plenty of excitement and relaxation to offer. If you want to avoid the insanity of the North Shore, there are definitely other happenings...
5 things to do in Pittsburgh this weekend: Aug. 23-25
There’s a great crop of events happening all over Pittsburgh this weekend. From pretty performances to delicious food to maybe something a little weird, it’s a great time to try something fun or a little out there. Here are some ideas. Pittsburgh Ballet Under the Stars Hartwood Acres Middle Road...
Penn Township native to perform in Pittsburgh Ballet’s free Hartwood Acres show
Caitlyn Mendicino has been dancing since she was 4 years old. The Penn Township native took lessons from the Ballet Westmoreland Academy in Murrysville. This weekend, she will take the Hartwood Acres stage as the Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre kicks off its 55th season with a free performance Sunday that will...
Pittsburgh Playwrights’ ‘Radio Golf’ is a triumph from start to finish
August Wilson is a titan of modern theater and his legacy stands especially tall here in Pittsburgh, his hometown and the setting for most of his 10-play Century Cycle. “Radio Golf” represents both the final decade of that century — it’s set in 1997 — and Wilson’s final play. The...
Front Porch Theatricals’ ‘Bandstand’ is a swinging tribute to America’s veterans
Along with piping-hot swing music and dazzling choreography, the musical “Bandstand” offers an unflinching glimpse into the lives of United States military veterans coming home after World War II. Thanks to an incredible, multitalented cast and seamless direction, local company Front Porch Theatricals has crafted a production of which they...
5 things to do in Pittsburgh this weekend: Aug. 9-11
After a long, rainy week, it’s time to relax and enjoy some downtime. From performances to parties, from celebrity appearances to festivals, Pittsburgh is jumping this weekend. Join in the fun with these events. Idina Menzel at the Benedum Center Broadway legend — and real-life Disney princess — Idina Menzel...
Quantum Theatre’s ‘A Moon for the Misbegotten’ glows bright on outdoor stage
After driving through the peaceful Longue Vue Club in Verona and parking, audience members made their way to an array of chairs on risers in a clearing. Before them, with a copse of trees whispering in the breeze behind it, sat the cross-section of a simple shanty. Ushered into silence...
Former Sewickley Academy director of theatre arts takes on ‘Bandstand’
Many Sewickley Academy alums may spot a familiar name in the playbill at Front Porch Theatricals’ production of “Bandstand,” running Aug. 16-25 at the New Hazlett Theater on the North Side. Joe Jackson, who served as dance teacher and theatre arts director at the academy, returned to the region from...
Pittsburgh CLO’s ‘Seussical’ is bursting with imagination
Rounding out its 2024 summer season, Pittsburgh Civic Light Opera’s “Seussical” opened Tuesday night at the Byham Theater in Downtown Pittsburgh. With its bright colors and whimsical songs, the show will undoubtedly be a hit with the next generation of theater lovers who are just being introduced to live performances....
Scott Aukerman bringing his ‘Comedy Bang! Bang!’ podcast to Pittsburgh
On Tuesday night, popular podcast “Comedy Bang! Bang!” will bring its live show to the Roxian Theatre in McKees Rocks. The host of the show — which also spawned a five-season-long TV show on IFC and a bestselling book — is actor-writer-producer Scott Aukerman. “’Comedy Bang! Bang!’ is essentially a...
Immerse yourself in arts and culture: A weekend of diverse events in Pittsburgh
If you’re looking to fill your weekend with all things arts and culture, there is no shortage of events happening in and around the city this weekend. From performances that reflect the beauty of the African diaspora to the Filipino American Association of Pittsburgh’s Summer Picnic, start planning out your...
Comedian Natan Badalov performing Saturday in Ross
New York-based comedian and writer Natan Badalov will be bringing his one-man show — and his unique perspective on his Jewish identity — to Sunken Bus Studios in Pittsburgh this Saturday. Badalov, an Uzbek-American, debuted his one-man show “Connect the Dots” at the New York Comedy Festival last November. Now...
Pittsburgh CLO’s ‘Young Frankenstein’ electrifies
Fans of Mel Brooks, your ideal date night has arrived at the Greer Cabaret Theater downtown. Pittsburgh CLO’s production of “Young Frankenstein,” which opened Friday night, is a real crowd-pleaser. Based on the 1974 comedy film of the same name, penned by Brooks and Gene Wilder, who also starred in...
3rd annual Comedy Jam will benefit Mario Lemieux Foundation
This Saturday, comedian and former Pittsburgher Steve Byrne will produce his third annual Comedy Jam to benefit the Mario Lemieux Foundation. The show, which boasts an impressive all-star lineup of national acts and Pittsburgh favorites, will be held at Rivers Casino Event Center. “I’d done stand up with Bill Burr...
Lindsay Theater open during park construction
Construction is underway for the new borough park in Sewickley that will be located in front of The Lindsay Theater & Cultural Center. The work is being done by Pittsburgh-based Vermont Stone & Horticulture at a cost of $93,424. The borough owns the land and the lawn that the theater...
Comedian Brad Williams talks jokes ahead of his upcoming Pittsburgh shows
Brad Williams, who has been working in comedy for two decades and has appeared in numerous films and television shows, was born with achondroplasia, a genetic disorder and cause of dwarfism. He’s done sets on late-night shows like “The Tonight Show” and released numerous stand-up comedy specials, including 2015’s “Brad...
