RESONANCE WORKS | PITTSBURGH brings Natural Frequency to the Hazlett

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Innovative collaboration melds music and photography

PITTSBURGH PA – Resonance Works | Pittsburgh completes its inaugural season with Natural Frequency on June 7 and 8 at the New Hazlett Theater on Pittsburgh’s North Side. Featuring music that evokes imagery of the natural world, this program melds works of Debussy, Barber, Copland, and Pittsburgh-based composer Nancy Galbraith with projected images designed by local photographer Chuck Beard.

According to artistic director Maria Sensi Sellner, “As humans, we are all a part of nature, and our work affects and is influenced by this relationship. Natural Frequency explores the interconnectivity of nature and human innovation through music, poetry, and visual imagery.”

“The musical works chosen for Natural Frequency are so evocative on their own,” says Beard, “but I am hoping to lend a different visual concept to these pieces that people haven’t considered before. The theme of the images will range from imaginary miniature verdant forests to steel-era structures standing in decay, all arranged to echo the narrative of the music.” Photos from Beard’s “Abandoned Pittsburgh” and “Wee Grove” projects will be included, along with new images taken just for this event.

The program opens with Debussy’s landmark Prélude à l’après-midi d’un faune, a free-form musical depiction of the poem by Mallarme that connects nature’s inspiration with artistic innovation – a theme that permeates this program as well as the mission of Resonance Works.

CMU composition professor Nancy Galbraith’s music is praised for its rich harmonic texture, rhythmic vitality, emotional and spiritual depth, and wide range of expression. In Four Nature Canticles, Galbraith sets poetry of Emily Dickinson, Robert Browning, James Joyce, and Robert Frost for women’s vocal ensemble and chamber orchestra.

One of Pittsburgh’s favorite baritones, Daniel Teadt joins the Resonance Works String Quartet in Samuel Barber’s Dover Beach. The “darkling plain” of the Arnold poem is juxtaposed in the program with Copland’s iconic Appalachian Spring Suite, a celebration of the open fields and endless possibilities of American pioneers in the wilds of Pennsylvania.

It is an uplifting conclusion to the inaugural season for Resonance Works, and a strong indicator of what is to come from this new and exciting company.

The Resonance Chamber Orchestra and Vocal Ensemble will be conducted by Artistic Director and founder Maria Sensi Sellner. Tickets are $40 (Premium) and $20 (General admission) and are available online at www.ResonanceWorks.org. Group discounts and a student rate of $10 are available.

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About Resonance Works | Pittsburgh

Inspired by Pittsburgh’s industrial and economic reinvention, Resonance Works is a collaborative and evolving company dedicated to exploring the confluence of music, space, artist, and audience. We provide artists of the highest caliber opportunities to realize works on their own creative “bucket lists,” yielding transformative experiences for artists and audiences alike. Whether we perform in coffeehouses, churches or concert halls, our venues trigger the alchemical possibilities of art, creating unique experiences that resonate with energy and passion.

 

University of Pittsburgh Stages Announces 2014-2015 Season Lineup

Microsoft Word – PRESS RELEASE 2014-15 Season.doc

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The University of Pittsburgh Stages is proud to announce another exciting season, beginning this fall with the soul-searing drama Stop Kiss. The Pitt Stages continues their season with two hilarious productions on opposite ends of the comedy spectrum – the raunchy musical Avenue Q and the Spanish golden age play Dog in the Manger. Pitt Stages close out their year with Sam Shepard’s brutal examination of the American dream, The Curse of the Starving Class.

This season also features a very special, one-weekend only, performance of A.R. Gurney’s Love Letters. Long-time Pittsburgh favorite Richard McMillan and his wife, Anne Louise Bannon, perform this touching work in November. All proceeds from the event go towards a fund for undergraduate theatre students at the University of Pittsburgh named in honor of Richard McMillan.

Season Schedule

Stop Kiss by Diana Son, Directed by undergraduate Brittany Coyne OCTOBER 2-12, 2014 (Opening Night October 3)

Love Letters by A.R. Gurney, Starring Richard McMillan and Anne Louise Bannon NOVEMBER 7-9, 2014

Avenue Q by Robert Lopez (Frozen, Book of Mormon) and Jeff Marx, Directed by Bria Walker NOVEMBER 6-23, 2014 (Opening Night November 7)

Dog in the Manger by Lope de Vega, Directed by Dennis Shcebetta FEBRUARY 12-22, 2015 (Opening Night February 13)

Curse of the Starving Class by Sam Shepard, Directed by Cynthia Croot APRIL 2-12, 2015 (Opening Night April 3)

The University of Pittsburgh’s Department of Theatre Arts offers BA, MA, MFA and PhD degrees in Theatre Arts. All faculty members are active in teaching, research, and artistic projects. For more information about the University of Pittsburgh Stages visit www.play.pitt.edu.

 

City Theatre announces lineup for MOMENTUM 2014

 

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CITY THEATRE ANNOUNCES THE LINEUP FOR MOMENTUM 2014
A FESTIVAL OF NEW PLAYS AT DIFFERENT STAGES

MAY 29 – JUNE 1, 2014

 

The (curious case of the) Watson Intelligence

by Madeleine George

 

The Unbuilt City

by Keith Bunin


Halftime with Don

by Ken Weitzman

 

Mr. Joy

by Daniel Beaty

PITTSBURGH, PA (May 20, 2014)—City Theatre announces four original plays set for MOMENTUM, the theatre’s annual festival of new plays at different stages. This year’s selection features three of City’s favorite alums as well as a distinguished playwright new to Pittsburgh audiences. The play’s themes run the gamut from technology and football to history and community.

MOMENTUM is a celebration of new theatrical works featuring readings, workshops, panels, and conversation. The festival is a chance for audiences to not only see four new works in their earliest incarnations, but also to get to know the process of creating new plays and to glimpse inside the minds of the playwrights.

“MOMENTUM is vital to our mission as a home for playwrights and new play development,” says Tracy Brigden, City Theatre’s Artistic Director. “The festival provides an opportunity for writers to hear their work performed in front of an audience and a creative community, and that has impact. Last year, we featured a reading of Michael Hollinger’s new play, Hope and Gravity. Subsequently, after revisions, rehearsal, and collaborative artistic input, the world premiere of Hope and Gravity is now enjoying a successful run on City Theatre’s Mainstage. This progression exemplifies the goal of MOMENTUM—to launch new plays into their next phase of development. This year, we’re excited to welcome playwright Madeleine George back to City after her success here with Precious Little. Her Pulitzer-nominated play, The (curious case of the) Watson Intelligence, spans centuries and uniquely confronts our reliance on ever-changing technology. In addition, Keith Bunin, author of Sam Bendrix at the Bon Soir and The Credeaux Canvas, returns with The Unbuilt City, an enigmatic story set in Brooklyn about life, love and art. We’ll also feature Ken Weitzman’s play Halftime with Don. Featuring a retired NFL player, Weitzman’s engaging and topical script is inspired by NFL players suffering from game-induced trauma, including former Steeler “Iron Mike” Webster. Lastly, beloved playwright Daniel Beaty, returns with Mr. Joy, a moving solo play about how a Harlem community comes together in crisis. Audiences will have the opportunity to watch this poignant work progress from a reading at MOMENTUM to a fully-produced show on our Mainstage during the 2014-2015 season. We’re thrilled to feature these gifted writers throughout the festival weekend.”

STAGED READINGS

The (curious case of the) Watson Intelligence
by Madeleine George

Directed by Sheila McKenna

Watson: trusty sidekick to Sherlock Holmes; loyal engineer who built Bell’s first telephone; unstoppable super-computer that became reigning Jeopardy! champ; amiable techno-dweeb who, in the present day, is just looking for love. These four constant companions become one in this brilliantly witty, time-jumping, loving tribute (and cautionary tale) dedicated to the people—and machines—upon which we all depend.

The Unbuilt City

by Keith Bunin
Directed by Tracy Brigden

Still residing in the Brooklyn Heights townhouse in which she grew up, Claudia has lived a life of luxury and loneliness. Now as her health is failing, and her money is drying up, a representative from an archive visits with an opportunity. Hoping to persuade Claudia to sell her famously secret collection, Jonah uncovers mysteries surrounding the nature of her legacy and the untold history of New York City.

Halftime with Don

by Ken Weitzman

Directed by Christian Parker

Featuring Tom Atkins

Retired NFL player Don Devers has had more surgeries than he can count, experiences violent outbursts, and relies on Post-It notes to offset his struggle with traumatic brain injury. Just as he’s ready to throw in the towel, super fan Ed Ryan knocks on his door. With the help of Don’s daughter Stephanie and Ed’s wife Sarah, both pregnant and plotting from the sidelines, the fan and his hero find new resolve to get back in the game.

Mr. Joy
by Daniel Beaty

What happened to Mr. Joy? A Harlem community is disrupted when the Chinese immigrant’s shoe repair shop, a neighborhood pillar for decades, does not open its doors. Nine customers, ranging from 11-year-old Clarissa, a budding shoe designer, to Bessie, a “gangsta granny,” reflect on the shop owner’s impact in this moving exploration of one community’s efforts to heal in order to dream again.

 

 

PANELS/WORKSHOPS

Playwrights and Directors Panel

Participating artists join together for an insightful panel about the festival’s featured plays.

 

Workshop: Writing Across Dramatic Mediums

Instructor:  Keith Bunin

Today’s well-rounded dramatist must be able to work across multiple storytelling mediums. To have a successful career, you want to be the master of as many mediums as possible. So what are the story principles common among plays, movies, and novels adapted for film? And what makes each form different from the next? Join playwright and screenwriter Keith Bunin, who will lay out the similarities and differences, and share what he’s learned while working across mediums. Bunin is currently writing screenplays for Universal Pictures, Paramount Pictures, CBS Films, Fox Searchlight, and Likely Story/Mandalay Films, among others. He wrote the screenplay for the film Horns, directed by Alexandre Aja, starring Daniel Radcliffe, and based on the novel by Joe Hill. City Theatre has produced his plays Sam Bendrix at the Bon Soir (2011) and The Credeaux Canvas (2002)His plays, including The Busy World is HushedThe World Over, Vera LaughedThe Principality of SorrowsThe King of Clocks, and the musical (book) 10 Million Miles, have also been produced at Playwrights Horizons, Atlantic Theatre Company, La Jolla Playhouse, New York Stage and Film, Lincoln Center Lab at HERE, and Pure Orange Productions. He was a writer for the HBO TV-series “In Treatment.”

 

 

FESTIVAL SCHEDULE
All events take place at City Theatre, 1300 Bingham Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15203.


Thursday, May 29

7:00 pm                                Reading: The (curious case of the) Watson Intelligence

 

Friday, May 30

6:30 pm                                Playwrights and Directors Panel

8:00 pm                                Reading: The Unbuilt City

 

Saturday, May 31

2:00-3:00 pm                      Workshop: Writing Across Dramatic Mediums

4:00 pm                                Reading: Halftime with Don

6:00 pm                                Momentum Party

8:00 pm                                Reading: Mr. Joy

 

Sunday, June 1

2:00 pm                                Reading: The Unbuilt City

 

TICKETS
$20 four-day pass; $5 per show

Available by phone at 412.431.CITY (2489) or online at www.citytheatrecompany.org

City Theatre’s 40th anniversary season begins this fall. 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

 

Point Park University-produced movie ‘The Umbrella Man’ to premiere at Pittsburgh Independent Film Festival

 

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PITTSBURGH – The Point Park University-produced feature film, “The Umbrella Man,” will premiere next month at the Pittsburgh Independent Film Festival.

Directed by Michael Grasso, “The Umbrella Man” will be screened at 1:45 p.m., Sunday, June 22, in the Baverso Theater at the Father Ryan Arts Center in McKees Rocks.

 “The Umbrella Man” is the story of a father who becomes engrossed with Kennedy assassination conspiracy theories after the death of his 8-year-old son. Set in Pittsburgh, the film deals with one couple’s love, loss, and the survival of their relationship. The film stars Carter Roy and Rachael Carpani as the married couple, as well as Abbie Cobb, Rich Williams, John Amplas and Kevin Crowley.

Point Park University was the driving force in developing the original material written by Michael and Joseph Grasso. The REP, Point Park University’s professional theatre company, mounted a staged production of “The Umbrella Man” in 2011 at the Pittsburgh Playhouse. Directed by Robert A. Miller, who also is a producer on the movie, the stage play introduced audiences to the deep human drama in an unprecedented stage experience.

Much of the movie was filmed in the Pittsburgh area last year, providing dozens of Point Park University students a unique opportunity for on-the-job training.

“Michael and I are thrilled that ‘The Umbrella Man’ has been included in the 2014 Pittsburgh Independent Film Festival.  It was an amazing project with incredible performances and a super talented Pittsburgh crew. We are also proud to have teamed with Point Park University in order to provide their students, recent grads and alumni a chance to work on the production of ‘The Umbrella Man’ and gain valuable real-world experience on a feature film. It was a true Pittsburgh project, and we had a fantastic experience shooting this film in and around Pittsburgh,” said Joe Grasso, co-writer, co-producer and cinematographer.

The screening of “The Umbrella Man” in Pittsburgh follows the announcement last month that another Point Park University-produced film venture, the 10-episode documentary series, “The Chair,” will air this fall on STARZ as the channel’s first original unscripted series. The 10-episode series, filmed in Pittsburgh this year, follows two up-and-coming directors as they compete to make two separate feature films from the same script. More than 100 Point Park students and alumni supported the TV series and two feature films as interns, employees, and through class projects. Additionally, production offices were located on Point Park University’s campus in downtown Pittsburgh.

Point Park University’s involvement in these projects helps to expand its cinema and digital arts offerings to a wider array of students who have the desire to forge a career in the entertainment industry.

You can visit the film’s IMDB page at http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2413958/

 

The “Buzz” from Buzzelli: Pittsburgh’s Top To-Do’s THIS WEEKEND (5/20 – 5/22)

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by Mike “Buzz” Buzzelli, ‘Burgh Vivant Contributor.

Here are the Top Five Fun Things to do in Pittsburgh for Memorial Day weekend, May 22-25.

 

Peter Prequel

Before he lost his shadow at the Darling house, Peter Pan was having other adventures. In “Peter and the Starcatcher,” we meet the titular boy-who-never-grew-up before he takes over Never Never Land.

“Peter and the Starcatcher” runs May 20-22 at Heinz Hall, 600 Penn Avenue, Downtown Pittsburgh.

For more information, call 412-392-4900 or visit www.pgharts.org

 

Married Life

In 1908, three upstanding couples gather to celebrate 25 years of wedded bliss only to discover that none of them are legally married in “When We Are Married.” If Playwright and novelist J.B. Priestley were alive today he’d probably call his play Downton Abbey” with laughs.

You can see “When We Are Married” at the Little Lake Theatre, 500 Lakeside Drive, Canonsburg.

For more information, call 724-745-6300 or visit www.littlelake.org

 

Singing and Dancing

“Singing in the Rain” comes to the stage! This extraordinary score is a downright downpour of magical music: “Make ‘Em Laugh” and “Good Mornin’,” and, of course, “Singin’ in the Rain!”

It’s a glorious feeling! Come out to “Singing in the Rain” at the Benedum Center, 719 Liberty Avenue, Pittsburgh.

Call 412-456-6666 or visit www.pgharts.org

 

The Don’s Fire

The Neighborhood Opera Company presents an innovative production of Mozart’s “Don Giovanni” with orchestra and an all African-American cast.

You can catch “Don Giovanni” at the Alumni Concert Hall, Carnegie Mellon University, 5032 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh on May 24 or May 25.

For more information go to http://neighborhoodoperaco.tumblr.com/

 

Brush Up Your Shakespeare

On Memorial Day, May 26th, head to Te Café in Squirrel Hill and lob insults at others; Shakespearean style at “BYOB – Bring Your Own Bard.” Pittsburgh Shakespeare in the Parks’ informal, no pressure, scene night where actors and non-actors take a crack at their favorite Shakespearean pieces. The theme this month is Shakespeare’s Insults and Retorts.

Doors open at 7:15 PM, readings begin at 7:30 PM. Suggested $10 donation.

For more information, go to http://www.pittsburghshakespeare.com

 

-MB

Point Park’s Playhouse Jr. closes 65th season with Tony Award-winning musical ‘The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee’

 

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PITTSBURGH – Point Park University’s Playhouse Jr. closes its 65th season with The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, the hilarious Tony Award-winning musical that The New York Times called “irresistible and entirely lovable.”

Directed by Zeva Barzell, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee opens Friday, May 23, and runs through Sunday, June 8, in the Rauh Theatre at the Pittsburgh Playhouse, 222 Craft Ave.

Public performances will begin at 7 p.m., Friday and Saturday, and 2 p.m., Saturday and Sunday. Tickets are $7 and can be purchased by calling the Pittsburgh Playhouse box office at 412.392.8000, or at www.pittsburghplayhouse.com. Special performances for school field trips are available. For more information about field trips, call the Pittsburgh Playhouse box office. Please note the show contains some adult content and is recommended for audiences ages 13 and older.

The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee gives the squeaky clean tradition of the county spelling bee a fresh treatment when the gawky contestants – including four selected audience members – compete for local glory, their parents’ affection and, of course, cash. Along the way, they learn the value of doing the best they can and enjoying what they do. Spelling Bee won two Tony Awards, three Drama Desk Awards and two Lucille Lortel Awards.

The Playhouse Jr. production features scenic design by Michael Thomas Essad, costumes by Don DiFonso, lighting design by Todd Nonn and sound design by Steve Shapiro. Camille Villalpando Rolla is the music director. Hugo Schroeder is the stage manager.

 

Phipps Discovery Garden Day Offers Fun Among the Flowers

 

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Annual celebration at Pittsburgh’s premier public garden features nature-inspired crafts and activities.

Pittsburgh, Pa. – On May 24, 2014, Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens invites families to join the festivities at Discovery Garden Day, an annual celebration featuring hands-on crafts and activities for kids of all ages. Held from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. in the public garden’s multi-sensory outdoor garden — a space created to capture the curiosity of young adventurers — all event programs are designed to encourage exploration and observation while kids unwind and have fun.

   At Discovery Garden Day, games, a potting activity, a craft and more will cover a variety of nature-inspired topics. Event participants will also have the chance to simply enjoy the garden, which has a brand-new oversized bird’s nest, a giant tree stump for climbing; plots designed to attract birds, butterflies and bees; a color wheel garden; a bog garden with carnivorous plants; a sensory garden; and a special nature play area, where kids can let their imaginations run wild.

   All Children’s Discovery Garden Day activities, including light refreshments and entertainment, are complementary with regular paid admission, which costs $15 for adults, $14 for seniors and students, and $11 for children ages 2 – 18. Members and kids under 2 enter for free. The garden, which is open seasonally, can also be visited daily from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and until dusk on Fridays. Regular offerings include story time and pot-a-plant activities under the Discovery Pavilion.

   To learn more about Discovery Garden Day and other family-friendly programs, including immersive summer camps for ages 2 – 7, please visit phipps.conservatory.org.

 

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.

 

The “Buzz” from Buzzelli: Pittsburgh’s Top To-Do’s THIS WEEKEND (5/15 – 5/18)

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by Mike “Buzz” Buzzelli, ‘Burgh Vivant contributor.

Here are the Top Five Fun Things To Do in Pittsburgh May 15 – 18

 

Games People Play

Itching to play Four-Square, Backgammon, Tic-Tac-Toe or Connect Four? Connect with the Attack Theatre and go to Game Night and the Seven-Minute Dance Series starting May 16.

Between games, enjoy seven minute excerpts from some works-in-progress from the company spread throughout the night.

Gear up for Game Night at the Attack Theatre’s Intergalactic Headquarters, 2425 Liberty Avenue, in Pittsburgh’s Strip District. Game Night: old school games, new school dance and high school drinks.

For more information, go to www.attacktheatre.com

 

Broadway goes to Zelienople

Lenora Nemetz returns to Pittsburgh to perform for the Strand Broadway Concert Series. She’ll sing some of her favorites May 16 and 17. She will sing songs from some of the six Broadway shows she’s starred in.

It’s all going down at the Strand, 119 North Main Street, Zelienople, PA 16063For more information go to www.thestrandtheater.org

 

Zone Out

It’s the last weekend to see “Comfort Zone,” Marlon Erik Youngblood’s play about the aftermath of a shooting and how it impacts a community.

“Comfort Zone” is at the Pittsburgh Playwrights Theatre, 937 Liberty Avenue, 3rd Floor, Pittsburgh.

For more information, go to www.pghplaywrights.com

 

Delphi be damned

The Arcade Comedy Theater is best known for its improvisational comedy and stand up. On May 16 and 17th sketch comedians will take the stage. It’s Spinster Comedy’s “Oracle of Truth.” Come see Dave Ranallo
Tressa Glover DiGiulio
Laurie B
John Feightner
Eric S. Donaldson
Daniel KelleyDave Ranallo, Tressa Glover DiGuilio, John Feightner and more sketchy people.

It’s all going down at the Arcade Comedy Theater, 811 Liberty Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA.

For more information, go to www.arcadecomedytheater.com

 

Tony Before the Tony’s

Grammy Award-winning music icon Tony Bennett is performing at Heinz Hall. He’ll be there with special guest Antonia Bennett (I suspect it’s Tony in drag).

Step out with your baby, and go see Tony Bennett May 16 at the Heinz Hall for the Performing Arts, 600 Penn Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA

For more information, go to www.pittsburghsymphony.org

 

And now a special sixth thing…

Hockey Sticks

On May 17th, you can eat, drink, swap a hockey stories and strategy, get autographs and photos as well a play corn-hole and bubble hockey with some of the Pens Alumni as well as local TV and Radio personalities when you “Hang Out With The Pros.”   Brian Trottier will play a few songs on his guitar.

This event will feature Pittsburgh Penguins Alumni, including former Stanley Cup winning goalie, Ken Wregget, NHL Hall of Famer and 6-time Stanley Cup Champion, Brian Trottier and a number of others to be announced shortly. Pittsburgh’s own, Dave Hanson of the Hanson Brothers from the 1970’s movie, “Slapshot” will also be hanging out at this fundraiser for PEMF (Pittsburgh Emergency Medicine Foundation).

“Hang out with the Pros” will be at31 Sports Bar and Grille, 1020 Washington Pike, Bridgeville, PA 15017 (on the Outside Deck).

For more information, go to http://31sportsbargrille.com/

-MB.

Hail to thee, BLITHE SPIRIT – PICT Classic Theater

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by Michael “Buzz” Buzzelli, Contributor for ‘Burgh Vivant.   

The newly renamed PICT Classic Theater (still spraying graffiti on Hadrian’s Wall) opens up their 18th season with Noel Coward’s wickedly funny, paranormal comedy “Blithe Spirit.” The play’s title refers to a line from Percy Bysshe Shelley’s poem, “The Skylark,” but here it is top notch directing, excellent acting, and a classic piece of theater that creates poetry.

Coward perfected the drawing room comedy with his acerbic wit and acid tongue. The characters snipe at one other with urbane, sophisticated humor. “Blithe Spirit” is one of the playwright’s broader comedies, replete with slapstick and the requisite clever repartee.

Charles Condomine (Dan Rodden) is an author with a wicked wit drier than his martini. On the pretense of researching his new novel, Condomine and his second wife, Ruth (Daina Michelle Griffith) hold a séance. Charles invites his friend Dr. Bradman (Jim FitzGerald) and his wife (Lissa Brennan) over to their country home for the occult event.

The Condomine’s have a cook and a maid (writing must have paid better back then). The cook is never seen. The maid, Edith (Karen Baum), however, sprints through the house with manic fervor.

The séance is performed by Madame Arcati (Mary Rawson), a self-proclaimed spiritual specialist. Guests wait with baited breath, half hoping for a magical encounter, even though they remain skeptical.

Then, all hell breaks loose (literally and figuratively) when Arcati conjures up the spirit of Charles Condomine’s first wife, Elvira (Vera Varlamov). Yes. I said Elvira. Giddy up, oom poppa, omm poppa, mow mow.

Only the author, Charles Condomine, can see and hear her.

The verbal sparring of the living Condomines, Charles and Ruth, is exacerbated by the pesky poltergeist. Ruth demands to hold Charles’ full attention, but he’s busy placating the apparition of his first wife. Elvira finds the entire predicament hilarious, and enjoys causing mischief between the couple…until Ruth discovers the truth.

Ruth’s jealously conspires to rid the house of the ghost, and calls upon Arcati. The spiritual advisor doesn’t know how to dispatch the phantom. Meanwhile, Charles battles with both wives, living and dead. The characters vault over each other with a dazzling displays of verbal gymnastics.

Chaos ensues, leading to several unexpected twists and turns.

The brilliant script is enhanced by the superb acting of Pittsburgh’s finest performers, such as Rawson, FitzGerald, Griffith and Baum (sounds like a law firm).

Rodden, new to the Pittsburgh stage, is spot on as the British author. It’s a joy to watch his stiff upper lip quiver when he is besieged from the beautiful bride from beyond.

Varlamov is luminescent as the ethereal Elvira. Kudos goes to hair, make up and especially, Costume Designer Joan Markert.

Griffith’s Ruth is spectacular. The actor immerses herself in the role. It’s little wonder why the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette crowned her Performer of the Year in 2013.

Baum plays the goofiest of goofballs. Edith, the maid, is always sprinting to the door, nervously setting down tea, and generally crashing about. Slight spoiler (Can one call spoilers on a 73 year-old play?): the maid is not as inconsequential to the play as many would be led to believe. Baum handles it with aplomb. She remains in character even during the closing bow.

Rawson plays the buoyant clairvoyant as a kindly grandmother with a love for cucumber sandwiches. Someone invite Coward’s Arcati and Wilde’s Algernon to a Victorian tea. They are both fond of the classic canapé.

Director Alan Stanford brings this glorious farce to life (pun always intended). It’s rife with droll humor, slapstick and supernatural fun. It is one enchanted evening, or to paraphrase Shelley, “Hail to thee, Blithe Spirit!”

 

– MB.

Pittsburgh CLO Announces Nominees for the 2014 Gene Kelly Awards

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Pittsburgh, PA • May 7, 2014– Pittsburgh CLO and the University of Pittsburgh are proud to announce the nominees for the Gene Kelly Awards for Excellence in High School Musical Theater. The awards show will take place on Saturday, May 24 at 7:30 p.m. at the Benedum Center in downtown Pittsburgh.

Over the past three months, a panel of 30 judges have attended the performances by the following 29 Allegheny County high schools: Avonworth, Baldwin, Bishop Canevin, Cardinal Wuerl North Catholic, Central Catholic, Chartiers Valley, Elizabeth Forward, Hampton Township, Keystone Oaks, McKeesport, North Hills, Northgate, Our Lady of the Sacred Heart, Penn Hills, Pine-Richland, Pittsburgh Barack Obama Academy, Pittsburgh Brashear, Pittsburgh CAPA, Pittsburgh Perry, Plum, Quaker Valley, Riverview, Shady Side Academy, Springdale, St. Joseph, West Allegheny, West Mifflin, Winchester Thurston and Woodland Hills.

The judging panel was comprised of performing arts educators, arts administrators, entertainment professionals and performers. On May 2 these judges met and reviewed highlights from each high school performance. The scoring was then tabulated by Deloitte LLP.

The Nominees for the 2014 Gene Kelly Awards are:

Best Scenic Design  
   
Budget Level I  
Our Lady of the Sacred Heart The Wiz
Pittsburgh Perry Seussical
St. Joseph Shrek, the Musical
   
Budget Level II  
Central Catholic Monty Python’s Spamalot
Hampton Young Frankenstein
Riverview Fiddler on the Roof
   
Budget Level III  
Pine-Richland Thoroughly Modern Millie
West Allegheny Catch Me If You Can
Woodland Hills Sweeney Todd

 

Best Costume Design  
   
Budget Level I  
Our Lady of the Sacred Heart The Wiz
Quaker Valley Pirates of Penzance
St. Joseph Shrek, the Musical
   
Budget Level II  
Bishop Canevin The Drowsy Chaperone
Central Catholic Monty Python’s Spamalot
Hampton Young Frankenstein
   
Budget Level III  
Baldwin Shrek, the Musical
Pine-Richland Thoroughly Modern Millie
Woodland Hills Sweeney Todd

 

Best Lighting Design  
   
Budget Level I  
Our Lady of the Sacred Heart The Wiz
Pittsburgh CAPA Footloose
St. Joseph Shrek, the Musical
   
Budget Level II  
Central Catholic Monty Python’s Spamalot
Hampton Young Frankenstein
Riverview Fiddler on the Roof
   
Budget Level III  
Avonworth Man of La Mancha
West Allegheny Catch Me If You Can
Woodland Hills Sweeney Todd

 

Best All-Student Orchestra  
Baldwin Shrek, the Musical
Hampton Young Frankenstein
North Hills 42nd Street
Pittsburgh Barack Obama Academy The Wiz
Pittsburgh CAPA Footloose
West Mifflin Bye Bye Birdie

 

Best Supporting Actor    
Rush Hodgin Pine-Richland Thoroughly Modern Millie “Trevor Graydon III”
Noah Baynes Lheureau Bishop Canevin The Drowsy Chaperone “Robert Martin”
Drew Praskovich Pittsburgh CAPA Footloose “Willard Hewitt”
Julius Ralph Penn Hills The Wiz “The Wizard”
Quintin Reynolds CW North Catholic Children of Eden “Cain/Japeth”
Michael Zak Central Catholic Spamalot “Patsy”

 

Best Supporting Actress    
Leah Prestogeorge Woodland Hills Sweeney Todd “Joanna Barker”
Amanda Rulis Hampton Young Frankenstein “Inga”
Jillian Schmidt Pine-Richland Thoroughly Modern Millie “Muzzy Van Hossmere”
Mara Singleton Plum My Favorite Year “KC Downing”
Ashley Sitarik Our Lady of the Sacred Heart The Wiz “Addaperle”
Brook Taylor Woodland Hills Sweeney Todd “Beggar Woman/Lucy Barker”

 

Best Ensemble  
Central Catholic Monty Python’s Spamalot
Hampton Young Frankenstein
Pittsburgh Barack Obama Academy The Wiz
Quaker Valley Pirates of Penzance
St. Joseph Shrek, the Musical
West Allegheny Catch Me If You Can

 

Best Crew/Technical Execution  
Baldwin Shrek, the Musical
Hampton Young Frankenstein
Pine-Richland Thoroughly Modern Millie
Pittsburgh Barack Obama Academy The Wiz
Riverview Fiddler on the Roof
Woodland Hills Sweeney Todd

 

Best Choreography  
Central Catholic Monty Python’s Spamalot
Hampton Young Frankenstein
Pine-Richland Thoroughly Modern Millie
Pittsburgh Barack Obama Academy The Wiz
Pittsburgh CAPA Footloose
West Allegheny Catch Me If You Can

 

Best Direction  
Central Catholic Monty Python’s Spamalot
Hampton Young Frankenstein
Pine-Richland Thoroughly Modern Millie
Pittsburgh Barack Obama Academy The Wiz
Quaker Valley Pirates of Penzance
St. Joseph Shrek, the Musical

 

Best Actor    
Ryan Borgo West Allegheny Catch Me If You Can “Frank Abignale, Jr.”
Connor Cook Plum My Favorite Year “Benjy Stone”
Tom Curry West Allegheny Catch Me If You Can “Carl Hanratty”
Peter Heres Quaker Valley Pirates of Penzance “Pirate King”
Adam Rayan Penn Hills The Wiz “Tinman”
Nathanial Yost Central Catholic Monty Python’s Spamalot “King Arthur”

 

Best Actress    
Abby Dionise Pine-Richland Thoroughly Modern Millie “Miss Dorothy Brown”
Alexandra Illescas Pittsburgh CAPA Footloose “Rusty”
Alexis Loiselle Pine-Richland Thoroughly Modern Millie “Millie Dillmount”
Mallory Milberger St. Joseph Shrek, the Musical “Princess Fiona”
Marnie Quick Pittsburgh Barack Obama Academy The Wiz “Tinman”
Savannah Wiggins Penn Hills The Wiz “Dorothy”

 

Best Musical  
   
Budget Level I  
Pittsburgh Barack Obama Academy The Wiz
Quaker Valley Pirates of Penzance
St. Joseph Shrek, the Musical
   
Budget Level II  
Bishop Canevin The Drowsy Chaperone
Central Catholic Monty Python’s Spamalot
Hampton Young Frankenstein
   
Budget Level III  
Penn Hills The Wiz
Pine-Richland Thoroughly Modern Millie
West Allegheny Catch Me If You Can

The nominees for Best Actor and Best Actress will be competing for the opportunity to represent Pittsburgh CLO’s Gene Kelly Awards in the sixth-annual National High School Musical Theater Awards in New York City on Monday, June 30. For more information on the National High School Musical Theater Awards, please visit www.nhsmta.com.

In addition to the more than 20 Kelly Awards presented at the event, several cash and university scholarships will be awarded.  These scholarships are made possible through the generous donations of Paul Block, Virginia S. Nicklas, the CLO Ambassadors, Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield and participating colleges. Winners will be announced at the ceremony on May 24.  More information is available at pittsburghCLO.org.

The Gene Kelly Awards are co-presented by the University of Pittsburgh with additional support provided by Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield, PNC Bank, Virginia S. Nicklas and the CLO Ambassadors. Deloitte Consulting, LLP is the official auditor for the Gene Kelly Awards.

Pittsburgh CLO is also pleased to announce that Gene Kelly’s widow, Patricia Ward Kelly, will once again participate in the awards show.

What:              24th Annual Gene Kelly Awards

Where:             Benedum Center for the Performing Arts

When:              Saturday, May 24 at 7:30 p.m.

Tickets:            On sale May 13.  Call 412-456-6666

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