Theater & Arts category, Page 3
Review: Quantum Theatre’s ‘Seagull’ is a dreamy drama at Chatham University
In the midst of the second act of Quantum Theatre’s “Seagull” on Sunday night, I was reminded of the first half of the Langston Hughes poem “Dreams”: “Hold fast to dreams / For if dreams die / Life is a broken-winged bird / That cannot fly.” In the case of...
Iron Horse to stage ‘Coach and Mrs. Jagoff,’ written by Pine man and inspired by true story
A play set in Western Pennsylvania will debut in August at Iron Horse Theatre Company in Ambridge. The two-act play “Coach and Mrs. Jagoff” features main characters Jake Sebastian, a successful high school football coach and his wife, Lynn, who live in Fisk, a declining industrial town. “(The Sebastians) employ...
Pittsburgh CLO spreads wintry magic in the summer with ‘Disney’s Frozen’ at the Benedum Center
As Pittsburgh CLO executive producer Mark Fleischer looked out over the crowd at the Benedum Center before Friday’s opening night performance of Disney’s “Frozen,” he said, “It’s great to see so many blue dresses on young people. How many people are here seeing your very first live musical?” The response...
Here are 5 things to do in Pittsburgh this weekend: July 18-20
No plans for a summer vacation on the horizon? No worries. Take a staycation right here in Pittsburgh this weekend with a whole bunch of fun, active and relaxing events. Vintage Grand Prix A local tradition returns to Schenley Park this weekend. Gawk at — and cheer on — your...
Golden lamp returns to top of Lamp Theatre marqueeVideo
The lamp above The Lamp Theatre marquee in downtown Irwin was returned to its rightful place Saturday morning after a lengthy refurbishing. “It was all coming apart. The finish was coming off of it,” said Mike Brady, an Irwin public works employee who took on the task of giving new...
Here are 5 things to do in Pittsburgh this weekend: July 11-13
If you’re intimidated by the cucumber-hungry crowds of Picklesburgh and you’re looking for something else to do this weekend, don’t worry! There’s still plenty going on around Pittsburgh (outside of Downtown). At least five things, in fact! Swissvale Edible Garden Tour Right at the height of the growing season, Swissvale...
PICT Theatre’s popular ‘Bards from the Burgh’ staged reading series is back
For its third year, PICT Classic Theatre will bring back its “Bards from the Burgh” staged reading series at Carnegie Stage in Carnegie. The series will allow theater enthusiasts to hear four never-before-seen plays read onstage by actors. All four playwrights have connections to Pittsburgh. PICT artistic director Elizabeth Elias...
‘Back to the Future: The Musical’ brings the blockbuster movie to futuristic life
Forty years ago this very day, a film for the ages opened in theaters. Starring Michael J. Fox and Christopher Lloyd, “Back to the Future” would go on to become the highest grossing film of 1985, earning nearly $400 million worldwide. With an engaging plot and irresistible humor, it’s become...
Here are 5 things to do in Pittsburgh this weekend: June 27-29
Whether you’re a walker, a biker, a dancer or a driver, it’s a great weekend to be on the move in Pittsburgh. Here are some destinations right in your backyard to check out. OpenStreetsPGH Three and a half miles of car-free fun will stretch through Shadyside, East Liberty, Larimer, Point...
Stephen Sondheim’s papers go to Library of Congress, offering a look into a Broadway genius
NEW YORK — Manuscripts, music and lyric drafts, recordings, notebooks and scrapbooks from Stephen Sondheim have been donated to the Library of Congress, offering the public a chance to see firsthand the creativity of one of musical theater’s giants. The collection includes about 5,000 items, ranging from drafts of songs...
Rachel Zegler serenades the crowd for free in a new London production of ‘Evita’Video
LONDON — In a new production of “Evita,” one of the biggest moments isn’t on the stage. Midway through the show, Rachel Zegler, playing Argentine first lady Eva Perón, emerges onto an exterior balcony at the London Palladium and sings “Don’t Cry for Me, Argentina,” to whoever is passing by...
Here are 5 things to do in Pittsburgh this weekend: June 20-22
If you’re scientific about it, we’re finally hitting the real beginning of summer. Enjoy the longest days of the year with a slate of great events this weekend. Prime Stage Theatre Cemetery Walk Learn about history with a theatrical tour of Allegheny Cemetery in Lawrenceville on Saturday. Prime Stage Theatre...
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...
