VivantAdmin, Author at 'Burgh Vivant

May 20, 2015

The “Buzz” from Buzzelli: Pittsburgh’s Top To-Dos THIS WEEKEND (5/22 – 5/24)

by Mike “Buzz” Buzzelli, ‘Burgh Vivant.

Here are the Top Five Things to do in Pittsburgh this weekend, May 22nd through 24th.

Saints go Marching in

There’s something in the dirt. Bria Walker is the Tour Guide on “The Saints Tour” an immersive theatrical experience brought to you by those fine folks at the Bricolage Theater. Learn about the newly revived town of Braddock, both real and imaginary. “The Saints Tour” runs May 21 to June 13 in Braddock, PA 15104. For more information, go to www.bricolagepgh.org.

Half Time

PICT Classic Theatre returns to its home at the Charity Randall (after a brief stint downtown) with Alan Ayckbourn’s “How the Other Half Lives.” It’s a comedy about three couples who have arrived a bit too late to the sexual revolution. Viva La Revolution! It’s at the Charity Randall Theatre, inside the Stephen Foster Memorial, in the shadow of the Cathedral of Learning, on Pitt’s Campus (like a Russian Nesting Doll), 4301 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15213. For more information, go to http://www.picttheatre.org

Bright Ideas

Saturday, May 23 is TEDxPittsburgh at the Byham Theater. This year’s theme is “Bridges: Ideas that Connect Us.” There will be doctors, physicists, writers and nationally known public speakers, including World Policy Institute fellow, Michelle Franzo, physicist and science fiction writer, Diane Turnshek, and Pittsburgh’s own standup comedian and anti-bullying expert (half of the Josh and Gab show), Gab Bonesso. It’s at the Byham Theater, 101 Sixth Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15222, with an after party at SPACE gallery, 812 Liberty Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15222 (events sold separately). http://www.tedxpittsburgh.org/

I don’t know her from Adam

This weekend, you can see a chamber opera about The Beginning in “Eve Apart.” This story explores Adam, Eve, Lilith, the serpent in the Garden of Eden and the mysterious “Nameless Second Eve.” I just haven’t found out if the cast is wearing fig leaves. It’s at the Hill House, Elsie At the Elsie H. Hillman Auditorium at the Kaufmann Center (nesting doll number two), 1825 Centre Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15219. For more information, check out http://www.hillhouse.org/event/eve-apart/

Sitcom Sisters

They’re back! “The Sisters Sorella” is a live situation comedy performed way out loud by Tessa Glover, Julianne Avolio and Maggie Carr. Three Italian American sisters in Pittsburgh share their love, lives and lasagna. It’s at the Arcade Comedy Theater, 811 Liberty Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15222. For more information, go to http://www.nonameplayers.org/ You can also watch previous episodes here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f069tQd39QA

-MB.

May 18, 2015May 18, 2015

Review: AMERICAN FALLS, barebones productions

by Mike “Buzz” Buzzelli, ‘Burgh Vivant.

Take a tall glass, muddle “Our Town,” and “Twin Peaks,” and generously pour in some Budweiser – lots and lots of Budweiser – and you have a dark, potent cocktail titled “American Falls,” served on weekends at Braddock’s newest hotspot, the Barebones Black Box Theater.

Our story opens with eight actors on stage in various locations, each telling a snippet of a story that comes together like a scary-ass jigsaw puzzle. Billy Mound of Clouds (Leandro Cano), a Native American Payless shoe salesman, who watches television like it’s his second job, sets the scene. Billy, like his ancestors, believes in some serious metaphysical mumbo jumbo. Only his psychic intuition works from the bottom up. He gets premonitions that enter feet first, through his smoking new kicks.

Billy can’t wait to tell you about an eclectic collection of neighbors that surround him.

We methodically meet the rest of the cast. In one corner, Eric (John Steffenauer), Matt (Dave Mansueto) and Maddie (Sarah Silk) sit around the local bar and laugh, joke and trade tragic tales from childhood. These barroom buddies put the fun in dysfunctional.

Alone in another corner of the stage, across the dusty plain of American Falls, Samantha (Carrie Anne Spear) spills out her own darkly humorous anecdotes (the tattoo story is simply mesmerizing).

In a bedroom, not far from Billy’s living room, Samuel (Connor McCanlus) has a difficult conversation with eight-year-old Isaac (Gunnar Bjornson).

Above all the action, Lisa (Liz Hammond) narrates the story of her recent suicide. There are ghosts in this story, but, just like in real life, it’s the living ones you have to watch out for.

Somehow (within 70 minutes, mind you), these disparate threads come together, building a dark, disturbing narrative.

With director, and Barebones Productions main man, Patrick Jordan at the helm, you’re always in for a night of compelling theater, but “American Falls,” is utterly enthralling.

Though the entire cast is brilliant, special praise must be lavished on Cano’s Billy, McCanlus’ Samuel, and Spear’s Samantha.

Cano is superb as Billy Mound of Clouds. He’s the kind of guy you want to grab a beer with. He’s a far cry from Al Bundy, America’s best known shoe slinger.

McCanlus, who just wrapped up a stint as Robert, the wacky best friend in “Boeing Boeing” at the Cabaret in Theater Square, pulls a 180 and plays a menacing sociopath with homicidal tendencies. The vile diatribe he spews on to the young boy left in his care is loathsome. His character is so villainous, you’ll want to punch him in the gut after the show (Please don’t. There is a sweet human being beneath that scurrilous scoundrel).

Spear plays an alcoholic with a backlog of regrets, but she is so charismatic and charming; perhaps it’s the twinkle in her eyes as she recounts stories of Samantha’s youth.

Playwright Miki Johnson taps into the zeitgeist of the mundane and blows it up with dynamite.

Lisa, from her POV in Limbo puts it best. She says, “I mean, we do these things. We spill coffee down our sleeve, we read the labels on soup cans, we honk our horns and floss our teeth and cry and sing and swallow and turn on light switches and turn them off again and get places on time and get places late and watch TV and we get upset when a storm takes out the electricity and we blink and open drawers and sometimes forget to close them again and write ourselves reminders. All these things. And it’s nothing. It’s all nothing. And it’s everything.”

“American Falls” is everything; magical, lyrical, wacky weird, and wonderful.

P.S. Please note that Friday and Saturday shows include a pre-show reception from 6:30-7:45 with small plates from Superior Motors Chef Kevin Sousa in the home of Mayor John Fetterman.

“American Falls” runs until May 31 in the Barebones Black Box Theater, 1211 Braddock Avenue, Braddock, PA 15104

-MB.

May 18, 2015

Review: DETROIT, 12 Peers Theater

by Mike “Buzz” Buzzelli, ‘Burgh Vivant.

The aphorism “fences make good neighbors” was never truer than it is in Lisa D’Amour’s “Detroit.” When Ben (Brett Sullivan Santry) and Mary (Alyssa Herron) invite their neighbors Kenny (John Feightner) and Sharon (Sara Fisher) over for a backyard barbecue, all hell breaks loose.

Ben and Mary are desperate for friends. He’s unemployed and she’s unsatisfied. Kenny and Sharon, however, aren’t just the kooky kids who move in next door. Sharon drops a bomb early in the play, she met Kenny in rehab. The couple bonded over substance abuse issues. Things get weirder from there. Soon, we learn that the new neighbors don’t have any furniture, just a mattress on the floor of the bedroom. It actually takes Mary a bit longer than it should to realize that Kenny and Sharon are squatting, but, by the time they figure it out, they’re deep into the bonds of friendship. Mary even agrees to go camping with Sharon.
When Mary and Sharon return early from their “attempted” camping trip, things go from wacky to wild and, eventually, to catastrophic.

Playwright D’Amour raises some excellent questions about love, compatibility and trust in “Detroit.”

There are four great performances in this play.

Sullivan Santry is excellent as the sad-sack Ben, quietly boiling with rage under his mild-mannered unemployed entrepreneur exterior. Herron is a perfect match for him. She’s stewing in her own juices as the sole bread-winner at a job she despises. Mary is a frustrated woman who knows more than willing to admit; deep down she knows the truth and it will unravel her.

Feightner and Fisher are so completely natural as the chaotic couple that it’s enthralling. Fisher is a ball of energy soaking up every moment she’s on stage.

Feightner, best known for bringing funny characters to life in improv (he’s on several Pittsburgh teams) and sketch comedy (most notably, Hustlebot), shows a far darker side. Its jarring to watch, like when Robin Williams played his first dramatic role in “World According to Garp” you want to say, “Oh, he can act, too,” as if comedy is easier.

P.S. it’s not.

Vince Ventura does a fine job directing this nearly tragic farce. Ventura is also the founding artistic director of the 12 Peers Theater who mounted this production. He should be commended for picking this absurd work that accentuates the talents of his wife, the aforementioned Fisher.

There are, however, two gripes about “Detroit.”

One, there are two obstructions (supporting beams) that make the play difficult to see from some angles (go early and get a good seat). It’s an unfortunate design of the venue and not the fault of scenic designer James Jamison who created a delightful set; backyard barbecue pastiche with all the trimmings, including an unwieldy, giant Steelers umbrella (that might be why Ben and Mary don’t have friends among all those Lions fans).

Two, there is a final scene that wraps everything up in a bow. It’s badly expositional, stiff and awkward, delivered by an actor, Larry Herrmann who appears in only the final few minutes.

These nagging items shouldn’t obstruct you from going to see “Detroit.” It’s a fun, fascinating dark comedy, brought to life by four talented actors.

“Detroit” runs May 14 through May 30 at the Maker Theater, 5950 Ellsworth Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15232.

-MB.

May 15, 2015

Memorial service set to celebrate life, career of Point Park dance professor Tassone

PITTSBURGH – Point Park University’s Conservatory of Performing Arts will celebrate the life and career of long-time dance Professor Ron Tassone, who died in February. He was 76.

A commemoration service will be held at 3 p.m., Sunday, May 31, in the Rockwell Theatre at the Pittsburgh Playhouse, 222 Craft Ave., in the city’s Oakland neighborhood. A reception will follow the service. Anyone wishing to attend is requested to please RSVP by calling 412-392-6102.

Tassone, a native of Fairbank, Pa., in Fayette County, started at Point Park in September 1974. He established the jazz major within the Point Park dance program and assumed the role of director of dance for 10 years. He choreographed more than 25 jazz dance works at Point Park University’s Pittsburgh Playhouse. He also choreographed and/or directed many musicals at theatres such as Pittsburgh Civic Light Opera, Kenley Players, Phoenix Star Theatre, Music Fairs, Inc., and West Virginia Public Theatre. He was the co-choreographer of the American College Theatre Festival award-winning “Grand Hotel,” performed at the Kennedy Center in April 2002.

Tassone began his career in summer stock and upon graduation made his Broadway debut in “Gypsy,” followed by seven other Broadway shows, including “Subways are for Sleeping,” “No Strings,” “Here’s Love,” “Fade-Out, Fade-In”,”Funny Girl,” “George M.” and “Billy.” He also appeared on various television shows and in films.

May 11, 2015

FREE DEVELOPMENTAL WORKSHOPS OF NEW ECO-OPERA ENGAGE AUDIENCES

A NEW KIND OF FALLOUT by Gilda Lyons and Tammy Ryan set for World Premiere Opera Theater SummerFest 2015.

Music and theater lovers can step into the creation of a new opera during free developmental workshops of Opera Theater’s commissioned Eco-Opera, A NEW KIND OF FALLOUT, which has its world premiere in July during SummerFest. The public is invited to take part in the development of A New Kind of Fallout during a series of free pre-season public workshops and other events continuing in May and June and leading to the July 18 opening night at the Twentieth Century Club, Oakland.

Inspired by the environmental advocacy of Rachel Carson, Springdale, PA, native and scientist who wrote the ground-breaking Silent Spring, the new opera is a collaboration between composer Gilda Lyons and librettist Tammy Ryan, a playwright based in Pittsburgh. The opera’s title is quoted from Carson’s 1963 Congressional testimony in which she described the environmental threat of pesticides like DDT “a new kind of fallout”.

Jonathan Eaton, Opera Theater’s artistic and general director, is staging the new opera, with Robert Frankenberry as music director. Cast members Lara Lynn Cottrill, Christopher Scott, Daphne Alderson, and Desiree Soteres are featured on May 14 and 17 and joined by the rest of the SummerFest cast on June 27:

The Pittsburgh Botanic Garden, Oakdale, Thurs., May 14 at 6 pm.

Chatham University, Shadyside, Rachel Carson’s alma mater, Sun., May 17 at 2 pm in the Campbell Memorial Chapel, with a reception following.

Carrie Blast Furnaces, Swissvale, Sat., June 27 at 6 pm, The full cast will be featured in this final workshop, set in the dramatic Rivers of Steel Heritage Area site. Librettist Tammy Ryan and Music Director Robert Frankenberry will take part. Chairs and blankets welcome for outdoor audience seating, with limited ticketed seating available. Ticketed tours of the site will be given prior to the workshop. Food and refreshments will be on sale.

Excerpts from A New Kind of Fallout will be heard and discussed in venues relevant to the preservation of our eco-systems. Karen Jeng Lin accompanies cast members at the piano in selected scenes. Audience members take part in a discussion led by Eaton following each workshop. Feedback then continues to inform the creation of the work as produced fully for the first time in July. Workshop attendees will receive special ticket offers to attend A New Kind of Fallout during SummerFest.

All events are open to the public at no charge, with free tickets available at otsummerfest.org or (412) 326-9687. Free parking is available at each venue.

The first development workshop was held at Phippps Conservatory in February.

Additional pre-season events likewise showcase music from A NEW KIND OF FALLOUT sung by Lara Lynn Cottrill and aspects of Silent Spring with details at otsummerfest.org:

Rachel Carson Homestead, Sat., May 30, when excerpts of A NEW KIND OF FALLOUT will be sung by Lara Lynn Cottrill during a daytime event celebrating the author’s birthday.
Amiche Artists Festival, Sat., June 6, 9 am-9 pm, Irvine Park, Beaver.
Poets Corner, Sun., June 14, 2-3:30 pm, when the Northside arts series hosts Cottrill and music director Robert Frankenberry at the piano for a program of readings from Silent Spring and music from the new opera in the Tiffany Sanctuary of Calvary United Methodist Church. A reception follows.

A New Kind of Fallout premieres on Sat., July 18 at 7:30 pm with additional performances on Fri., July 24 at 7:30 pm; and Sun., July 26 at 2 pm. In addition to A New Kind of Fallout, Opera Theater SummerFest will feature from July 10 through August 2: operas sung in English—The Marriage of Figaro and Figaro Redux with music by Mozart and Capriccio by Richard Strauss—and the musical Damn Yankees; an International Recital Series featuring artists including countertenor Andrey Nemzer and contralto Daphne Alderson; dining options; and late night cabaret by SummerFest company members.

“This new Eco-Opera, A New Kind of Fallout, is the first in a series of commissions,” says Jonathan Eaton, the company’s artistic and general director who will stage the full production. “We envisage a series of new operas which will address critical issues we confront in our society today – hot button topics such as global warming, race relations, violence…”

Eaton stressed the importance of new compositions to the operatic form: “Opera is often viewed as something of a museum art form. We want to bring it up to date by creating new works that are relevant, provocative and important to people today.

“Each workshop will present new scenes from the opera – hot off the press – and explore the issues it raises in discussions with the artists,” Eaton says. “We think they will be fascinating to anyone who is interested in issues of the environment, in women’s role in the modern world, in creating new works – and in experiencing this in unique and beautiful spaces.”

“A New Kind of Fallout is inspired by Rachel Carson – a pioneering woman scientist whose work was instrumental in founding the Green Movement in America,” says Eaton. “She also took on a male establishment and won. So we invited two women artists to write the opera – local star playwright Tammy Ryan has created the libretto, and Gilda Lyons is writing the music. We are thrilled with the results, and want to share sections of the work as it is created with our audiences in a series of workshops.”

With these developmental workshops of A New Kind of Fallout, SummerFest offers a wonderful opportunity to see a new opera in its early stage. With music by noted composer Gilda Lyons (Night Caps: Moonlight Suite from 2012) and a libretto by Pittsburgh playwright Tammy Ryan (A Soldier’s Heart, Lost Boy Found in Whole Foods), A New Kind of Fallout is a full-length work touching on the life of Rachel Carson, the Pittsburgh-trained scientist and author whose seminal 1962 work, Silent Spring, helped launch the environmental movement in the United States. Carson was born in nearby Springdale, PA, and attended Pittsburgh College for Women (now Chatham University).

Visit otsummerfest.org for tickets and details on all events.

Opera Theater of Pittsburgh is on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and Pinterest.

Box Office: 412-326-9687

Venue: The Twentieth Century Club, 4201 Bigelow Blvd. at Parkman, Oakland,

Pittsburgh PA 15213.

May 11, 2015

City Theatre hosts 22nd annual gala and 40th Birthday bash

PITTSBURGH, PA – City Theatre, along with Host Committee co-chairs David & Luci Massaro, and Gala co-chairs Judy & Michael Cheteyan, Laura Penrod Kronk and June Yonas celebrate the company’s 40th Anniversary Season with the signature Annual Gala & Auction on Monday, May 18, 2015 from 5:30 to 10:00 PM at Heinz Field East Club Lounge. This year’s theme; 40th Birthday Bash, recognizes City’s milestone 40th year, and welcomes friends to join us for an over-the-top party honoring our rich past, and looking towards our exciting future.

The evening comes alive with an array of festive drinks, exquisite cuisine, exciting music and dancing, birthday party-themed activities, and silent and live auctions to spark support for Pittsburgh’s home for new plays.

TICKETS

$250 per person
Contact Dianne Duursma: 412.431.4400 ext. 278 or dduursma@citytheatrecompany.org

THEME
GET LIT: Wild, Over-the-Top, 40th Birthday Bash
Don your vividly colored and boldly patterned party wear to shine brighter than a birthday cake with 40 candles!

GALA SCHEDULE 5:30 PM: GET JUICED

Lip smacking libations and party punches to help toast in our honor.

6:30 PM: GET FUELED

Tickle your taste buds with our take on your favorite festive foods.

7:30 PM: GET SOME LOOT

City’s side-splitting Sister, Kimberly Richards, hosts our live auction. Bring your birthday money and stock up on party favors.

8:15 PM: GET DOWN

Cut the cake, then cut a rug! DJ Kelli Burns spins the perfect party playlist as our celebration takes the floor.

PARTY PUNCHES
Birthday Bubbly: Champagne, Chambord, and Cranberry Juice Party Animal: Whiskey, Bitters, Orange Curl, and Cherry

PARTY FAVORS

Buttermilk Fried Chicken and Waffles with Maple Syrup
Champagne Compressed Fruit Kabob
House-Made Kettle Chips with your choice of Malt Vinegar or Black Garlic Chili Thai Sauce Pork Belly Corn Dog with Maple Dijon Mustard
Steak Tartare on Parmesan Chips

BIRTHDAY BITES

Chef Walton’s House-Preserved Sausage and Salami with Pickled Vegetables Chef Walton’s Selection Bruschetta, House-Pulled Mozzarella, and Crostini Custom-Made Cider, Violet Port Wine, and Horseradish Stone Ground Mustards Escarole and Cannellini Beans with Smoked Pork Belly

Grilled Fennel and Grana Padano with Chianti Reduction
Grilled Yellow, Orange, and Red Bell Peppers
Marinated Olives, Oil-Cured Tomatoes, and Oven-Dried Artichokes with Olive Oil Wood-Fired Traditional and Prosciutto di Parma Flat Breads

Wine Pairing: BACI VIVACI Sparkling NV, Italy

MAC N’ CHEESE MANIA

Elbow Macaroni with Pancetta and Peas

Orecchiette Pasta with Lobster, Gouda, and Truffle
Radiatore Pasta with Goat Cheese Sauce and Spring Vegetables

Wine Pairing: MUD HOUSE Sauvignon Blanc 2013, New Zealand Wine Pairing: 10 SPAN Noir 2012, California

GROWN-UP FISH STICKS

Wild King Salmon
Popcorn Risotto
Salted Caramel Root Vegetables

Wine Pairing: DIVINING ROD Chardonnay 2012, California

BIG KIDS BEEF

Coffee-Rubbed Dry-Aged Beef with Bitter Chocolate Jus Steel-Cut Oatmeal Grits
Spring Succotash

Wine Pairing: CONCANNON Cabernet Sauvignon ‘Founders’ 2013, California

GOODIE BAGS

Chocolate Chocolate Chip Sprinkle Cookie Sandwiches House-Made Maple Bacon, Glazed, and Cannoli Donuts Mini Tie-Dye Cupcakes
Mojito Flavored Cotton Candy

Sliced Fresh Fruit

LIVE AUCTION ITEMS

1. Duquesne Club Wine Cellar Dinner
Gather your friends together and join hosts Judy and Michael Cheteyan for a six-course, gourmet dinner with wine pairings at the Duquesne Club, one of Downtown Pittsburgh’s most eminent establishments. The Executive Chef will create a meal to remember for six guests, specially designed to complement the Cheteyans’ extensive and impeccably kept vintage wine collection. Cheers!

“This was truly a memorable evening for me and my friends. It is in a location not many people get to visit, and the Duquesne Club pulls out all the stops. The food was tremendous and the wine spectacular. The Cheteyans are wonderfully gracious hosts.”
– Clyde B. Jones, III,

President, Health & Sciences Foundation of the University of Pittsburgh & UPMC. Restrictions: Date to be coordinated with Judy and Michael Cheteyan

Opening Bid: $2,500/Accommodates Six

2. Sister’s Easter Catechism: Will My Bunny Go To Heaven?
If you’re looking for a fun night out, gather up your favorite pals and hit the town with the one and only Kimberly Richards! The lucky winning bidder will receive 20 tickets for the Thursday, February 25th performance and join Sister for a very special late night dinner at the delicious Carmella’s Plates and Pints. Mind your P’s & Q’s because Sister is watching!

Restrictions: One night only! Thursday, February 25, 2016. Performance at 8:00 PM, immediately followed by dinner.
Opening Bid: $2,000/Accommodates Twenty

3. French Riviera Vacation
Take your friends on the vacation of a lifetime! Enjoy a 7-night stay in a modern, private 4- bedroom villa high in the hills above Vence in the French Riviera. Complete with an infinity pool, outdoor barbeque, fireplace, en-suite bathrooms, and picturesque beaches, this beautiful two- level home accommodates eight guests. An easy ten-minute drive gets you to the town of Vence, a classic and bustling Provençal village that draws art and food lovers from around the world. Within under an hour’s reach are the famous seaside towns of Nice, Eze, Antibes, and more. Bonjour la vie magnifique!

Available: September 1, 2015 – December 15, 2015 and January 15, 2016 to May 30, 2016 Restrictions: Blackout dates – One week before and after Easter 2016
Not included: Airfare, car, or transfers. Extra nights can be added upon request.
Opening Bid: $5,500/Accommodates Eight

4. A Taste of Italy
Wine lovers will rejoice at the chance to enjoy a 7-night stay at Villa Montepulciano in Tuscany. Located on an estate that still produces boutique wines and olive oils, the villa offers guests the chance to taste the property’s homegrown wines, sample produce from the local orchard, and enjoy breakfast treats and drinks with the villa’s owner, a sommelier. The villa includes six bedrooms, divided between a main house and guest cottage, space for up to 13 guests, a luxurious pool, and sprawling panoramic views of the Italian countryside. The villa is just outside the town of Montepulciano, a 30-minute drive to the Bettolo golf course, and a 35-minute drive to the ski area at Mount Amiata. Take a day trip to the beach at Grosseto and enjoy easy access to the Florence airport. Viva Italia!

Available: September 1, 2015 – November 15, 2015 and January 15, 2016 to June 10, 2016 Restrictions: Blackout Dates – One week before and after Easter 2016
Not included: Airfare, car, or transfers. Extra nights can be added upon request.
Opening Bid: $6,000/Accommodates Thirteen

5. Big Apple Weekend

Wake up in the city that never sleeps with this ultimate New York getaway! Your trip will include a 3-night stay for two in a Mega Room at the beautiful W Hotel in Union Square, tickets to one of next season’s Broadway hits like Fiddler on the Roof, School of Rock, or The Color Purple, selected especially for you by City’s Artistic Director Tracy Brigden, and a special night out on the town with a City Theatre artist at the exclusive celebrity haunt Bar Centrale. This deluxe package also includes a $250 Bloomingdale’s gift card and a subscription to American Theatre magazine so you can know about your show before you go. Get ready to take NYC by storm!

Restrictions: Airfare not included. Trip must be taken by May 15, 2016. Show selection will be determined by selected travel dates.
Opening Bid: $3,500/Accommodates Two

MORE INFO

Event Information: http://www.citytheatrecompany.org/events/gala-and-auction/
Please direct all press inquiries to Andy Weier, Director of Marketing and Communications,

412.431.4400 x230 or aweier@citytheatrecompany.org.

City Theatre concludes its 40th anniversary season with Midsummer (A Play with Songs), on the Main Stage May 9 through 31. Located on Pittsburgh’s historic South Side, City Theatre specializes in new plays, commissioning and producing work by playwrights including Daniel Beaty, Jessica Dickey, Christopher Durang, Michael Hollinger, Willy Holtzman, Tarell McCraney, and Madeleine George. Under the leadership of Artistic Director Tracy Brigden, Managing Director James McNeel, and a 38-member Board of Directors, City Theatre’s mission is to provide an artistic home for the development and production of contemporary plays of substance and ideas that engage and challenge a diverse audience. CityTheatreCompany.org

May 11, 2015

Unseam’d Shakespeare presents newly inspired adaptation of OUT OF THIS FURNACE

PITTSBURGH – For its 22nd season, Unseam’d Shakespeare presents a newly inspired adaptation of Thomas Bell’s Out of This Furnace, adapted by Andy Wolk. Out of This Furnace is the story of immigrant steelworkers and their families who must scrape out a living in the shadow of the mill. The narrator, Dobie, leads the audience on a journey that explores the trials, tribulations and ultimate triumph of three generations of the Kracha/Dobrecjak family.

The production will be directed by Lisa Ann Goldsmith, with an all-new cast featuring Charles Beikert, Lea DiMarchi, Kate Falk, Matthew Mazurowski, Julia Netzer, Max Pavel, Charles David Richards, Jennifer Tober, Tammy Tsai, Mark Warchol.

Post-show discussions with the director and cast will be held following performances on June 10th and 17th.

Out of This Furnace will be presented at the Studio Theatre in the Cathedral of Learning in Oakland. Opening on Thursday, June 4 through June 21, 2015. Wed.-Sat. curtain at 7:30pm; Sunday matinees at 4 pm. Tickets are $18-$30 with group rates for 6+ audience members (for advanced sales only) Limited seating available; reservations recommended. Tickets available through www.unseamd.com or ShowClix: – 1-877-718-4253

May 8, 2015

The “Buzz” from Buzzelli: Pittsburgh’s Top To-Do’s THIS WEEKEND (5/14 – 5/17)

by Mike “Buzz” Buzzelli, ‘Burgh Vivant.

Here are the Top Five Things to do in Pittsburgh the week of May 14 through May 17.

Superior Motors

The bones come to rest. Barebones has a permanent space with its new black box theater aptly named the Barebones Black Box Theater. They are debuting Miki Johnson’s “American Falls” in their brand new space. Patrick Jordan, patriarch of barebones, directs a fantastic cast of locals such as Cary Anne Spear, Sarah Silk and Connor McCanlus. You can find the new Barebones Black Box Theater at 1211 Braddock Avenue, Braddock, PA 15104 (the former site of the Superior Motors car dealership). For more information, go to http://barebonesproductions.com/

Motor City

You think your neighbors are trouble? Welcome to “Detroit.” Lisa D’Amour’s version, at least. In a suburb just outside a city that might be “Detroit,” Ben and Mary see sudden signs of life at the deserted house next door and invite their new neighbors Sharon and Kenny over for a barbecue. Things get strange.You can get to “Detroit” by way of the Maker Theater, 5950 Ellsworth Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pa 15232. For more information, go to http://www.12peerstheater.org/

Bet on Black

Race to the Coffin Comedy presents “Comedy Roulette” featuring Tim Ross, John Pridmore, James J. Hamilton, Andy Picarro and hosted by John Dick Winters. It’s a benefit show supporting Artisan Tattoo and all proceeds will go to Jason Angst and family. “Comedy Roulette” spins into Club Café on May 15 for a 10 pm show. For more information, go to http://www.ticketweb.com/t3/sale/SaleEventDetail?dispatch=loadSelectionData&eventId=5811015&pl=opus

Mid production

Spring is just beginning but “Midsummer” is going by quickly. It’s not too late to catch this show at the City Theater. When a divorce lawyer finds a small time crook in her her basement wine bar, the unlikely pair goes on an alcohol- and adventure-filled romp, discovering that there are second chances at life—and love. It’s not a musical, but a play with songs. Bask in the joy of “Midsummer” at the City Theatre, 1300 Bingham Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15203. For more information, go to http://www.citytheatrecompany.org/

Don’t Fence me in

August Wilson’s Pulitzer Prize-winning play “Fences” is at the Pittsburgh Playwrights Theatre Company runs until the end of the month. Set in the Pittsburgh’s Hill District in the 1950s, “Fences” evokes the early rumblings of the civil rights movement. The play follows Troy Maxson’s struggle to accept the generational changes that allowed his son to succeed in ways Troy never could. Director Mark Clayton Southers brings the Hill downtown to 937 Liberty Avenue, 3^rd Floor, Pittsburgh, PA 15222. For more information, go to http://www.pghplaywrights.com/

-MB.

May 5, 2015May 5, 2015

The “Buzz” from Buzzelli: Pittsburgh’s Top To-Do’s THIS WEEKEND (5/7 – 5/10)

by Mike “Buzz” Buzzelli, ‘Burgh Vivant.

Here are the Top Five things to do Pittsburgh this weekend, May 7 through May 10 (Mother’s Day Weekend).

Dance! Dance! Dance!

Kelly Strayhorn Theater presents a multi-venue festival showcasing exciting new work by young choreographers from Pittsburgh and around the country at the “newMoves Contemporary Dance Festival.” The festival features performances along with workshops, artist discussions, parties, and more.
You can join them for a pre-show mixer one hour before each of performance. It kicks off Thursday, May 7 at the Kelly Strayhorn Theater, 5941 Penn Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA. For more information, go to http://kelly-strayhorn.org

Well, Hello!

Dolly Gallagher Levi returns to Yonkers and the stage in “Hello, Dolly!” You’ll hear the classic numbers include “Put On Your Sunday Clothes,” “Ribbons Down My Back,” “Before the Parade Passes By,” and, of course, “Hello Dolly.” Catch the classic at the Grand Theater, 207 S. 2^nd Avenue, Elizabeth, PA 15037. For more information, go to http://www.monriverarts.org.

Why be Normal?

The Tony Award and Pulitzer Prize-winning musical, “Next to Normal” explores how one suburban household copes with crisis and mental illness. Dad’s an architect; Mom rushes to pack lunches and pour cereal; their daughter and son are bright, wise-cracking teens, appearing to be a typical American family. Find out what lies beneath the surface, in “Next to Normal” at the Andrew Carnegie Free Library and Music Hall, 300 Beechwood Avenue, Carnegie, PA 15106. For more information, go to http://www.stage62.org/show/?action=view&productionID=31

Build a Better Mousetrap

London’s longest running play comes to Pittsburgh. Agatha Christie’s “Mousetrap” opens May 8. Find out about all the mysteries of Monkswell Manor. Opening night is also “Cheese Night.” “Mousetrap” is at the New Hazlett Theater, 6 Allegheny Square, Pittsburgh, PA 15212. For more information, go to http://www.primestage.com/shows_and_tickets/index.html

Fringe on Top

Pittsburgh’s innovative performing arts festival returns for a second year. If you’re looking for a unique theater experience on the fringe, check out their slate of shows like “Bortle 8,” “Gypsy Funk,” “Who is Bob Friendly” and “Songs from a Lost Civilization and Other Stories.” There’s also a performance of “Hedwig and the Angry Inch.” If you’ve never seen a play about Hockey before, it’s time to check (get it) out “Intentional Icing.” The Fringe is happening all over the North Side this year. For a map, a schedule or more information, go to http://www.pittsburghfringe.org/

-MB.

April 28, 2015August 12, 2019

The “Buzz” from Buzzelli: Pittsburgh’s Top To-Do’s THIS WEEKEND (4/30 – 5/3)

by Mike “Buzz” Buzzelli, ‘Burgh Vivant.

Here are the Top Five Things to do in Pittsburgh the weekend of April 30 through May 3.

Harmonic Blasphemy

The Pittsburgh New Works Festival celebrates 25 years with special performances of two previous “Best Play” Donna Award winners — “Harmonic Convergence” (1995) by Scott Sickles (General Hospital) and “The Blasphemy of Bees” (2009) by Christopher Dimond (Pittsburgh CLO‘s “Judge Jackie Justice”). Both playwrights have gone on to exciting professional writing careers and both will be returning for this evening’s event to participate in a post-show talkback! It’s at the Andrew Carnegie Free Library and Music Hall on Friday, May 1 on 25 W. Main Street, Carnegie, PA 15106. For more information, go to http://www.pittsburghnewworks.org/

Brass Ones

Brass bands invade Pittsburgh at “Pittonkatonk” It will feature the Pitchblack Brass Band, Black Bear Combo, Detroit Party Marching Band and many more. Come out and hear the music play on Saturday at 3:00 at the Vietnam Veterans Pavilion in Schenley Park. For more information, go to https://www.facebook.com/events/736736263113518/

Aunt Hill

Two students, Charley Wyckham and Jack Chesney, are in love with two young ladies, Amy and Kitty. But a protective uncle won’t let them anywhere near the boys. Charley and Jack talk their friend Babbs into posing as “Charley’s Aunt.” Naturally, comedic trouble ensues. “Charley’s Aunt” is at the McKeesport Little Theater,1614 Coursin Street, McKeesport, PA 15132. For more information, go to http://mckeesportlittletheater.com/

Postcards from Paris

Have you heard? “Jacques Brel is Alive & Well and Living in Paris.” Okay, that’s the title of PICT’s new show. It’s a desperately romantic story told with music, but it’s not a musical really. It’s at the Pierce Studio, Trust Arts Education Center, 805-807 Liberty Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA. For more information, go to http://www.picttheatre.org/

Braddock Rises

Barebones Theater opens “American Falls.” The play is a modern day “Our Town,” as it follows the lives of six living people & two dead ones in American Falls, Idaho. Rush over to their new theater space at the barebones theater, 1211 Braddock Ave, Braddock, PA. For more information, go to http://barebonesproductions.com/

-MB.