5 things to do in Pittsburgh this weekend: Dec. 27-29
It’s the final weekend of 2019, and there’s plenty to do — from getting close up with a dinosaur to reconnecting with a childhood favorite.
‘Adventure’ time
“Dinosaur Adventure,” a traveling exhibit, will make a stop at the Monroeville Convention Center from Friday through Sunday. It features 80 realistic dinosaurs — some towering as high as 40 feet — that move and roar, giving families the opportunity to get up-close and personal with their favorite Tyrannosaurus rex, triceratops, diplodocus, velociraptor and more.
Pittsburgh is one of 30 stops on the tour. Entertainment includes velociraptor training sessions, a walking dinosaur show, a dinosaur dance along, and a baby dinosaur meet-and-greet.
Details: https://www.dinosauradventure.com/
Charlie Brown
“A Charlie Brown Christmas Live on Stage” is based on the Peanuts comic strip by the late, beloved cartoonist Charles M. Schulz.
The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust hosts the show Saturday at the Byham Theater, Downtown.
The show is part of a two-region national tour. Hays Hankinson of New York City is making his professional debut as the title character. The cast invites the audience to join them in singing familiar Christmas carols. The 90-minute production is directed and choreographed by Joe Barros and features songs from jazz pianist Vince Guaraldi’s original musical score performed by a three-piece band.
Details: https://www.acharliebrownchristmaslive.com/
'A Charlie Brown Christmas' comes alive on Byham stage https://t.co/q0Toignytx
— JoAnne Harrop (@JHarrop_Trib) December 27, 2019
Light bright
Kennywood’s extended season will come to a close soon as this is the final weekend of the amusement park’s Holiday Lights. Don’t miss the attraction that features 15,000 lights strung on three miles of aircraft cable when you enter the West Mifflin park. There are nearly 2 million lights throughout the park.
There’s also a 100-foot Christmas tree adorned with 250,000 lights. Take advantage of the warm temperatures and hop on some of the park’s rides such as Noah’s Ark, the Merry-Go-Round and Paratrooper as well as most of the Kiddieland attractions. Thomas Town will also be open.
Details: https://www.kennywood.com/
The holidays seem to pass so quickly. We can help to stretch them out! #kennywoodlights is open December 26 -30 & Four-Packs are half off!
Enjoy a little more Christmas cheer: https://t.co/FfmyWEeFVV #MerryChristmas pic.twitter.com/b7gbPbdc0o
— Holiday Lights at Kennywood! (@Kenny_Kangaroo) December 26, 2019
It’s an illusion
The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust hosts seven master entertainers at Heinz Hall, Downtown, from Friday through Sunday. “The Illusionists — Magic of the Holidays” is a touring production that has been seen around the world, including engagements on Broadway, in London’s West End, and on tour around the United States and Canada.
The show offers a large-scale, mind-blowing spectacular — perfect for all ages. Taking the stage are Valentin Azema (The Elusive), Darren Partridge (The Trickster, aka Dizzy), Sos and Victoria (The Transformationalists), Florian Sainvet (The Manipulator), Steve Valentine (The Showman), Stuart MacLeod (The Delusionist), and Jonathan Goodwin (The Daredevil).
Details: https://www.trustarts.org/production/63017/the-illusionists-magic-of-the-holidays
#TheIllusionists pic.twitter.com/9A1o1q1ngv
— THE ILLUSIONISTS Δ (@Illusionists7) December 23, 2019
Laugh track
Pittsburgh’s Steve Byrne has risen through the ranks of the comedy world to become one of the industry’s most innovative and sought-after performers. He will be in Pittsburgh from Friday through Sunday at the Pittsburgh Improv at the Waterfront in Homestead. The star and creator of “Sullivan & Son,” a half hour comedy on TBS along with Vince Vaughn’s “Wild West Productions” for three seasons, he has also appeared on “Comedy Central Presents.”
His acting resume includes films such as “The Dilemma,” “Couples Retreat,” and “Four Christmases and The Goods: The Don Ready Story.” He has starred in TBS’ “Sullivan and Son” and ABC’s “The Middle,” “Chappelle’s Show,” “The Howard Stern Show,” NBC’s “The Real Wedding Crashers” and standup appearances on TBS’s “Conan,” ABC’s “Jimmy Kimmel Live,” CBS’s “The Late Late Show,” BET’s “Comic View.” He has been on NBC’s “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno” 10 times.
Byrne has performed to sold-out crowds around the world.
Details: https://www.stevebyrnelive.com/
??Don't miss Pittsburgh's own @stevebyrnelive (Sullivan & Son, Vince Vaughn's Wild West Comedy Tour) Dec 27 - 29th at the @PghImprov! Tickets to see Steve Byrne make the perfect holiday gift!
?️ https://t.co/j2CwuwhaoN pic.twitter.com/ClQtVZr7YL— Pittsburgh Improv (@PghImprov) December 24, 2019
JoAnne Klimovich Harrop is a TribLive reporter covering the region's diverse culinary scene and unique homes. She writes features about interesting people. The Edward R. Murrow award-winning journalist began her career as a sports reporter. She has been with the Trib for 26 years and is the author of "A Daughter's Promise." She can be reached at jharrop@triblive.com.
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