The Shaker Archives - Page 79 of 111

February 8, 2016February 10, 2016

The “Buzz” from Buzzelli: Pittsburgh’s Top To Do’s THIS WEEKEND (2/11 – 2/14)

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by Mike “Buzz” Buzzelli, ‘Burgh Vivant.

Impromptu?

Start your weekend early on Thursday, Feb. 11, and see two person improvisers perform in the “Just the Two of Us: Improv Duo Comedy Night.” It features Iguanatron (Brian Gray and Chris Greg Gillotti), Stranded with Strangers (Andrew Phillips and Frank Joseph McDade), WINAP (Karen Forney and Renee Rabenold) and many more. Admission is free but they will except donations. It’s at the Castle, 349 Cedarville Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15224. For more information, click here.

Opposites Attract

On Saturday February 13, you can go to Studio PM for a guided art party fundraiser for the ToonSeum. Admission includes guided instruction, all materials, supplies and light snacks. It’s BYOB for ages 21 and up. Create your own masterpiece and take it home. It’s at the ToonSeum, 945 Liberty Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15222. For more information, click here.

Erotic City

On Valentine’s Eve (February 13), you can get a little freaky at the Bunker’s 3^rd Annual Erotica Night. Readers and Performers have prepared erotic content for your viewing pleasure. There are even a few videos and some illustrations. You must be over 18 to attend. The event is pay-what-you-will (with a suggested price of $5 -$10) and a portion of the proceeds will benefit Planned Parenthood of Western PA. It’s at 5122 Penn Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15224. For more information, click here.

You’ve Got Mail

Childhood friends begin a lifelong correspondence and eventually become romantically attached in A. R. Gurney’s “Love Letters.” Their letter exchange lasts more than fifty years. This weekend only at the South Park Theatre, Corrigan Drive at Brownsville Road, Bethel Park, PA 15102. For more information, click here. For more information, click here.

Kid’s Day

Got stuck with the kids on Valentine’s Day? Take them to see Stage 62’s “Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day.” It’s about a kid named Alexander who has a very bad day. D’uh. It’s at the Andrew Carnegie Free Library and Music Hall, 300 Beechwood Avenue, Carnegie, PA 15106. For more information, click here.

– MB

February 1, 2016February 4, 2016

The “Buzz” from Buzzelli: Pittsburgh’s Top To Do’s THIS WEEKEND (2/4 – 2/7)

by Mike “Buzz” Buzzelli, ‘Burgh Vivant.

Cine City

Cineastes rejoice! It’s episode 2 of the “Cinebrain,” a cinecentric game show hosted by Dave Forman. Three lucky audience members get to test their movie knowledge on Friday February 5. It’s part game show, part sketch show. Film buffs should head to Cattivo, 146 44^th Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15201. For more information, click here.

Wilkommen, Cabaret!

Say hello to “Cabaret” visiting us direct from Broadway for its 50^th Anniversary Season. What do you buy a show that has everything? Tickets! See Sally, the Emcee and all the rest for some of the best tunes in musicals. It’s at the Benedum Center, 7^th Street between Liberty and Penn, Pittsburgh, PA 15222. For more information, click here.

Boy meets Girl

When’s the last time you went on a date? Take one to “First Date,” a Broadway musical. Five New Yorkers share their dating disasters in story and song. We’ve all been there, now go there to the Cabaret at Theater Square, 655 Penn Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15222. For more information, click here.

It’s a Whole New World

On Friday February 5, you can celebrate your love for Peabo Bryson, the crooner of soft-rock ballads and multiple Disney hits will be crooning at the August Wilson Center, 980 Liberty Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15222. For more information, click here.

Vroom, Vroom, Broom!

British children’s book author and playwright Julia Donaldson once told a story of a kind witch and her cat who invite a number of other animals to join them whilst traveling on a broomstick in “Room on the Broom.” Now that beloved story will be performed in front of a live audience of adults and children. The show opens on Sunday February 7, at the Byham Theater, 101 Sixth Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15222. For more information, click here.

– MB

January 31, 2016January 31, 2016

Rocket Men: A review of SOME BRIGHTER DISTANCE

by Mike “Buzz” Buzzelli, ‘Burgh Vivant.

The sky’s the limit at the world premiere of Keith Reddin’s “Some Brighter Distance.” It’s a complex and engaging story of Arthur Rudolph (Jonathan Tindle), a complicated hero. On one hand, he helped America win the Space Race, but, on that other hand he acted with impunity. Or so he thought. His ugly past comes roaring forth when he meets with Robert Davis (LeRoy McClain) late in his life. Rudolph was a member of the Nazi party as most Germans were, but was he culpable of any atrocities? The devil is in the details. “How deeply was Rudolph involved?” becomes the play’s central question. There are no easy answers, but it makes for a fascinating story.

The play moves from different points in the scientist’s life from 1934 to 1984, flashing forward and backward seamlessly. We’re with him when he meets famed rocket scientist Werner von Braun (David Whalen). We’re with him when he meets his love interest, Marta (Elizabeth Rich). We’re also with him on May 7, 1945 when Germany surrenders to Allied Forces and War World II ends. Rudolph sits with Major Turner (Matthew Stocke) and signs a very important document; one that insists he was never a devout member of the Nazi party. That signature is wherein our story lies (hello, double entendre!).

Tindle is a treasure as the analytical and pragmatic man. Time shifts and events swirl around him. He transforms from younger to older and back again in a breath. It’s a stunning performance.

He’s backed up by a terrific cast. Whalen plays Braun with the bravado and boisterousness without becoming a caricature. He’s delightful as the bold, telegenic rocket man. Stocke isn’t a slouch either. His portrayal of Major Turner is nuanced, layered. McClain’s Davis dangles the Sword of Damocles with a smile. He’s a noble man who must punish wrong doing, even after we’ve come to know and like Rudolph. It’s a difficult role, but McClain handles it with aplomb.

Elizabeth Rich’s Marta Rudolph is the icing on an already delicious slice of cake. She is charismatic and charming as the wife of the scientist. Marta is much more conflicted about her history. Playwright Reddin gives her a lot to handle, and Rich handles it deftly.

Gianni Downs scenic design was sparse but spectacular. A lion’s share of the credit should also go to lighting designer Andrew David Ostrowski and projection designer Jordan Harrison, who bring another layer to the tale with film, photographs and art.

The play is a masterful collaboration between the playwright and director Tracy Brigden. Their symbiotic relationship shines brightly throughout the production.

Reddin reminds us that even in the 40s, 50s and 60s when the world seemed black and white, there were just as many shades of gray as there are today and no easy answers.

Kudos to the City Theatre for being rewarded with the premiere of this brilliant new work. Surely, it will go the distance.

(“Some Brighter Distance” is at the City Theatre, 1300 Bingham Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15203. For more information, click here.)

– MB

January 30, 2016August 12, 2019

Hitting the Motherlode – A review of “Mother Lode”

by Mike “Buzz” Buzzelli, ‘Burgh Vivant

Linda Haston explores the nebulous relationship between a mother and daughter in the biographical, one woman show, “Mother Lode” written by Virginia Wall Gruenert.

Haston plays both Linda (herself) and her mother, Ruth. The ornery older woman is in a losing battle with dementia, while Linda struggles with the financial burden of caring for an aging parent on her own. Ruth also recants her life, and it’s equally riveting and revolting.

Side note: The shocking tale of the death of Ruth’s mother is horrifying.

The show is not just a showcase of Haston’s talent, but a deeply emotional story of two women discovering each other and themselves along the way. Haston sings, dances and wails with intensity. It’s a powerful night of theater. It’s also surprisingly funny. There’s a quote from the play “Steel Magnolias” that aptly describes the evening, “Laughter through tears is my favorite emotion.”

‘Burgh Vivant’s October 2015 interview with actress Linda Haston.

Haston transforms from mother to daughter seamlessly. Of course, there’s one cliché in solo performances and it rears up on the top of the head here. Switching characters with a chapeau is definitely old hat. It’s the easiest way to silently telegraph to the audience the transformation is taking place, but Haston’s characters are so distinctive that directors Wall Gruenert and Spencer Whale could have left it on the hook. However, the co-directors wink at the cliché with a beautiful and moving moment at the end of the play with a hat box and a carefully placed bonnet.

Not long ago, playwright Virginia Wall Gruenert wrote “Without Ruth,” a play about Haston’s mother/daughter relationship based on a diary of the events. Gruenert added Norah (Adrienne Wehr), a health care worker who helps Linda navigate the system, and Abby (Diana Ifft), Norah’s childhood friend and sounding board. Though Wehr deftly handled the role of Norah, the secondary plotline was unnecessary. Gruenert streamlined the story, and “Mother Lode” is a distilled reimagining of “Without Ruth.” Simply, it’s “Without Ruth,” without the B storyline. It’s also a superior piece to the original work.

Kudos to set designer Adrienne Fischer for selecting a wide range of picture frames and photographs to cover the wall. The set is simple but adds another emotional layer, especially with assistance of lighting designer, Madeleine Steineck.

It’s a talented group of people who put together the show (almost all female, with the exception of co-director Whale and sound and music designer, Ryan McMasters), but the evening belongs to two women, Linda and Ruth, and the single actor who portrays them. Haston hits gold in “Mother Lode.”

(“Mother Lode” returns in June and August to the Carnegie Stage, 25 W. Main Street, Carnegie, PA 15106. For more information, click here.)

– MB

January 25, 2016August 12, 2019

The “Buzz” from Buzzelli: Pittsburgh’s Top To Do’s THIS WEEKEND (28- 31)

By Mike “Buzz” Buzzelli, ‘Burgh Vivant

Take a Lode off

Catch Virginia Wall Gruenert’s one woman play, “Mother Lode” which examines the contentious but loving relationships between mothers and daughters. “Mother Lode” deals with the end-of-life decisions that must be made by dutiful daughters, as well as the discord, conciliation, warfare and ultimate acceptance between strong, independent women bound by love and family. It stars Linda Haston and it’s at the Carnegie Stage, 25 W. Main Street, Carnegie, PA 15106. For more information, click here.

Art & Crime

A daughter of a mob boss escapes a life of crime for a life of art in David Harrower’s “Ciara.” She runs a gallery and champions local artists, especially one whose female figures seem like goddesses. It stars the grand dame of local theater, Mary Rawson. Quantum Theatre returns to Javo Studios, 5137 Holmes Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15201. For more information, click here.

Luck be a Lady Tonight

On January 28, “Guys and Dolls” opens. Gamblers and sinners repent. Your time is nigh. Sky Masterson falls for a doll who is out to save his soul in this musical comedy. Don’t rock the boat, go off to see “Guys and Dolls” at the O’Reilly Theater, 621 Penn Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15222. For more information, click here.

Hail Cesar!

The Dog Whisperer Cesar Millan comes to town. He will reveal the secrets of happier, healthier relationships between humans and their beloved canines in “Cesar Millan LIVE.” He will be joined by his famous four-legged friend, Junior. Cesar will perform his amazing training demonstrations with multiple dogs live on stage! Sit up and beg for tickets at the Benedum Center, Seventh Street, between Liberty and Penn Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15222. For more information, click here.

Piano Man

Russian Pianist Denis Kozhukhin comes to town to perform one of the most technically demanding works of the piano repertoire, Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto Number 3. He’ll also play some Beethoven and regale the audience with the theme from the Lone Ranger, AKA the Overture to William Tell. You’ll find this piano man at Heinz Hall, 600 Penn Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15222 on January 29. For more information, click here.

January 21, 2016

Chamber Music Pittsburgh presents Orion String Quartet

The Orion String Quartet, whose co-first chair violinists are brothers and Pittsburgh natives Daniel and Todd Phillips, continues Chamber Music Pittsburgh’s 55th concert season with a concert on Monday, February 22, 2016, at 7:30 PM at the Carnegie Music Hall in Oakland. Performing with cellist Marcy Rosen and violist Catherine Cho, the program includes Beethoven’s Quartet in E-flat major, Op. 74, “Harp”, Kirchner’s String Quartet No. 1, and Brahms’ Sextet No. 1 in B-flat major, Op. 18.

There will be a lobby recital in the Grand Foyer of Carnegie Music Hall from 7:00-7:20 PM.

Tickets are $39-$46, and student rush tickets are available for $15 with valid full-time student ID one hour prior to the concert. Braille and large print programs will be provided. Chamber Music Pittsburgh provides concierge service to assist patrons wishing to be dropped off at the Carnegie Museum 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.

The Orion String Quartet

“The [Orion Quartet] players’ technique is masterful singly and as an ensemble. Their tone is warm, variable, and beautiful.” – Strings Magazine

The Orion String Quartet is one of the most sought-after ensembles in the United States. Since its inception, the Quartet has been consistently praised for the fresh perspective and individuality it brings to performances, offering diverse programs that juxtapose classic works of the standard quartet literature with masterworks by twentieth and twenty-first century composers. The Quartet remains on the cutting edge of programming with wide-ranging commissions from composers Chick Corea, Brett Dean, David Del Tredici, Alexander Goehr, Thierry Lancino, John Harbison, Leon Kirchner, Marc Neikrug, Lowell Liebermann, Peter Lieberson and Wynton Marsalis, and has enjoyed a celebrated creative partnership with the Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane Dance Company. The members of the Orion String Quartet—violinists Daniel Phillips and Todd Phillips (brothers who share the first violin chair equally), violist Steven Tenenbom and cellist Timothy Eddy—have worked closely with such legendary figures as Pablo Casals, András Schiff, Rudolf Serkin, Isaac Stern, Pinchas Zukerman, Peter Serkin, members of TASHI and the Beaux Arts Trio, as well as the Budapest, Végh, Galimir and Guarneri String Quartets. The Orion serves as Artist Members of Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center and Quartet-in-Residence at New York’s Mannes College of Music.

Marcy Rosen

Marcy Rosen has performed in recital and with orchestras throughout Canada, England, France, Japan, Italy, Switzerland, and all fifty of the United States. She made her concerto debut with the PhiladelphiavOrchestra at the age of eighteen and has since appeared with such noted orchestras as the Dallas Symphony, the Phoenix Symphony, the Caramoor Festival Orchestra, the Orpheus Chamber Orchestra in Carnegie Hall, the Jupiter Symphony and Concordia Chamber Orchestra at Alice Tully Hall, and the Tokyo Symphony at the famed Orchard Hall in Tokyo. In recital she has appeared in New York at such acclaimed venues as Carnegie Hall, the 92nd Street “Y” and Merkin Concert Hall; in Washington D.C. at the Kennedy Center, Dumbarton Oaks, the Phillips Collection and the Corcoran Gallery, where she for many years she hosted a series entitled “Marcy Rosen and Friends.” Her performances can be heard on recordings from the BIS, Bridge, Deutsche Grammophon, Sony Classical, CBS Masterworks, Musical Heritage Society, Phillips, Nonesuch, Pro Arte, and Koch labels among others.

Catherine Cho

As a recitalist and chamber musician, Catherine Cho has performed on the prestigious stages of Alice Tully Hall with the Chamber Music Society at New York’s Lincoln Center, the Mozarteum in Salzburg, the Casals Hall in Tokyo, the Seoul Arts Center, the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, DC, the New York Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum of Boston, and on Ravinia’s “Rising Stars” series in Chicago. She has performed the complete cycle of Violin Sonatas by Beethoven at HOAM Art Hall in Seoul, Korea with pianist Mia Chung, and a recital of five Beethoven Sonatas at the Rockport Chamber Music Festival. Ms. Cho has appeared at the Aspen, Marlboro, Bridgehampton, Eastern Shore, Santa Fe, and Skaneateles Festivals as well as at Bargemusic and Chamber Music Northwest in Portland, OR. She has collaborated with such renowned artists as Richard Stoltzman, Andras Schiff, Anton Kuerti, Mitsuko Uchida; the members from the Guarneri, Orion and Juilliard String Quartets, and the Beaux-Arts Trio.

Chamber Music Pittsburgh

Chamber Music Pittsburgh 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, Chamber Music Pittsburgh 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.

Chamber Music Pittsburgh is supported by grants from the Allegheny Regional Asset District, the A.W. Mellon Educational and Charitable Trust of The Pittsburgh Foundation, the Laurel Foundation, PNC Charitable Trust, Juliet Lea Hillman Simonds Foundation, The Opportunity Fund, and the Heinz Endowments. The Opportunity Fund provides support to continue philanthropist Gerri Kay’s legacy of advocacy for civil rights, social justice, and the arts. 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.

Chamber Music Pittsburgh receives state arts funding support through a grant from the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts, a state agency funded by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

January 18, 2016January 21, 2016

The “Buzz” from Buzzelli: Pittsburgh’s Top To Do’s THIS WEEKEND (1/22 – 1/24)

by Mike “Buzz” Buzzelli, ‘Burgh Vivant.

Hanging on the Line

Friday 22, you are invited to an Album Release. Meet the talented people in The Telephone line at the Telephone Line Album release. They will be joined by special guests, Working Breed and Josh Verbanets (of Meeting of Important People). Also, meet 20-somethings who don’t understand the word “album.” It’s at Club Café, 56-58 S. 12^th Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15203. For more information and tickets click here.

Planning the Unplanned

It’s Mondo time! Come out and see U.S. Senate hopeful and Mayor John Fetterman tell true stories. A troupe of talented improvisers will be inspired to create art from those stories on Saturday, January 23. Go early for “Make Nice Boom,” a competition between three improv teams, Well Known Strangers, Ted City Yodelers, and Beer Bods. It’s at Cattivo, 146 44^th Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15201. For more information, go here.

Blocking

On January 22 and 23, Things are about to get acrobatic in “Tetris Plus.” See the gravity-defying combination of acrobatics, extreme physicality and movement in “My True North,” and “Tetris.” See how this all-ages show fits together (see what I did there?). It’s at the August Wilson Center for African American Culture, 980 Liberty Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15222. For more information, click here.

A Little Opera

Take a popular book by Louisa May Alcott and add the Pittsburgh Opera and you have “Little Women,” sung in English with projected text. Jo and the gang are at Capa Theater, 9^th & Fort Duquesne Blvd. Pittsburgh, PA 15222. For more information, click here.

First Crawl

The first Gallery Crawl in the Cultural District is Friday, January 22. Bop around Liberty and Penn Avenue and see, art, improv, music and more. It’s all around downtown Pittsburgh. For more information, click here.

– MB

January 13, 2016August 12, 2019

The “Buzz” from Buzzelli: Pittsburgh’s Top To Do’s THIS WEEKEND (1/14 – 1/17)

By Mike “Buzz” Buzzelli, ‘Burgh Vivant

It’s not Rocket Science

Actually, it is. Blast off with 21+ Rocket Science! The Carnegie Science Center is teaming up with City Theatre to explore the space race and the science of rockets. City Theatre will preview scenes from the world premiere of “Some Brighter Distance,” which explores the true story of Arthur Rudolph, a German rocket scientist who helped America win the space race before being cast out of the country. On Friday, January 15, actors will perform under the stars in the Buhl Planetarium; a planetarium show will follow the performance. It’s followed by a Q & A with the cast at the Carnegie Science Center, 1 Allegheny Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15212. For more information, click here.

Verses

On Saturday January 16, you’re invited to the opening of a gallery show and book launch celebrating poetry published in the Post-Gazette and the artworks they have inspired. It’s a Who’s Who of local talent that showcases Pittsburgh’s rich poetry and artistic tradition. Its at Panza Gallery, 115 Sedgwick Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15209. For more information, click here.

Think Spring!

The Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra and young American violinist Tim Fain will perform Glass’ second violin concerto “The American Four Seasons,” which is considered a modern counterpart to Vivaldi’s popular Four Seasons. That’s like Eight Seasons! German conductor Christoph König returns to the podium, and, along with Glass’ concerto, will conduct the orchestra in a performance of Beethoven’s Symphony No. 6. It’s at Heinz Hall, 600 Penn Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15222. For more information, click here.

Four!

One to see people playing…performing with themselves? Go to “All Four One,” a night of solo improvisational comedy featuring Ayne Terceira in Grammelot, Renee Rabenold in Group Hug, Karen Forney in Still Life and Nilesh Shah. All of them doing a solo improvisational comedy. It will be weird but wonderful. It’s at the Arcade Comedy Theater, 811 Liberty Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15222. For more information, click here.

Transposed

Stage 62 turns Broadway on its top hat and tails in this gender-bent revue “Broadway Transposed.” Join the Stage 62 crew for an evening of musical theater as you’ve never heard it before, with men taking on traditionally women’s repertoire and the women tackling the men’s roles. Proceeds benefit Stage 62. It’s at Club Café, 56-58 South 12^th Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15203. For more information, Click here.

– MB

January 6, 2016January 6, 2016

AUDITION NOTICE: Front Porch Theatricals 2016 Season

FRONT PORCH THEATRICALS announces Equity and Non-Equity Season Auditions for THE SPITFIRE GRILL and FLOYD COLLINS

Who: Trained Singers/Actors – Seeking versatile Equity and Non-Equity males and females with strong singing abilities in folk-rock & contemporary musical theater styles, in addition to strong acting capabilities.

Performers of all ethnicities and racial backgrounds are encouraged to attend.

For: Front Porch Theatricals’ 2016 Season: THE SPITFIRE GRILL (May 27 – June 5) and FLOYD COLLINS (August 26 – September 4). Rehearsals commence May 2 for Spitfire and August 1 for Floyd.

Where & When: Pittsburgh Musical Theater Studios 327 South Main Street, Pittsburgh (West End), PA 15220

Friday, February 19 – 5:00PM to 10:00PM (open call)
Saturday, February 20 – 5:00PM to 10:00PM (open call)
Sunday, February 21 – 10AM to 4PM (open call) – DANCE CALL 4 – 6PM
Monday, February 22 – 5:00PM to 10:00PM – CALLBACKS FOR SPITFIRE
Tuesday, February 23 – 5:00PM to 10:00PM CALLBACKS FOR FLOYD
Wednesday, February 24 – 5:00 to 10:00PM – Reserved for additional callbacks

ALL APPLICANTS MUST REGISTER ONLINE!

Please complete the online registration form at: http://frontporchpgh.com/audition-form.

For Floyd Collins, please indicate any musical instrument(s) you play (guitar, banjo, mandolin, violin/fiddle, harmonica, percussion, etc.) and your proficiency.

EQUITY APPOINTMENTS AVAILABLE

Equity and E.M.C. will receive a scheduled 5 minute audition slot. If Equity, please bring your Equity card. All others (non-Equity) will be given an audition time upon arrival.

If you are unable to access the link, please email frontporchtheatricals@gmail.com or call Bruce Smith at 412-551-4027 to register.

ALL: Please send us your Head Shot and Resume by email when you register

and also bring your head shot and resume to the auditions.

Video submissions will not be accepted.

Requirements:

SPITFIRE GRILL:

Character Ages range from 20’s – 70’s

16 bars of a folk-rock or contemporary musical theater ballad or up-tempo piece
Be prepared to recite a 1-2 minute CONTEMPORARY monologue upon request
Head shot and resume

FLOYD COLLINS:

Character Ages range from 20’s – 50’s
16 bars of a folk-rock or contemporary musical theater ballad or up-tempo piece
Be prepared to recite a 1-2 minute CONTEMPORARY monologue upon request
Head shot and resume

An accompanist will be provided. You may audition for both shows with the same piece.

Rachel M. Stevens is directing the season. Deana Muro is music director for Spitfire, and Doug Levine is music director for Floyd Collins. Alivia Owen is choreographing the season.

For further information, please see the Character Breakdown and Show Descriptions on our website.

If you have any questions, please call Bruce Smith at 412-551-4027 or visit our website at www.frontporchpgh.com.

January 3, 2016August 12, 2019

The “Buzz” from Buzzelli: Pittsburgh’s Top To Do’s THIS WEEKEND (1/7 – 1/10)

by Mike “Buzz” Buzzelli, ‘Burgh Vivant.

Comedy with a Plan

Shannon Norman and Amanda Averell are offering an evening of stand-up comedy, improv comedy, and a musical guest all for Planned Parenthood of Western PA for Unplanned Comedy: A Gift of Laughs on January 9, 2016. Guests include Suzanne Lawrence, Molly Sharrow, Holly Price, Sean Collier, and Andy Picarro with improv comedy to Woody Drennan, Tessa Karel, Sarah Turocy, Annie Harder, Mindy Cooper, Jillian McCarthy, Alistair Spatz and special guests Baby Grand (Missy Moreno & Connor McCanlus). Tickets are $15 on-line, $20 at the door. All at Cattivo, 146 44th St, Pittsburgh, PA 15201. For more information, click here.

Yellow Brick Road

It’s time again to go off to see the Wizard in “The Wizard of Oz.” It’s an enchanting adaptation of the all-time classic, reconceived for the stage. Go see Dorothy Gale, the Scarecrow, the Lion and the Tin Man and Toto, too. The Yellow Brick Road is at Heinz Hall, 600 Penn Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15222. For more information, click here.

Sister, Sister!

Cup-A-Jo Productions and the Pittsburgh Fringe are performing a modern retelling of Chekhov’s classic tale, “The Sisters.” Now set in on New York’s East Upper Side, the surrogate home and sanctuary for four siblings as they struggle to banish the ghost of their dead father. You can find “The Sisters” at the Andrew Carnegie Free Library and Music Hall, 300 Beechwood Avenue, Carnegie, PA 15106. For more information, click here.

Big Bird’s back!

How do you get to Sesame Street? You go to the Benedum Center and meet Big Bird, Oscar the Grouch, Grover and the rest. They’re singing and dancing in the Pittsburgh. You can find all your furry friends at the Benedum Center, 719 Liberty Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15222. Bring the kids. For more information, click here.

Give me some skin

On Saturday, January 9, Sharon G. Flake’s novel, “The Skin I’m in” comes to life at the Homewood Library. It’s at the Carnegie Library, Homewood, 7101 Hamilton Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15208.For more information, click here.

– MB