VivantAdmin, Author at 'Burgh Vivant

July 25, 2014

Red, Ripe, and Roasted: Summer crops steal the show at Phipps

10th annual tomato and garlic festival to benefit Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank.

Pittsburgh, Pa. — On August 24, 2014, from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m., Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens will celebrate two of summer’s most bountiful crops at its 10th annual Red, Ripe and Roasted tomato and garlic festival. Held on the public garden’s sustainably managed front lawn and in the Outdoor Garden, this family-friendly event features cooking demonstrations, a tomato contest, a farmers’ market and activities for kids — all to benefit Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank.

Always a seasonal highlight, Red, Ripe and Roasted is a foodie’s dream-come-true with a focus on fresh, local produce and its many culinary possibilities. Café Phipps — a 3-star Green Restaurant Certified® eatery — will prepare and share a variety of delicious dishes to sample, there will be cooking demonstrations and a Phipps-grown garlic roast, and a farmers’ market featuring organic and Certified Naturally Grown produce will give guests an opportunity to buy plenty of tomatoes and garlic to experiment with at home. Beloved garden writer and television/radio host Doug Oster — author of Tomatoes, Garlic, Basil — and food writer Miriam Rubin, author of Tomatoes, will also be in attendance to present some of their favorite recipes and sign copies of their books.

Another popular festival activity is a tomato contest for which home gardeners are invited to enter their ugliest, smallest or largest ripe tomatoes for a chance to win special prizes— among them a membership to Phipps. And, as always, a variety of discovery activities, including a fun food matching game and opportunities to pot garlic cloves to take home, will delight children of all ages. Let’s Move Pittsburgh and several other local organizations will also be in attendance to engage event-goers.

While highlighting western Pennsylvania’s quintessential crops, the festival also encourages guests to share the season’s harvest with Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank. By donating a bag of fresh produce to help community members in need, festival participants will be admitted for free to both Red, Ripe and Roasted and to Summer Flower Show, featuring bright blooms and whimsical model train displays, during event hours. In 2013, the festival resulted in the collection of 2,174 pounds of food.

About Phipps: Founded in 1893, Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens in Pittsburgh, Pa. is a green leader among public gardens with a mission to inspire and educate all with the beauty and importance of plants; to advance sustainability and promote human and environmental well-being through action and research; and to celebrate its historic glasshouse. Learn more: phipps.conservatory.org.

July 23, 2014

The Sounds of Science: Symphony and Science Center partner for 21+ night

PITTSBURGH, July 23, 2014 – Carnegie Science Center is teaming up with the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra for a special adults-only evening, featuring symphonic sounds with a scientific twist. “The Sounds of Science” is the theme of the Science Center’s next 21+ Night on Friday, Aug. 1, from 6 – 10 pm.

Throughout the evening, musicians will demonstrate their instruments, including a double bass and a bassoon. They’ll even hook up instruments to the Science Center’s Rubens’ Tube, which visually demonstrates an instrument’s sound waves and pressure by shooting flames into the air.

Visitors can dance on a giant floor piano and play a tune with Boomwhackers, hollow percussion tubes. Stations throughout the building will offer the materials for DIY musical instruments, including a one-note harmonica.

Guests can test their musical knowledge at a live action Trivial Pursuit game, complete with a prize giveaway. Visitors can pose with a Mozart-cut out – and enter to win a Mozart prize pack.

Fiddlesticks, the orchestra’s “fiddlin’ feline” ambassador, will make a special appearance.

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.

About Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra

For more than 116 years, the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra has been an essential part of Pittsburgh’s cultural landscape. The Pittsburgh Symphony, known for its artistic excellence, is credited with a rich history of the world’s finest conductors and musicians, and a strong commitment to the Pittsburgh region and its citizens. This tradition was furthered in fall 2008, when Austrian conductor Manfred Honeck became music director of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra. With a long and distinguished history of touring both domestically and overseas since 1900, the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra continues to be critically acclaimed as one of the world’s greatest orchestras. The Pittsburgh Symphony has made 40 international tours, including 20 European tours, eight trips to the Far East, and two to South America. Under the baton of Gilbert Levine, the PSO was the first American orchestra to perform at the Vatican in January 2004 for the late Pope John Paul II, as part of the Pontiff’s Silver Jubilee celebration. The PSO has a long and illustrious history in the areas of recordings and radio concerts. As early as 1936, the PSO broadcast coast-to-coast, receiving increased national attention in 1982 through network radio broadcasts on Public Radio International (PRI). The PRI series is produced by Classical WQED-FM 89.3 in Pittsburgh and is made possible by the musicians of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra.

July 21, 2014

The “Buzz” from Buzzelli: Pittsburgh’s Top To-Do’s THIS WEEKEND (7/24 – 7/27)

by Michael “Buzz” Buzzelli, ‘Burgh Vivant.

Here are the Top Five Things To Do in Pittsburgh the week of July 24 to 27.

Smack! Crash! Bam!

Who’s a better superhero? Batman or Spider-Man? Can the Hulk beat up Superman? Can Marvel make a successful Howard the Duck movie? Some of these age old comic book questions will be answered at “When Universes Collide: The Ultimate Superhero Smackdown.”

Can’t make ComicCon? Mix and mingle with superhero cos-players (people who dress up like comic book and cartoon characters) while viewing 70 years of original comic book art loaned from some of the nation’s finest collections. Be the first to vote on what hero will win each epic superhero battle.

Be a hero and support the ToonSeum. 945 Liberty Ave, Pittsburgh, PA. To buy tickets to the event, Thursday, July 24 click here: http://www.eventbrite.com/e/when-universes-collide-the-ultimate-superhero-smackdown-opening-reception-tickets-12170984743?aff=efbevent

Big Fat Musical!

CCAC’s South Campus Summer Theater presents “Hairspray.” John Waters took rock & roll and racism and came up with a delightful comedy about some very real social issues. A few years later, his movie was made into a play (and then into another movie). Catch Tracy Turnblad and all her friends at CCAC South Campus Theatre, 1750 ClaritonRoad, West Mifflin, PA. For more information, go to http://libguides.ccac.edu/content.php?pid=602047&sid=4967050

Dog Days

The Hatch Arts Collective opens their new full-length play, “Walldogs.” The play has four stories about art, text and image. A 1930’s wall sign painter, or “walldog,” two teen taggers, a hipster street artist, and a drunken king from the bible. “Walldogs” is billed as an art-making event. The show opens Friday, July 25 at Artists Image Resource, 518 Foreland Street, Pittsburgh. For more information, go to http://www.hatcharts.org/project/walldogs/

Wait for it

Dog & Pony Theatricals present Harold Pinter’s darkly comic tale, “The Dumb Waiter.” In a windowless basement, Gus and Ben await orders for their next job. As mysterious deliveries arrive, paranoia sets in and comedic tension builds. You can catch “The Dumb Waiter,” at the Pittsburgh Playwright’s Theatre, 937 Liberty Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, a stone’s throw from the aforementioned ToonSeum. For more information, go to http://www.showclix.com/event/3860188

Gabaret!

There is always great food over at Harvard & Highland, but on Saturday, July 25 you get music and comedy, too! Phineas the Shark presents “Life is a Gabaret, Old Chum!” Cause, you know, to sharks, everything is old chum. The variety show is hosted by Gab Bonesso and the eponymous shark, Phineas. It features Nathan Bell, Mista Cookie Jar, Neal Rosenblat and Bonesso’s frequent collaborator and front man of “Meeting of Important People,” Josh Verbanets. Best of all, the show is free! Harvard and Highland is on the corner of Harvard and Highland, but, more specifically, you can find it at 220 North Highland Avenue, Pittsburgh. For more information, go to http://gabbonesso.com/

-MB.

July 16, 2014July 18, 2014

Recipe: The Woman and Scarecrow Martini

This week’s guest on ‘Burgh Vivant is Marina Carr, Ireland’s leading female dramatist, visiting Pittsburgh in conjunction with her play WOMAN AND SCARECROW at PICT Classic Theatre through August 2nd. In honor of Marina’s visit, the mix masters of ‘Burgh Vivant laboratories have devised a signature martini in her honor, aptly named the “Woman and Scarecrow.” Host Brian Edward presented it to Marina on the show this week, and here is the recipe so that you can enjoy one at home or request one while out on the town.

Oh, and don’t expect measurements. At ‘Burgh Vivant, we never measure. We assume that you will pour according to taste and tolerance.

INGREDIENTS:

VEGETABLE JUICE

BOYD AND BLAIR POTATO VODKA

FRESH BASIL LEAF

LIME

CELERY STICKS

STUFFED OLIVE

TOOTHPICKS

This cocktail is similar to the Bloody Mary, though more garden-fresh than spicy. Go with your favorite tomato or vegetable juice.

Pour vegetable juice into chilled martini glass.

For our vodka, we chose Boyd and Blair. First, it’s a potato vodka, keeping with our garden theme and giving a nod to the staple crop of Ireland. Second, it’s made locally in the Pittsburgh area! Not to mention that its one of the smoothest vodkas we have ever tasted. And we have TASTED.

Pour vodka into glass with vegetable juice.

Be generous – why not? Life is short. Now, while these two luscious liquids commingle, get yourself a shaker.

Muddle basil leaves in the bottom of shaker.

What’s muddle you ask? In short, to lightly crush. Not too much, not too little. You can achieve this by chopping up your basil leaves (and P.S. – do yourself a favor and get fresh if you can) placing them in the bottom of your shaker, and muddling them with the handle of a ladle, or the blunt end of any kitchen instrument, if you don’t have… you know… a muddler.

Add lime.

You know that random lime you’ve had sitting on your countertop for a week? This will be its finest hour. Slice it into 4 wedges and spritz some lime juice into your shaker on top of the muddled basil, as much or as little as you like. If you lack a flair for the dramatic, we suppose you can use lime juice from a bottle. No. Scratch that. You cant. We’d much prefer you be dramatic. PLUS – you can use your left over lime wedges when you make your “scarecrow” garnish! You’ll thank us.

Pour contents of martini glass into shaker and shake.

Woo! Now it’s a par-tay! Put the lid on and shake ‘er up. Or stir, if you have the patience.

Pour shaker into martini glass.

Soup from heaven. You can decide if you’d like to strain out the basil leaves and keep the flavor, sprinkle just a few in, or let them all take a swim!

Create your garnish.

Oh, right, this is the fun part. And if we weren’t so excited to take a sip of this thing, we might have done the garnish in advance. You can make it whenever you like. Just make it great.

Utilizing 2 short celery sticks, cut one in half, creating a total of one long stick and 2 short and equal length.

This is going to be your “scarecrow.” Now caution: less is more. A garnish like this fills up a martini glass a lot quicker than a typical Bloody Mary glass. (The scarecrow garnish Brian Edward made fro Marina was WAY too big.) The long piece of celery will be the body, the two short pieces will be the arms.

Affix the celery arms to the celery body with toothpicks.

You take the toothpicks and you kinda just… you know… you’ll figure it out.

Use another toothpick to attach the olive as a head.

The crowing glory. Yah, save this for last – its a nice touch. The olive is the head of your scarecrow. We recommend stuffed olives because they’re awesome. Select your favorite kind. OR – stuff a hollow olive with your leftover muddled basil. And don’t be afraid to get creative! Make your scarecrow however you like. (We’re sorry we made fun of Brian Edward’s earlier.)

Place garnish in drink and enjoy!

If you make this drink, send us photos!

July 14, 2014July 14, 2014

The “Buzz” from Buzzelli: Pittsburgh’s Top To-Do’s THIS WEEKEND (7/17 – 7/20)

by Michael “Buzz” Buzzelli, ‘Burgh Vivant.

Here are the Top Five Fun Things To Do in Pittsburgh July 17^th to 20^th.

Summer at the Beach

It’s the last weekend to catch Little Lake Theatre’s production of the Neil Simon classic “Brighton Beach Memoirs.” So, catch it while you can! The beach is at the lake! More precisely, it’s located at Little Lake Theatre, 500 Lakeside Drive, Canonsburg, PA 15317. For more information, go tohttp://www.littlelaketheatre.org/

Beer with me!

Drink beer and help animals at the Pittsburgh Summer Beerfest at Stage A.E. on the North Shore on Friday and Saturday, July 18^th & 19. There will be over 80 beers from all over the country, including some local labels from Massachusetts to California (local Pittsburgh brewery the Church Brew Works will also have their beer on hand. There will be music and plenty of food, including pretzels from the Pretzel Shop. After all, what’s beer without pretzels? The party starts at Stage A. E. 400 North Shore Drive, Pittsburgh, PA 15212. For more information, go to http://www.pittsburghbeerfest.com/

Go Vegan!

Saturday, July 19 at the Allegheny Unitarian Universalist Church you can literally veg out with veggies at the Pittsburgh Vegan Festival. Pittsburgh vendors will be selling some vegan treats, TCBY will be offering up almond milk frozen yogurt and a surprise flavor of sorbet. There will be vegan wine from J & D Wine Cellars, and lots, lots more. There will be entertainment, including belly dance, salsa, and a vegan, feminist, pun-loving comedian, Lana Aurora. Bet me that there will be seitan/Satan joke, and plenty of puns about tofu. People will veg out at the Unitarian Universalist Church Allegheny, 416 W. North Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA. Visit the Facebook page for more information, at https://www.facebook.com/events/694807407224342/?fref=ts

A new “New” play

Throughline Theatre Company continues their season of Mortality and Divinity with the world premiere of “A New Death.” C.S. Wyatt’s new play about the mystery that eludes us all (until we croak). Wyatt envisions the transition as a mismanaged monopoly. “A New Death” lifts the curtain on an industry rife with corporate waste and bureaucratic cover-ups, revealing a system riddled with red tape, office politics, and incompetence… lots and lots of incompetence. To see the show, go to the Grey Box Theatre, 3595 Butler Street, Pittsburgh. For more information, go to http://www.throughlinetheatre.org/

Side Out

Stage 62 will be presenting “Side Show,” A moving portrait of two women joined at the hip whose extraordinary bondage brings them fame but denies them love. It’s based on the true story of Siamese twins Violet and Daisy Hilton who became stars during the Depression. Stage 62 is at the Andrew Carnegie Free Library and Music Hall, 300 Beechwood Avenue, Carnegie, PA. For more information, go to http://www.stage62.org/show/?action=view&productionID=28

-MB.

July 14, 2014July 14, 2014

Cosmos by Consol: The 8th Annual Consol Energy Cosmopolitan Pittsburgh bash

by Michael “Buzz” Buzzelli, ‘Burgh Vivant.

Everyone was dancing in the dark at the 8^th Annual Consol Energy Cosmopolitan Pittsburgh bash hosted by the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust Partner’s Board on Friday, July 11^th.

Food from Cure, Grit & Grace, Root 174 and Round Corner Cantina were featuring specialty dishes. Round Corner’s seviche was party favorite. There was also plenty of whiskey to sample from Wigle Whiskey.

After dinner, party-goers were treated to music from Cait Cuneo Band, ukulele player Jody Perigo, and improvisational performers from the Arcade Comedy Theater. Cait Cuneo was giving out free CDs to all the lucky attendees. Congratulations to the lucky patrons who picked up a copy. Her voice was mellifluous. Emcee Jethro Nolen kept things moving. He and the Arcade Comedy crew were hilarious. The Nolens, with John Feightner played out a particularly funny sketch based on the Academy Awards, and Abby Fudor hosted a uproarious pseudo Dating Game show with Ben Mayer, Kristy Nolen, Liz Labacz, and Beth Ann Fogle.

After nine, things really got moving with DJ Adam Salter spinning tunes on the wide open spaces of the August Wilson Center, were the event took place.

The Dream Cream Team was scooping out ice cream, and there was a large array of desserts from various area restaurants. There was also plenty of popcorn from Pittsburgh Popcorn.

Patrons who didn’t feel like shaking their groove thing, played pinball or played dress up for a photo booth.

All sorts of people partied and fashioned ranged from outlandishly hip to cool and classy. Several “Pittsburgh Famous” faces were in the crowd. Samuel Badger, Natalie Bencivenga (from the Post Gazette’s Seen page), and ‘Burgh Vivant’s own Lonnie the Theater Lady were spotted on the dance floor.

Cosmopolitan Pittsburgh raised $70,000 to benefit the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, and they did it with music, comedy, food and fun. Pittsburgh city councilman Tom Baker declared it July 11^th Pittsburgh Cosmopolitan Day by special proclamation by the city.

Put it on your calendar in 2015, it’s one of the party’s of the year!

Cait Cuneo belts out a tune for the Cosmo crowd.

Arcade Comedy Theater members Jethro Nolen (far left) wells with (crocodile) tears as Kristy Nolen (center) reunites with John Feightner in an improvised comedy scene wherein the three act out scenes from a fake Academy Award winning movie, “Dorothy Does Dallas.”

Arcade Comedy Theater’s Abby Fudor announces the next comedy improv game.

Cosmopolitan Pittsburghers line up for the photo booth (with costumes and props provided).

Cosmopolitan Pittsburghers enjoy arcade games throughout the evening.

Lonnie the Theatre Lady gets her Wigle Whiskey on.

-MB.

July 11, 2014July 14, 2014

Mythical, Magical, and Macabre: WOMAN AND SCARECROW at PICT Classic Theatre

by Michael “Buzz” Buzzelli, ‘Burgh Vivant.

On the preview performance of July 10th:

The end is the beginning in Marina Carr’s “Woman and Scarecrow,” as an unnamed woman (Nike Doukas known simply as Woman) lay dying. The only companion on her journey to the other realm is Scarecrow (Karen Baum), a creature who is invisible to the Woman’s unfaithful husband, Him (James FitzGerald) or her hardened Auntie Ah (Sharon Brady).

The Woman and Scarecrow ruminate, recriminate and reflect on life as the final hours pass. Who or what is the Scarecrow is a mystifying question. The audience never gets a definitive answer. She’s both guardian angel and devil’s advocate. Perhaps she’s merely a morphine induced illusion. It seems most likely that the Scarecrow is the Inner Critic, that nagging voice that pushes you down while begging you to be better.

Karen Baum (Scarecrow) and Nike Doukas (Woman). Photo by Suellen Fitzsimmons.

Woman’s reflection of her life is not a sentimental journey, but an Ulyssean one, primarily set inside her drug-addled brain.

The Scarecrow hasn’t come to comfort the Woman on her final voyage. She reminds her that death is around the corner, or, more precisely, inside the bureau, hiding among the high heels, sneakers and alligator boots. Scarecrow attacks her with the revelation. She spews out lines like, “He’s waiting in the wardrobe. Can’t you hear him sucking his oily wings?”

Scarecrow glares at the husband and aunt whenever they appear, partially to defend the Woman as the husband and aunt spit venomous barbs at each other like Dilophosauruses of the early Jurassic.

Karen Baum (Scarecrow), Sharon Brady (Auntie Ah), and Nike Doukas (Woman). Photo by Suellen Fitzsimmons.

The characters are locked into their fates like the metal harnesses on the Steel Phantom, taking us on a wild verbal roller coaster ride, careening inevitably to its sudden, abrupt ending. It’s a hell of a ride; chugging up steep metaphors and flying down into dark tunnels of philosophy.

There’s a lot going on. The characters pluck ideas from metaphysical trees, polish them up and bite into them; love, hate, life, death, marriage, infidelity, lust and greed.

Deathbed pronouncements that claim “Dying is easy, comedy is hard,” run contrary to Carr’s “Woman and Scarecrow.” The playwright proves that dying is hard and comedy is easy. There are more laughs in the end-of-life play than you would imagine as the Woman rails against the end.

Baum immerses herself in the character. The perky, lovable redhead disappears into the role, becoming an ethereal, unforgiving creature, who shoots (metaphorical) silver daggers from her white orbs of her eyes.

Doukas is magnificent. She runs through a gamut of emotion in every scene, in every sentence. She is a dervish whirling through the Kubler-Ross stages of death and dying. It’s a joy to watch Doukas battle the life, the afterlife, and her own inner demons. Outside of pornography, you’ll never see a more energetic performance by a woman who never rises from her bed.

For a talky play that is set in the bedroom of a dying woman, there is energy, movement and vitality. Credit goes to Carr and director Alan Stanford, who seem to be breathing the same rarefied air.

Nike Doukas (Woman), James FitzGerald (Him). Photo by Suellen Fitzsimmons.

Brady offers some much-needed comic relief, even while doling out vicious bon mots. FitzGerald is a talented actor with nary a false note, but this is clearly “The Doukas and Baum Show.” They are mesmerizing together.

The play is not for the faint of heart, but it is for anyone who likes dense dialogue, poetry and philosophy.

Carr reminds us that through the brutality and finality of death, only love matters. We’re with her and her characters till the end.

“Woman and Scarecrow” runs till August 2^nd at the Stephen Foster Memorial on the University of Pittsburgh campus, 4301 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh PA 15213. More information available at the PICT Classic Theatre website HERE.

– MB.

July 11, 2014

Two’s company: SIDE SHOW at Stage 62

CARNEGIE, PA (June 17, 2014)-STAGE 62 closes its 51st season with Side Show. A moving portrait of two women joined at the hip whose extraordinary bondage brings them fame but denies them love, based on the true story of conjoined twins Violet and Daisy Hilton who became stars during the Depression. Music by Henry Krieger; Lyrics by Bill Russell; Book by Bill Russell. Side Show is presented through special arrangement with Samuel French.

Director Rob James takes on another challenge at STAGE 62 having most recently directed Sweeney Todd (2012) in addition to Into the Woods and Company.

The rest of the creative team includes; Musical Director – Andrew Peters; Choreographer – Alivia Owen; Producer – Seamus Ricci; Stage Managers – Alec Spragg and Shwan Spragg

Side Show features Jorie Bagnato, Kelly Burgess, David Cary, Kevin Cole, Jesse Connor, Michael Davidson, Andrew DeBonis, Cynthia Dougherty, Chad Elder, Anna Gergerich, J’Quay Gibbs, George Heigel, Mikaela Kapeluck, Lindsey Lawrence, Adam Mazza, Ivy Nowakowski, Tyler Piper, Drew Praskovich, Becki Toth, Cara Walkowiak, Andy Weier, Kristin Welch, Korey White, Jessica Whittington

HiltonSisters_suit

Cara Walkowiak and Kristin Welch as
SIDE SHOW’s conjoined Hilton sisters.

Stage 62 is the non-profit theater company in residence at the Andrew Carnegie Free Library & Music Hall in Carnegie, PA. What started in Bethel Park in 1962 (and yes, that’s where the name comes from!) as an adult education theater project turned into a thriving theater company that has produced shows continuously ever since.

STAGE 62 Presents

Side Show – Music by Henry Krieger ; Lyrics by Bill Russell; Book by Bill Russell

Dates:

Thursday to Saturday Jul. 17-19 and 24-26 at 8 pm

Sunday Matinees July 20 and 27 at 2 pm

Tickets:

Adults: $18Students/Seniors: $15Reserve online at www.stage62.com

Location:

Andrew Carnegie Free Library & Music Hall and Balcony
300 Beechwood Avenue
Carnegie, PA 15106

July 9, 2014

Keep on burnin’: RING OF FIRE extended through August 24

Pittsburgh, PA • July 9, 2014 – Due to popular demand, Ring of Fire – The Music of Johnny Cash has been extended through August 24 at the CLO Cabaret. The show was previously scheduled to close August 17. Tickets for all remaining performances are now on sale and can be purchased online at CLOCabaret.com, by calling 412-456-6666 or visiting the Box Office at Theater Square.

Ring of Fire by the Numbers:

Over 5,000 audience members have enjoyed Ring of Fire since it opened at the CLO Cabaret May 22.
Instrumentation featured in Ring of Fire includes: Acoustic Guitar, Banjo, Mandolin, Snare Drum, Electric Guitar, Harmonica, Washboard and Upright Bass.
Ring of Fire features over 30 of Johnny Cash’s hits including “Country Boy,” “Folsom Prison Blues,” “Five Feet High and Rising,” “Daddy Sang Bass,” “I Walk the Line” and “I’ve Been Everywhere.”
Cast members Jon Rolf, Paul Koudouris and Santino Tomasetti used their musical prowess and Ring of Fire instrumentation to become one of just three national finalists in Dairy Queen’s S’mores Music Video Contest. Voting concludes July 18.

Performance Schedule for Ring of Fire

Wednesday	7:30pm
Thursday	7:30pm
Friday	7:30pm
Saturday	2:00pm & 7:30pm
Sunday	2:00pm

Tickets

Tickets start at $34.75 and are available online at CLOCabaret.com, by calling 412-456-6666 or at the Box Office at Theater Square. Groups of 10 or more can call the Group Sales Hotline at 412-325-1582 to learn more about special discounts, priority seating and corporate discounts. Visit pittsburghCLO.org for more information.

July 8, 2014July 8, 2014

21 Boyfriends on a Streetcar in Urinetown, As You Like it: Playhouse Conservatory Company announces ’14-’15 season

PITTSBURGH – Point Park University’s Conservatory Theatre Company will produce five works, including the world premiere of a new musical about the life of the legendary Pittsburgh Pirates Hall of Famer Roberto Clemente, in the 2014-2015 season.

The season begins Oct. 17 and runs through April 26, 2015, at the Pittsburgh Playhouse in the city’s Oakland neighborhood.

Written by Alki Steriopoulos, “21” will be directed by Richard Sabellico, who has directed Off-Broadway, national tours, and several Pittsburgh CLO productions, including The Music Man (starring Jeff Goldblum and Ed Begley Jr.), The Pajama Game, and Bells Are Ringing.

The season’s other productions are William Shakespeare’s pastoral comedy, As You Like It, directed by John Amplas, the musicals Urinetown, directed by Zeva Barzell, and The Boy Friend, directed by Jack Allison, and Tennessee Williams’ timeless classic, A Streetcar Named Desire, directed by Martin Giles.

The Conservatory Theatre Company 2014-2015 season subscriptions, which save patrons up to 35 percent off single-ticket prices, are available now. Five-show season packages are $50-$70. Those who purchase three subscriptions get the fourth free. Single tickets are $18-$20 and go on sale at 10 a.m., Tuesday, Sept. 2. To order tickets, contact the Pittsburgh Playhouse box office at 412.392.8000, or visit www.pittsburghplayhouse.com.

The 2014-2015 season:

“21”

Book, music, and lyrics by Alki Steriopoulos

Directed by Richard Sabellico

Friday, Oct. 17 – Sunday, Oct. 26

Rockwell Theatre

“21” tells the compelling story of the unparalleled life and death of baseball legend, Roberto Clemente, as well as the three women who were instrumental in making Clemente the man he was – his mother, Doña Luisa, his wife, Vera, and his doting sister, Anairis.

Alki Steriopoulos’ extensive theatre resume includes conducting Those Were the Days on Broadway, Gifts of the Magi at the Lambs’, The Little Prince starring Tony-winner Daisy Egan at the John Houseman, and the 25th Anniversary production of Jacques Brel… at the Village Gate. He played keyboards for Tommy, served as associate conductor for A Chorus Line, and conducted the U.S tour of Five Guys Named Moe. He also musical directed Tony Award-winner Joel Gray in his solo portrayal of his father, Mickey Katz, at the Philadelphia Academy of Music, and conducted two-time Tony-nominee Bruce Adler in concert.

Richard Sabellico is an award winning director, seasoned Broadway actor, as well as an acting coach and script adapter. Sabellico directed, choreographed, and adapted the critically acclaimed American Jewish Theatre production of The Cocoanuts and its transfer to Broadway. He has also directed Wonderful Town at Lincoln Center, Leonard Bernstein: A Helluva Town at Rainbow and Stars, as well as a revised version of Jerry Herman’s first musical Milk and Honey. He was nominated for two Outer Critics Circle and one Drama Desk Award for his work on I Can Get It for You Wholesale and Rags. As an actor, he’s performed in seven Broadway shows, most notably as Rooster in Annie and as Pasty in Gypsy.

As You Like It

By William Shakespeare

Directed by John Amplas

Friday, Nov. 7 – Sunday, Nov. 23

Studio Theatre

A favorite among audiences, Shakespeare’s pastoral comedy, which features one of the most often-quoted speeches – “All the world’s a stage” – follows Rosalind as she flees her uncle’s court with her cousin Celia and the court jester, Touchstone, to find safety and love in the Forest of Arden.

A professor with the Conservatory of Performing Arts, John Amplas teaches all levels of acting and directing. He has served as both an actor and director in countless Pittsburgh Playhouse productions dating back to 1972. He is one of the founding members of the Playhouse Repertory Company and has served as associate artistic director since 1999. Most recently, he directed the world premiere of Soldier’s Heart for Point Park University’s professional theatre company, The REP, in September.

Urinetown

Book by Greg Kotis, music by Mark Hollmann, lyrics by Kotis and Hollmann

Directed by Zeva Barzell

Tuesday, Dec. 9 – Sunday, Dec. 14

Rauh Theatre

Winner of three Tony Awards, three Outer Critic’s Circle Awards, two Lucille Lortel Awards, and two Obie Awards, Urinetown parodies popular musicals and the Broadway musical form itself. Set in an undisclosed town where a 20-year drought has made private toilets unthinkable, Urinetown is a hilarious, irreverent and poignant musical about greed, corruption, love, and revolution.

Director Zeva Barzell has trained in London and New York City where she resided for many years. Professional acting credits include Off- and Off-Off-Broadway, where, among other roles, she originated the Great Lady in Robert Patrick’s Orpheus and Amerika, as well as performing in regional theater, summer stock, dinner theater, daytime television, industrials, and national voice over work. Credits include Sweeney Todd (Mrs. Lovett), Broadway (Lillian Rice), My Three Angels (Madame Parole), A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Titania), Annie Get Your Gun (Annie), Hello, Dolly! (Dolly), and Angels in America (Hannah). National directing and choreography credits include I Heard It at the Movies, Just Jerry, Once Upon a Mattress, You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown (revival), Bye Bye Birdie, Hello, Dolly! Red Hot and Cole, Peter Pan, Godspell, Pride and Prejudice, Dracula, No U Turns?, Disney Days. Most recently, she directed the Point Park University Playhouse Jr. production of The 25^th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee.

The Boy Friend

Book, music, and lyrics by Sandy Wilson

Directed by Jack Allison

Friday, Feb. 27 – Sunday, March 15

Rockwell Theatre

Set on the French Riviera during the Roaring Twenties, The Boy Friend premiered on the West End in England in 1953 and ran for more than 2,000 performances. It premiered the following year on Broadway and was revived in 1970. A film version, starring Twiggy and directed by Ken Russell, hit theaters in 1971.

Jack Allison has directed at most of the major regional theatres in the United States, Canada, and Europe, including, among others, The Walnut Street Theatre, Coconut Grove Playhouse, Cincinnati Opera and the North Shore Music Theatre. In New York, he has staged acclaimed productions at the Manhattan Theatre Club and the Circle Repertory Company. He premiered Cabaret at the National Theatre of Belgium. He has received prestigious awards for his direction, including three Florida Carbonell Awards and three Boston Globe Best of Season Awards. At the Pittsburgh Civic Light Opera he served as resident director and staged more than 30 productions.

A Streetcar Named Desire

By Tennessee Williams

Directed by Martin Giles

Friday, April 17 – Sunday, April 26

Rauh Theatre

Tennessee Williams’ sultry, steamy classic needs no introduction. One of the greatest plays of the 20^th century, this 1948 Pulitzer Prize-winner opened on Broadway with a cast that featured Marlon Brando, Jessica Tandy, Kim Hunter and Karl Malden. In 1951, most of this cast – Vivien Leigh replaced Tandy as Blanche – and director Elia Kazan turned Williams’ play into an unforgettable film.

A popular Pittsburgh actor, director and writer, Martin Giles’ directing credits include many productions for The New Group Theatre, where he served as Artistic Director and playwright. He also directed productions in PICT’s BeckettFest and Synge Cycle. Best-known for his work on stage, he has performed for both Opera Theater of Pittsburgh and PICT. His Opera Theater credits include Beggar’s Holiday and Lost in the Stars. For PICT, his credits include The History Boys and What the Butler Saw. He is the 2002 Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Performer of the Year.