VivantAdmin, Author at 'Burgh Vivant

September 17, 2014September 17, 2014

Chamber Music Pittsburgh opens 2014-15 season with the Takács Quartet

Chamber Music Pittsburgh will present the Takács Quartet, Monday, September 29, 2014, 7:30pm, in Carnegie Music Hall in Oakland. The repertoire to be performed includes Haydn’s Quartet in Bb major, Op. 64, No. 3, Debussy’s Quartet in G minor, Op. 10, and Beethoven’s Quartet in Bb major, Op. 130, with Finale: Grosse Fuge, Op. 133. This performance marks the ninth time the Takács Quartet has appeared on Chamber Music Pittsburgh’s stage.

WATCH/LISTEN: ‘Burgh Vivant’s interview with Chamber Music Pittsburgh’s Executive Director, Kristen Linfante.

Recognized as one of the world’s great ensembles, the Takács Quartet plays with a unique blend of drama, warmth and humor, combining four distinct musical personalities to bring fresh insights to the string quartet repertoire.
The Takács became the first string quartet to win the Wigmore Hall Medal on May 10, 2014. The Medal, inaugurated in 2007, recognizes major international artists who have a strong association with the Hall. Recipients so far include Andras Schiff, Thomas Quasthoff, Menachem Pressler and Dame Felicity Lott. Appointed in 2012 as the first-ever Associate Artists at Wigmore, the Takacs present six concerts every season there. Other European engagements in 2014-2015 include the Edinburgh and Bath Festivals, the Louvre in Paris, Amsterdam’s Concertgebouw, Vienna’s Musikverein, London’s Queen Elizabeth Hall, and in Geneva, Florence, Cremona and Budapest.

In 2012, Gramophone announced that the Takács was the only string quartet to be inducted into its first Hall of Fame, along with such legendary artists as Jascha Heifetz, Leonard Bernstein and Dame Janet Baker. The ensemble also won the 2011 Award for Chamber Music and Song presented by the Royal

Philharmonic Society in London. Based in Boulder at the University of Colorado, the Takács Quartet performs ninety concerts a year worldwide.

In 2014-2015, the Quartet performs throughout North America, returning to the Ravinia Festival and to Lincoln Center for two programs—one with guest violist Lawrence Power and the other with pianist Joyce Yang, and performs with pianist Marc-Andre Hamelin at UC Berkeley, University of Connecticut and at Orchestra Hall in Chicago. They also return after many years to Santiago, Chile, and Sao Paulo, Brazil.

Meryl Streep will perform Philip Roth’s “Everyman” program with the Takács at Princeton University on September 19, 2014. The program was conceived in close collaboration with Philip Roth. The Quartet is known for such innovative programming. They first performed “Everyman” at Carnegie Hall in 2007 with Philip Seymour Hoffman. They have toured 14 cities with the poet Robert Pinsky, collaborate regularly with the Hungarian Folk group Muzsikas, and in 2010 they collaborated with the Colorado Shakespeare Festival and David Lawrence Morse on a drama project that explored the composition of Beethoven’s last quartets.

There will be a lobby recital in the Grand Foyer of Carnegie Music Hall from 7:00-7:20pm. This lobby recital will feature harpist Hannah Piston, a 17-year-old high academic honors student at Hickory High School in Hermitage, PA.

Tickets are $39-$46, and student rush tickets are available for $15 with valid student ID one hour prior to the concert. Braille and large print programs will be provided. CMP provides concierge service to assist patrons wishing to be dropped off at the Carnegie Museums’ carriage driveway and parking facility. Carnegie Music Hall is an accessible venue. For tickets and further information, please call 412-624-4129 or visit www.chambermusicpittsburgh.org.

About Chamber Music Pittsburgh

Chamber Music Pittsburgh (previously the Pittsburgh Chamber Music Society) presents world-class chamber music ensembles and soloists, promising emerging artists, and innovative programs; and also fosters an appreciation for chamber music in the Pittsburgh community by offering educational programs and experiences. In carrying out its mandate, CMP has been guided consistently by two basic principles: quality and variety. Each year’s program is a carefully balanced menu of acclaimed chamber ensembles along with the most brilliant emerging groups.

CMP is supported by grants from the Allegheny Regional Asset District, the A.W. Mellon Educational and Charitable Trust of The Pittsburgh Foundation, and the Heinz Endowments. The Heinz Endowments supports efforts to make southwestern Pennsylvania a premier place to live and work, a center for learning and educational excellence, and a region that embraces diversity and inclusion.

CMP receives state arts funding support through a grant from the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts, a state agency funded by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency.

September 17, 2014

City Theatre opens 40th anniversary season with Shanley’s OUTSIDE MULLINGAR

Pittsburgh, PA (September 11, 2014) – City Theatre kicks off its 40^th anniversary season with a 2014 Tony Award® “Best Play” nominee. OUTSIDE MULLINGAR, by John Patrick Shanley, directed by Tracy Brigden, will run on City Theatre’s Mainstage October 11 – November 2, 2014.

This comedy tells the story of Tony Reilly, an aging Irish cattle farmer. With his wife dead and gone and his own time approaching, Tony threatens to leave his family’s cattle farm to an American nephew instead of his own son and namesake, Anthony. That is, until neighbor Rosemary steps in with a long-held family secret that could change Anthony’s fate and her own. Set in the sprawling Irish countryside, this is the wistful story of Anthony and Rosemary—loners going on 40, eccentric souls, and, perhaps, just right for each other.

“I have worked on several John Patrick Shanley premieres during my years in New York, so I am thrilled to finally direct one, especially the beautiful OUTSIDE MULLINGAR.” says City Theatre Artistic Director and director of this season-opening production, Tracy Brigden. “I love Shanley’s ability to turn an audience from belly-laughs to tears and leave them literally gasping with surprise at the plot twists in this play. OUTSIDE MULLINGAR has all the best attributes of a traditional Irish play: poetic language, strong characters, family history, long held secrets and a quirky love story. But this play is set now and has a sly, modern sensibility. It also has some very juicy roles for four actors and we have assembled a first rate cast.”

OUTSIDE MULLINGAR features, Ron Menzel (Fair Game at City Theatre, 2003) Mary Rawson (Honus and Me, 2006), Noble Shropshire (The Seafarer, 2009) and Megan Byrne. The creative team includes Anne Mundell (Scenic), Almeda Beynon (Sound), Andrew David Ostrowski (Lighting), Susan Tsu (Costume) and Don Wadsworth (Dialects).

This production is recommended for high school and older audiences.

PRESS / OPENING NIGHT: Friday, October 17th at 8pm

Performance Schedule
Tuesdays at 7pm
Wednesdays at 1pm and 7pm
Thursdays and Fridays at 8pm
Saturdays at 5:30 and 9pm
Sundays at 2pm

Sipping Sunday – October 12
Sunday Talkbacks – October 19 & 26
Greenroom Young Professional’s Night – October 24

Where: City Theatre, 1300 Bingham Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15203 (South Side)
Tickets: $36 to $56
Run time: approximately 1 hour and 35 minutes, with no intermission

Box Office: 412.431.CITY (2489) or citytheatrecompany.org

Audiences under 30 may reserve $15 tickets in advance for all performances except Fridays 8pm and Saturdays 5:30pm. On Fridays and Saturdays, rush tickets are available two hours prior to show time and based on availability.

Seniors age 62 and older may purchase $22 rush tickets at the Box Office beginning two hours before show time. Based on availability.

Groups of 10 or more are eligible for discounts. Call Kari Shaffer at 412.431.4400 x286.

City Theatre is now in its 40th anniversary season. 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 Theresa Rebeck. Under the leadership of Artistic Director Tracy Brigden, Managing Director Mark R. Power, and a 45-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

September 17, 2014September 17, 2014

Opera Theater of Pittsburgh presents the 3rd Annual Mildred Miller International Voice Competition

PITTSBURGH, PA — The future stars of opera will shine during the third annual Mildred Miller International Voice Competition presented by Opera Theater of Pittsburgh and the Gailliot Family Foundation on Nov. 1 and 2 during National Opera Week (Oct. 24-Nov. 2, 2014). Three top winners receive cash prizes totaling $9,000 resident artist contracts in Opera Theater’s SummerFest 2015.

Applications for singers 18-35 are open through Wed., Oct. 10 via Yaptracker.com.

Mildred Miller International Voice Competition is named in honor of the Opera Theater’s founder who created the company in 1978. Mildred Miller Posvar, one of America’s best-loved opera stars with a 25-year long career at the Metropolitan Opera, says about ‘her’ international voice competition: “It is wonderful to be able to support a new generation of talented young singers, and to help launch their careers onto the professional opera stage.”

The international panel of judges includes Mildred Miller Posvar, Robert Chafin, Robert Croan, Kevin Glavin, Eugene Perry, and Maria Spacagna.

Winners are offered monetary prizes plus contracts to perform roles in SummerFest 2015 productions. Three top prizes are sponsored by regional arts patrons:

The Ralph Zitterbart First Prize of $5,000.
The Drs. Michelina Fato and Carl Synderman Second Prize of $3,000.
The Robert Chafin Third Prize of $1,000, made possible by the Grambrindi Davies Fund of The Pittsburgh Foundation.

In addition to the judge’s selections, those attending will vote for “Audience Favorite”.

Semi-finals feature up to 20 competitors on Sat., Nov. 1, 11 am–1 pm and 3–5 pm. at Carnegie Mellon University’s Mellon Institute Auditorium, 4400 Fifth Ave., Oakland (Pittsburgh, PA 15213, entrance on Bellefield Ave, opposite Heinz Chapel). As part of NATIONAL OPERA WEEK, the semi-finals are open to the public free of charge. Seats may be reserved online at otsummerfest.org or obtained at door.

Finals, hosted by Anna Singer of WQED-FM, will feature up to eight singers on Sun., Nov. 2 from 2:30 to 5 pm at the beautiful Twentieth Century Club in Oakland (4201 Bigelow Ave. at Parkman). Ms. Singer, who most recently received acclaim as the title character of OT SummerFest’s The Merry Widow, will entertain the audience as part of her emcee duties.

The $35 general admission tickets include afternoon tea during the intermission while the judges deliberate. Students with a valid ID are admitted free at the door. A VIP package for $125 includes preferred seating, afternoon tea, and a post-concert reception hosted by Mildred Miller Posvar with the contestants and judges at a private home in the historic Woodland Road district at Chatham University campus. Tickets are on sale by phone at: (412) 326-9687 or online at otsummerfest.org where parking and event details can be found.

Background:

About the Mildred Miller International Voice Competition

“Our competition is different – as well as awarding monetary prizes, we offer young singers leading roles in productions, helping them develop their performing experience and build their repertoire,” says Opera Theater’s Artistic Director Jonathan Eaton.

WATCH/LISTEN: ‘Burgh Vivant’s interview with Jonathan Eaton, Executive and Artistic Director of Opera Theater of Pittsburgh.

The previous three top MMIVC award winners are already embarking on stellar careers. Countertenor Andrey Nemzer, 2011 first-place winner, was cast in leading roles in SummerFest productions and went on to win the Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions and was a third place winners in the prestigious Operalia competition led by Placido Domingo. Nemzer now has a contract at the Met. Tenor Juan José de León, 2012 winner, was showcased at SummerFest, has also won contracts at the Met and the operas of Paris and Rome. Elizabeth Baldwin, the 2013 first place MMIVC winner, received critical acclaim for her performance in the title role of Ariadne on Naxos in SummerFest 2014, and has contracts with the San Francisco Symphony Orchestra.

The 2013 MMIVC attracted 185 emerging young professionals (ages 19-35) from throughout North America (US, Canada, Mexico), Bulgaria, France, Russia, Korea, China, Japan, and Taiwan.

About National Opera Week

National Opera Week, Oct. 24-Nov. 2, 2014, is led by OPERA America, the national service organization for opera, with support from the National Endowment for the Arts. National Opera Week celebrates the vibrancy of opera in America today, and brings the inventiveness and excitement of opera to a national audience. The strength and diversity of established opera companies, community opera ensembles, and opera training programs across the United States will be shared through free, dynamic activities designed to engage novices, opera lovers, and everyone in between.

About Opera Theater of Pittsburgh and SummerFest

Since its founding in 1978 by Mildred Miller Posvar, Opera Theater of Pittsburgh has served a diverse market of music drama audiences in Western Pennsylvania. Jonathan Eaton has served as artistic and general director since 1999. By presenting high-quality productions of music drama not available elsewhere, the company works at the forefront of the genre. In its 36-year history, Opera Theater has presented more than 50 Pittsburgh premieres, many of them American operas that would not have been produced by other regional companies. Opera Theater reaches out across traditional lines of demarcation in the arts, presenting works which engage diverse, new and younger audiences, bringing in supporters of music, theater, dance and the visual arts.

Over its first three seasons, SummerFest drew more than 22,000 people to operas, musicals, new works and recitals. SummerFest features a company of performers including top national and regional singers, and rising stars from its Young Artist Program. Members of the six-week Young Artist Program are recruited from more than 300 candidates in auditions in Pittsburgh and six cities across the US. It combines performance opportunities for emerging professionals with a comprehensive training experience including coaching, master classes, and a variety of special events. Thirty-seven young artists, including singers, pianists and stage directors from the US, Korea, China, Japan, Russia, Belgium, France, Argentina, and Canada took part in SummerFest 2014.

September 17, 2014

Never before seen rockstar memorabilia debuts at 2014 ZanaFest

(Harmony Township, PA) Legendary Concert Promoter Rich Engler will be displaying an awesome exhibit of Rockstar Memorabilia at ZanaFest 2014 with some never before seen pieces – A Carlos Santana signed guitar and 2 museum quality pieces from Jimi Hendrix and John Lennon. Engler will also be personalizing and signing copies of his book “ Behind the Stage Door”. You can see the exhibit and meet Rich & Cindy Engler at ZanaFest 2014 on Friday, Sept 19, 6 – 8 PM and Sunday, Sept 21, 3 – 7 PM.

ZanaFest is a music festival and celebration of the life and career of one of Beaver County’s most influential educators, Richard D. Zana. It is organized by an appreciative volunteer group of former students and col- leagues. The mission of ZanaFest is to support the Richard D. Zana Memorial Fund, of the Beaver County Foundation, a 501(C) (3) Community Foundation. The purpose of the fund is to provide music scholarships for talented area students and to benefit cancer organizations.

ZanaFest 2014, The 6th Annual Richard Zana Music Festival, will take place indoors and outdoors over 5 days, September 17-18-19-20-21 at Harmony Ridge Golf Club, 1280 Breitenstein Road (Rt 989) in Am- bridge, PA. http://www.harmonyridgeevents.com/. 57 acts will perform virtually all genres of music this year at the 5 day Music Festival making ZanaFest 2014 one of the Largest Music Festivals ever produced in the region.

All correspondence regarding ZanaFest should be directed to Greg Paul at (412) 877-3997, email: g.a.paul@att.net For more details please go to www.zanafest.org

September 17, 2014

21+ STARRY NIGHTS kicks off celebration of Buhl Planetarium’s 75 years

PITTSBURGH, Sept. 17, 2014 – Carnegie Science Center is inviting adults to leave the kids at home for 21+ Starry Nights, a special evening of astronomy-themed events on Friday, Sept. 26, from 6 – 10 pm.

Throughout the evening, guests can scale a 21-foot “zero” gravity climbing wall, explore a two-story walk-in replica of the International Space Station, try on a replica flight suit, and pose for a green screen photo anywhere in the galaxy. Weather permitting, the Science Center’s rooftop observatory will be open for a chance to gaze through a telescope to see amazing celestial objects.

Visitors can watch Planetarium show “Back to the Moon for Good” about the quest for private companies – including one from Pittsburgh – to land on the moon. The Amateur Astronomers Association of Pittsburgh will be on site to answer questions and show off their breathtaking astronomical images.

The event features several live performances, ranging from an improv performance to a live science show about how astronauts’ bodies work in space.

The event is the kickoff for this fall’s celebration of the Buhl Planetarium’s 75^th anniversary. The evening will include a special Planetarium show commemorating Buhl’s history. Henry Buhl Jr. (1848—1927) was a Pittsburgh philanthropist who established The Buhl Foundation “for the well-being of the citizens of Pittsburgh and the County of Allegheny.” The foundation supports education, human services, youth programs, and economic development. It established Buhl Planetarium, the predecessor organization of Carnegie Science Center, in 1939.

As always, 21+ Night features music, cash bars, and the chance to experience four floors of hands-on exhibits – with no kids!

Participants get a discount on Omnimax films and laser shows that evening.

The cost of the event is just $10 with advance registration before noon on the day of the event or $15 after noon at the door. Guests will receive a voucher for $15 in free slot play at the Rivers Casino when they arrive, while supplies last.

21+ Nights are sponsored by Trib Total Media, and Bob and Q92 Radio.

For more information or to register, visit CarnegieScienceCenter.org or call 412.237.3400.

About Carnegie Science Center

Carnegie Science Center is dedicated to inspiring learning and curiosity by connecting science and technology with everyday life. By making science both relevant and fun, the Science Center’s goal is to increase science literacy in the region and motivate young people to seek careers in science and technology. One of the four Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh, the Science Center is Pittsburgh’s premier science exploration destination, reaching more than 700,000 people annually through its hands-on exhibits, camps, classes, and off-site education programs.

About Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh

Founded by Andrew Carnegie in 1895, Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh is a collection of four distinctive museums dedicated to exploration through art and science: Carnegie Museum of Art, Carnegie Museum of Natural History, Carnegie Science Center, and The Andy Warhol Museum. Annually, the museums reach more than 1.2 million people through exhibitions, educational programs, outreach activities, and special events.

September 16, 2014

The “Buzz” from Buzzelli: Pittsburgh’s Top To-Do’s THIS WEEKEND (9/18 – 9/21)

by Mike “Buzz” Buzzelli, ‘Burgh Vivant.

Here are the Top Five Things To Do in Pittsburgh September 18 to 21.

That Loving Feeling

It’s not too late to see the ceramic work of Pittsburgh native Jeff Schwarz. A solo exhibition of his sculptures are featured in a show titled “Loves You” which opened September 12 at Revision Space, 5262 Butler Street, Pittsburgh PA. For more information, go to http://www.revisionspace.com

Jazz Hot Baby

The New Hazlett Theatre has a big benefit planned on September 18. Come out for “Salon Noir,” a night with Hammerstep and several local artists. Put on your red shoes and dance at this big gala. At the New Hazlett Theatre, 6 Allegheny Square, Pittsburgh’s North Side. For tickets head to http://www.showclix.com/event/385346

Jazzin’ up the Joint

When Carnegie celebrates jazz, they really mean it! Join Etta Cox, Michele Bensen and the Don Aliquo Quartet at “Carnegie Celebrates Jazz.” There will be plenty of surprises brought to you by the Carnegie Arts Initiative. The event takes place Sunday, September 21 at Riley’s Pour House, 215 E. Main Street, Carnegie, PA 15106. For more information, go to https://www.facebook.com/events/218988311599075/?fref=ts

The Good Book

The irreverent show about Mormon missionaries is happening at Heinz Hall. South Park maniacs Trey Parker and Matt Stone lampoon a religion and just about everything else in “The Book of Mormon.” Get into the Missionary position and go see “The Book of Mormon” at Heinz Hall, 600 Penn Avenue, Downtown Pittsburgh. For more information, go to http://trustarts.culturaldistrict.org/production/41992/the-book-of-mormon

Love Potion Number 9

Over at the George R. White Studio of the Pittsburgh Opera, you can see Gaetano Donizetti’s “The Elixir of Love.” Opening night, September 19, you can even hit up a happy hour at Wigle Whiskey at their Smallman Street distillery. Besides, everyone knows that alcohol is the true elixir of love. After happy hour ends, stagger on down to the George R. White Studio, 2425 Liberty Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA to see the show. For more information, go to http://www.resonanceworks.org/#!elixir-of-love/c1p9h

September 8, 2014

The “Buzz” from Buzzelli: Pittsburgh’s Top To-Do’s THIS WEEKEND (9/11 – 9/14)

by Mike “Buzz” Buzzelli, ‘Burgh Vivant.

Here are the Top Five Fun Things to do in Pittsburgh the weekend of September 11 to 14.

I said Jokes!

Start your weekend early, Wednesday, September 10 at Caliente Pizza and Draft House for the premiere of “Joking Off.” It’s a brand new weekly standup comedy contest. Come out and vote for your favorite comedian as he or she attempts to win $95. Joke off in public at Caliente Pizza and Draft House, 4624 Liberty Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA. For more information, go to https://www.facebook.com/events/1458863671043810/?ref_dashboard_filter=upcoming

Beat it

Thursday September 11, help support a brand new film project. It’s the launch party for “The Beat Goes On,” by Randy Kovitz. Meet filmmakers, winemakers and music makers and help raise funds to get this project from script to screen. “The Beat Goes On Project Launch and Fundraiser” is located at one of Pittsburgh’s coolest locations, The Pittsburgh Winery, 2815 Penn Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA. Click it for a ticket: http://www.showclix.com/event/TheBeatGoesOnLaunch

Wonder Boys

Ever want to see an old television show in person? Friday and Saturday you can see a seated reading of “The Wonder Years.” Instead of Fred Savage and Dan Lauria, the cast has been replaced by Pittsburgh Dad’s Curt Wootton, Comedian Matt Light, Pittsburgh funny lady Missy Moreno and WQED’s Rick Sebak and more! For more information go to http://arcadecomedytheater.com/

All the World’s a Stage!

The folds at the Pittsburgh Shakespeare in the Parks are taking the line, “All the world’s a stage” to heart! A roving band of actors are playing in parks all around the city. Saturday, September 13 at 2:00 pm you can find them doing “As You Like It” in the Allegheny Commons on the North Side. For more information, go to www.pittsburghshakespeare.com

Because we love things with Burgh in the title…

Get ready for “Burghlesque” a hot new show featuring drag queens, comedians, dancers, and singers. MadHouse productions and Kierra Darshell, the first lady of Pittsburgh drag, bring you a mash-up cabaret. There’s a little bit of everything in this show. Burlesque dancers Macabre Noir and Lita D’Vargas are real girls ready to tease. Divas of Drag Lady Rose Amore and Anna Steezia will perform, and another real girl (Kelsey Rae Purcell) will sing real songs (and she will sing them expertly). Carl Schimmel will provide some jokes. Darshell and co-host Mike Buzzelli (ahem!) will emcee. “Burghlesque” is one night only on September 13 at 10:30 pm, and it’s at the Cabaret at Theatre Square, 655 Penn Avenue, Pittsburgh. MadHouse Productions combines a mix of the greatest and latest music with a non-stop live entertainment.

-MB.

September 1, 2014

The “Buzz” from Buzzelli: Pittsburgh’s Top To-Do’s THIS WEEKEND (9/4 – 9/7)

by Mike “Buzz” Buzzelli, ‘Burgh Vivant.

Here are the Top Five Things to do this weekend from September 4 through 7.

Don’t be Doubtless

This week, “Doubt, A Parable,” opens at the Little Lake Theatre. It’s John Patrick Shanley’s play about a priest, who may or may not have sexually abused a boy. I’m on the fence, but I’ll be in the front row. “Doubt, A Parable” opens September 4 at the Little Lake Theatre, 500 Lakeside Drive, Canonsburg, PA 15317. For more information, go to http://www.littlelaketheatre.org/

Get to bed!

“Bedtime Stories: The Summer Lovin’ Storyslam” is back. This time it’s at the Cloakroom. September 4, people will get up and tell sexually explicit (but tasteful) stories about their love life. The event is hosted by Gab Bonesso (always a guaranteed good time). It’s a suggested $5 or $10 donation, but it will be going to benefit Planned Parenthood of Western PA. The Cloakroom is a brand new venue by our friends who brought us Bar Marco. The Cloakroom is at 5972 Baum Blvd., Pittsburgh, PA 15205. For more information, check out their Facebook events page HERE.

Punked!

Mondo goes Punk when Chris Barker of Anti-Flag tells stories based on audience suggestion. A group of improvisers will then act out said stories to a live audience. It’s all part of Unplanned Comedy, Saturday, September 6, now at a local LGBT bar in Lawrenceville. Come down to Cativo, 146 44^th Street, Lawrenceville, 15201 at 10 pm on Saturday and check out all the craziness for yourself.

Unblurred

The Associated Artists of Pittsburgh would like to welcome you to the AAP Curated Exhibit at the Unblurred Art Crawl. Things kick off Friday September 5 at the Most Wanted Fine Art Gallery, 5015 Penn Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA. More information HERE.

Longest Title Award goes to…

“Observe the Sons of Ulster Marching Towards the Somme” is coming to PICT Classic Theatre. The play is about the greatest single loss of life in the history of the Irish-infused British army. The battle took place during WWI in 1914. Its gonna be a tear-jerker, so bring your handkerchiefs. The play opens in preview on September 4, but it runs until September 20^th. Get tickets now. For more information, visit PICT HERE.

And now…a Sixth Thing…

Will Work for Festival!

The 24 annual Pittsburgh New Works Festival opens up Thursday, September 4. See 12 plays for 40 bucks! The New Works runs the length of the month of September, but there are three shows every other night (six on Saturday!).

The Pittsburgh New Works Festival is at the Off The Wall Theater, 25 W. Main Street, Carnegie, PA 15106. For more information, visit http://www.pittsburghnewworks.org/

-MB.

August 29, 2014

Review: PAJAMA MEN at City Theatre

by Mike “Buzz” Buzzelli, ‘Burgh Vivant.

A few months ago, Nick Cearley and Lauren Molina, the Skivvies, performed in their underwear at the City Theatre. This weekend, on the very same property, Shenoah Allen and Mark Chavez perform in their pajamas. The City Theatre has always had a casual and intimate ambiance, but this is getting ridiculous. Speaking of ridiculous, Allen and Chavez certainly packed up plenty of ridiculousness for their trip to Pittsburgh.

The zany duo brings their multi-character sort-of scripted show to the main stage. The show is only partially scripted, but there is a through line; the action centers around a centuries-old king, his dark wizardly man-servant, two disaffected female village idiots, sinkhole investigators, a man and his motorcycle, a tremendous beast as well as a whole host of additional characters. Pay attention, because Allen and Chavez continually shift and morph into a myriad of characters and creatures. If you have Attention Deficit Disorder, this isn’t the show for you.

There are a few moments of laugh-out-loud craziness. Even when it’s difficult to follow, it’s still funny. Except there’s something about seeing two men in their pajamas playing on stage that is a little disconcerting. It’s like watching two kids in their bedroom playing, especially since the story involves castles, magic and monsters. It’s a little creepy.

Allen and Chavez are extremely talented. With a flick of a wrist, a wry sideways glance, or a fast-wagging finger the men transform from one absurd character to the next. Several characters were funnier than others. There is a moment, when Chavez is pulling Allen’s leg out of a bear trap/crown (don’t ask) that seems to stretch out too long, but, suddenly, the bit gets funnier and funnier with each bang of a gun, each slap on the ass (I told you not to ask).

Is the show funny? The performers certainly are. Some of the most genuinely funny moments come when the performers comment on their involvement in the craziness. It’s metatextual madness! A particular bit revolves around a one-armed woman and her prosthetic. There were also big laughs when the duo break character and laugh at each other. Think “The Carol Burnett Show.”

However, there is one unfortunate gag that opened the show. Right after a series of witty one-liners spoken directly to the audience, the duo transports themselves to a somewhat-ancient land. King Mark (Chavez) orders his man-servant Leopold (Allen) to behead a townsperson. A beheading that is meant to be funny, but the recent events in the news take the segment from merely morose to macabre. The gag almost led to actual gagging as Allen has difficulty sawing off the head of his imagined victim. It threw the show off-kilter, making it difficult to laugh (Reviewer’s Note: I was listening to Diane Foley, the mother of journalist James Foley, on NPR on the way to the show). Maybe they should poison, shoot or otherwise eradicate their foe. Suggestion: Toss the dude into a vat of piranha or feed him to the lions.

Chavez and Allen are from Albuquerque, New Mexico: America’s funniest sounding city. They may even be the funniest exports from the aforementioned Land of Enchantment since Mike Judge (creator of “Beavis and Butthead,” “Office Space,” etc…) and Marc Maron (WTF podcast). It seems a shame to fly Chavez and Allen into town when Pittsburgh is littered with hilarious improv and sketch performers. You can’t trip at the Arcade, SCIT or Harvard and Highland without falling on top of one.

To be fair, comedy may be a particular axe this reviewer grinds. It stings a little to see a full house come out and support strangers when the locals are doing hilarious shows to nearly empty houses.

Humor is most certainly subjective. One audience member next to me said, “My sides hurt from laughing!” I chuckled, I chortled, I even guffawed once or twice, but I’m not likely to point my thumb enthusiastically upward, but I wouldn’t cut off their heads, either.

You can find “The Pajama Men: For Just the Two of Us” at The City Theater, 1300 Bingham Street, Pittsburgh through September 7.

– MB.

August 25, 2014August 29, 2014

The “Buzz” from Buzzelli: Pittsburgh’s Top To-Do’s THIS WEEKEND (8/28 – 9/1)

by Mike “Buzz” Buzzelli, ‘Burgh Vivant.

Here are the Top Five Things to do in Pittsburgh, Thursday August 28 through September 1st – Labor Day Weekend!

Moths to a flame

Start your week off early with The Moth Mainstage event! Wednesday, August 27 Pittsburgh Arts & Lectures presents a great night of storytelling with Vanessa German, Cole Kazdin, Richard Price, Horace H.B. Sanders, and Kate Tellers. The event is hosted by Dan Kennedy. You will hear some true stories told well. For more information, head over to THE MOTH.

Quiet on the set!

Gab Bonesso’s Cheap Date Factory brings “SHHH! A LIVE TALK/GAME SHOW” to Harvard and Highland on Friday August 29. Hosted by Gab Bonesso and Neal Rosenblat with guests comedian Crissy Costa, Point Park University History Professor Hazel Leroy, the funny Mario Fusca, and anti-bullying curriculum consultant Dorothy Devlin. The contestants have to stay quiet while Gab and Neal try to make them laugh. The audience can laugh as much as they want! This event is free! Silently march down to Harvard and Highland, 220 N. Highland Avenue, Pittsburgh, in single file. For more information, CLICK HERE.

Sunday Funday

There is one more free Sunday night Staged Reading at the Pittsburgh New Works Festival before the Main Stage events next week. Come down to this free event and see three short plays, “Roadway to Heaven,” “Shadows,” and “Blowjobs in the Park.” You can catch the fun at Off the Wall Theater, 25 W. Main Street, Carnegie. For more information, go to http://www.pittsburghnewworks.org/

Pajama Game

Shenoah Allen and Mark Chavez AKA the Pajama Men are in town. The comedy duo from Albuquerque, New Mexico comes to Pittsburgh for shows that include sketch comedy and improvisation. The London Times gave these guys five stars! They’re like generals of comedy! Button up your drop seat and go down to the City Theatre, 1300 Bingham Street, Pittsburgh (South Side).

Starry Night

Remember the Star Lake Amphitheatre? It’s the First Niagara Pavilion and it’s at the crossroads of Route 18 and Route 22 W, in Burgettstown. Doesn’t Burgettstown seem like a weird place to find Louis CK, Sarah Silverman, Aziz Ansari and Jim Gaffigan? Well, they will be there August 30 for “The Oddball Comedy & Curiosity Festival” presented by Funny or Die (laugh, don’t die). Find the oddballs at 665 Route 18, Burgettstown, PA 15021. Find the full line up and more HERE.

– MB.