CARNEGIE SCIENCE CENTER TO PARTICIPATE IN “FOLDING FOR GOOD”

Visitors Invited to Have Fun With Origami While Commemorating Sandy Hook Victims
 
PITTSBURGH, Oct. 1, 2013 — Starting Oct. 3, Carnegie Science Center will invite visitors to participate in Folding for Good, Operation Sandy Hook: Peace, a global initiative to honor those who were affected by the shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School. Led by 17-year-old Calista Frederick-Jaskiewicz, the overall mission of Operation Sandy Hook: Peace is to dedicate 10,000 peace cranes to the victims of this tragedy. Peace cranes were selected because they are a traditional origami folding technique widely seen as a symbol of hope, healing, and peace.

Carnegie Science Center will showcase some 5,000 of the cranes Calista has already collected and will host a series of workshops for visitors to learn how to make peace cranes so they, too, can contribute to Folding for Good. The workshops will be free with general admission and are scheduled for 10 – 11:30 am on Thursday, Oct. 3, and from noon until 2 pm on three Saturdays: Oct. 5, 12, and 19. Advance registration is not
required. The display will run through Nov. 3, 2013.

Currently, Calista is a student at the Pennsylvania Cyber Charter School and has already accumulated more than 60 college credits from various institutions; she is currently enrolled in the Accelerated College in High School Program at the University of Pittsburgh.  Calista is founder and CEO of Origami Salami & Folding for Good, which currently comprises 14 chapters in the United States, Australia, the Philippines, and Hungary. Origami Salami is a student movement mobilizing people as advocates for STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and math) studies through the fun of origami; Folding for Good is an initiative to engineer creative ways to do good with it.

Calista started Folding for Good in 2009 to combine her interests in science and origami (a hobby she picked up after receiving a beginner’s kit when she was 6 years old) with community service projects. The organization’s most recent endeavor, Operation Sandy Hook: Peace, has already surpassed its goal by amassing 10,000+ cranes. Participants in the program range from schoolchildren and their teachers, to professional origamists, origami clubs, and various community service groups.

Through her foundation, Calista and her student leaders have volunteered at numerous schools and civic organizations, including folding origami centerpieces that were auctioned for $1,300 as part of a fundraiser for the Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Foundation. And now, with Carnegie Science Center, visitors of all ages can join Calista’s movement by making their own peace cranes for the victims, as well as by viewing some of the work she has already collected from around the world.

In approaching the Science Center, Calista noted science connected with folding. She points to folding patterns in both naturally occurring
scientific objects (like proteins and DNA) and man-made ones (such as the Mars Rover and computers) as evidence of the importance of folding to science fields.  

Origami Salami was developed through Calista’s participation in the Young Scholar Ambassador Program of the Davidson Institute for Talent Development. A mere six months after its conception, Calista signed a contract with Lincoln Interactive, a national cyber curriculum provider. Through this contract, Calista was responsible for developing a digital curricular program – “Investigation: Paper Engineering” – for middle school students to explain to them the connection between science and folding.

As a result of Calista’s promotion of STEM fields, she was honored this past year with the 2013 Award for Aspirations in Computing. This prestigious award is given by the National Center for Women and Information Technology (NCWIT) to just 35 young women in the United States.
She was also one of six students selected by the PA Cyber Charter School for their 2010-13 media campaign, and is the sole student blogger listed among the National Network of Digital Schools’ teachers and the Los Alamos’ National Laboratories’ scientists.

Calista has also been honored for her charitable contributions: She was named a Nestle Very Best in Youth 2013 National Finalist, a Prudential Spirit of America 2013 Distinguished Finalist, as well as having earned the gold President’s Volunteer Service Award in 2013. She plans to graduate from high school in the spring of 2014 and continue her education in college as an electrical and computer engineering major.

For more information about Carnegie Science Center programs, please visit CarnegieScienceCenter.org.

The “Buzz” from Buzzelli – Top 5 To-Do’s This Weekend (10/3-10/6)

The Shaker

Jam Packed!

Want to see a show no one has ever seen before and will likely never see again? Come down to the Cabaret Theater in Theater Square and watch the Improv Comedy Jam. Improv performers from all over Pittsburgh gather for a raucous evening of fun. You never know what’s going to happen next. The show, like all improv shows, is made up on the spot, from suggestions by the audience. You can even join the fun.

If you have a ticket from any other show in town that night, your admission is free.

For additional details check out http://trustarts.culturaldistrict.org/event/3200/pittsburgh-improv-jam

 

Soldiering On

If laughing isn’t your thing, try something more serious. Tammy Ryan’s new play, “Soldier’s Heart” is about the struggles women face in the military. Casey Johnson returns to Western Pennsylvania from the war in Iraq forever changed by her experience.

You can catch “Soldier’s Heart” at the Pittsburgh Playhouse in Oakland through October 13, 222 Craft Avenue.

You don’t need a horizontal situation display, just go here for more: www.pittsburghplayhouse.com

 

Naked Puppetry

The giant duck was just the beginning. You have a few great opportunities to see world premieres of new art, theater and dance at the International Festival of Firsts. In a film from Belgium comes “Kiss and Cry.”  The characters are portrayed by bare hands as they march around miniature sets.

“Kiss and Cry” opens October 2 at the New Hazlett Theater in Allegheny Square in the North Side. The show blends film, dance, text and theater into one unforgettable experience.

No need to let your fingers do the walking, find out more about the event here. http://trustarts.culturaldistrict.org/production/38837/kiss-and-cry

 

To Bee or Not to Bee

Hilarious. Adjective. Marked by or causing hilarity; extremely funny. Let’s use it in a sentence. “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” is completely hilarious.

Learn new words and how to spell them while watching a musical comedy. Six kids compete in the bee to end all bees in this musical comedy. Come out to Elizabeth, PA and sit a spell.

It’s at the Grand Theatre 207 Second Avenue, Elizabeth, PA through October 6. Call 412-384-0504 or hit them up at www.monriverarts.ticketleap.com/spelling-bee

 

It’s all Greek to me

Yasou! It’s time for the Holy Cross Greek Food Festival in Mt. Lebanon. Actually, they have a festival in the summer, but they also have a mini-festival in the fall. It’s here.

Come out and get some Greek pastries, cakes, pies, jams and bread. Plus, they have all those wonderful Greek foods that you can’t pronounce. Just point and hand them money. Your tummy will thank you.

No need to consult the oracle of Delphi, just go here; www.holycrosspgh.org

P.S. While you’re in Mt. Lebanon, check out Art in the Park(ing lot). The Sunrise Rotary club is bringing a lot of talented artists into a parking lot. Come check out the fabulous creations while you’re getting your Greek on.

www.facebook.com/ArtInTheParkMtLebanonPa

 

-MB

The “Buzz” from Buzzelli – Top 5 To-Do’s This Weekend (9/26-9/29)

The Shaker

It’s the last weekend in September and boy, it’s a big one! There’s a duck, a Big Bird, a Bard and one Bad Bunny!

Duck, Duck, Gallery!

This is it, folks! The big event of the season! A giant duck lands in the waters of Pittsburgh. You heard it here first, folks, during Phil Salvato’s ‘Burgh Vivant interview. Watch the world’s biggest bathtub toy from a party on the bridge! And then prepare yourself for the Festival of Firsts!

Witness the historic launch of a big, yellow ducky from the Sixth Street Bridge. Festivities include food, art and more. DJ Scottro will be spinning tunes from the bridge. It’s a Gallery Crawl Night in Pittsburgh so there will be lots and lots of stuff to see and do.

The duck is just the first step in a series of things going on in Pittsburgh during the Festival of Firsts. Keep watching this space for more information and take a gander at all of the fun over at  www.trustarts.com

Shakespeare in Space!

Come out to the ToonSeum Thursday September 26 for the live reading of “William Shakespeare’s Star Wars,” retelling the cult-classic film in iambic pentameter. Don’t miss this mash up between the Bard of Avon and the Bearded Man of Modesto.

Let’s just lay the end of the opening stanza on you: “In time so long ago begins our play, In star-cross’d galaxy far, far away…”

Thou shan’t miss the tale epic! Even the groundlings can’t pass up this price; ‘tis free! ‘tis free!

Let the Force guide you over to the ToonSeum website for more information: www.toonseum.org

Shakespeare the Sequel

If you miss the ToonSeum event (don’t), you can still get your Shakespeare on at the Bricolage. They’re celebrating Midnight Radio: Shakesburgh! Season five of Midnight Radio doth begin anew! Though it’s not at midnight and it’s not radio; it’s a bunch of whacky fun with Tami Dixon, Jeffrey Carpenter and friends. Fun, laughs, interactive games and prizes!

If you’ve never been to a Midnight Radio show, get thee hence!

Consult thy binary oracle, to learn more; www.bricolagepgh.org

Hey Kids, Comics!

The Pittsburgh Comicon is here September 27, 28 and 29. Get your Geek on!

Hundreds of comic book creators like George Perez (the Avengers), James O’Barr (the Crow) and many more will be there. Catch local legends in Scott McDaniel (Daredevil, Batman) and Pat Olliffe (Thor, Spider-Girl). Also, you can meet Big Bird! Yes! Caroll Spinney the voice of Big Bird and Oscar the Grouch will be in town for the festivities.

Put on your best cape and fly over to their site to learn more: www.pittsburghcomicon.com

Fright Night

This is Halloween! This is Halloween! At least, every day will be Halloween at the Scare House. One of season’s scariest attractions starts up again this weekend opening on September 27.

There are plenty of frights per night. The Forsaken! Pittsburgh Zombies! Creepo’s Christmas in 3D! All this and a deranged man in a dirty bunny costume.

Also, check out the basement. You have been warned!

It takes a brave soul, but you’re a Shakespeare-loving Super-Hero from a galaxy far, far away riding on a giant duck! I have faith in you!

Dare to enter the ScareHouse; for chills and thrills hit them up on their website at www.scarehouse.com

– MB

The “Buzz” from Buzzelli – This Weekend’s 5 To-Do’s (9/19-9/21)

The Shaker

Adding to your weekend

Start your weekend early and come out Thursday, September 19 for a special live broadcast of Add It Up podcast. Listen, laugh and learn with host Addi Twigg and her special guests, Valiant & Valiant and live music from The Wreckids. There will be audience participation, too; all for a measly sawbuck (five dollars, kids!).

One Night Only Thursday, September 19, at the Arcade Comedy Theater, 811 Liberty Avenue, Pittsburgh PA at 8:00 p.m. For more information, check out www.arcadecomedytheater.com

Face Off

Thursday, September 19 you can attend an art gallery reception for Faceburgh: Portraits of a City.  Take a gander at Matte Braidic’s intriguing portraits of fellow Pittsburghers going about their daily lives.

You’re welcome to attend at the South Side Welcome Center, 1100 E. Carson Street, South Side.

You can call 412-431-3360 or Facebook Faceburgh (just because it’s fun to say out loud) at https://www.facebook.com/faceburgh?fref=ts

Skullduggery

You want a guaranteed skull-cracking good time? Head (and I do mean head) to “A Skull in Connemara.” You don’t even have to go all the way to Ireland, just up Forbes Avenue for the Pittsburgh Irish & Classical Theatre’s take on Martin McDonagh’s modern classic. It’s a story of a hard-working grave digger who may or may not have killed his wife.

Wednesday through Sunday to September 28, at the Charity Randall Theater, 4301 Forbes Avenue, Oakland. Call 412-561-6000 or 412-624-PLAY. You can also click over to www.picttheatre.org

Too, Too Twain

Think you’ve seen everything by Mark Twain? You are wrong; unless you’ve already seen “Is He Dead?” a recently discovered comedic work by Samuel Clemmons AKA Mark Twain.

Everyone knows that artists work sell better when they’re dead. So, a young Parisian painter fakes his own death and passes himself off as his own twin sister. Its art and cross-dressing! Take that RuPaul!

Art DeConciliis directs this merry comedy at the Little Lake Theater in Canonsburg, Thursday through Sunday until September 21. Hop down 19 or hit the Parkway to 500 Lakeside Drive, Canonsburg. For additional information call 724-745-6300 or hit them up at www.littlelake.org

Could Have Been A Contender

When Marlon Brando said, “Charlie, I could have been somebody. I could have been a contender,” he probably never thought people would imitate him forever. See the original movie, “On the Waterfront,” ironically not at the Waterfront but at the Melwood Screening Room in Oakland.

Learn more at http://theaters.pittsburgharts.org/theaters-about

 

-MB

Jazz on Third – 3rd Street Gallery, Carnegie, Sept 15th

‘Burgh Vivant breezed by 3rd Street Gallery this afternoon, home of this week’s guest, artist Phil Savato, for Jazz on Third, featuring The St. John Affair (with Samantha St. John), Don Aliquo Quartet, Michele Bensen and Friends, Suzi’s Deli, Oasis Pasta, and A. Ward’s Cheesecakes.  Also on hand and looking fabulous were previous ‘Burgh Vivant feature, designer Marlene Smith-Pendleton, and contributors Mike Buzzelli and Lonnie Jantsch!  A great day out.

Mike Buzzelli
Mike Buzzelli
Marlene Smith-Pendleton
Marlene Smith-Pendleton
Lonnie Jantsch
Lonnie Jantsch
This week's 'Burgh Vivant guest Phil Savato on bass.
This week’s ‘Burgh Vivant guest Phil Savato on bass.

 

The “Buzz” from Buzzelli – This Weekend’s 5 Fun To-Do’s (9/12-9/15)

The Shaker

Wigle it, just a little bit

Wigle Whiskey is having an Organic Whiskey Bitters Release Party. Go Green; just don’t drink so much that you actually turn green. Wigle releases its organic whiskey to the world Friday, September 13 in two shifts, 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Drink responsibly or bring a designated driver over to 2401 Small Street in the Strip District.

For additional details call 412-224-2827 or hit them up at www.wiglewhiskey.com

Ebony and Ivory

If you think whiskey is for the birds, head over to the National Aviary’s Black and White Party.

This fundraiser is for the birds (literally). The Aviary will have fortune-tellers, strolling magicians and more. There’s a cash bar for those of you who are opining for the Wigle Whiskey event but let your girlfriend pick.  If you get a little tipsy, you can dance it off.  DJ Midas will be spinning some solid gold hits.

The National Aviary’s Black & White Party is also Friday, September 13, from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. at the National Aviary, Allegheny Commons West, Pittsburgh (North Side).

For more details, fly over to www.aviary.org

Where for art thou, Romeo?

Thou art in Arsenal Park? Come catch the tale of the original star-cross’d lovers, “Romeo and Juliet” in Lawrenceville this weekend. It’s presented by Pittsburgh Shakespeare in the Parks this weekend in Arsenal Park, Arsenal Park, Pittsburgh on September 14 and 15.

Remember to brink a hanky, because there was never a story of more woe than this of Juliet and her Romeo.

Get thee to their website at www.pittsburghshakespeare.com for the details.

Putting the Burger in Pittsburgher

Head down to the River Casino on Saturday, September 14 and taste the best burgers in Pittsburg at the Pittsburgher 2012 Gourmet Burger Competition and Music Festival. Each ticket to the event includes a chance to win an Disney World Getaway, which includes airfare, accommodations, 2 five day Park Hopper passes to Disney World and more.

Find out who makes the best burgers and listen to live music. The event is from 1:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Try your luck at picking the best burger at 777 Casino Drive, Pittsburgh, PA (North Shore). For more information consult the midnight guru herself high atop a mountain, or easy to reach here: www.midnightguru.com/thepittsburgher

Jazz It Up

Things are getting jazzy in Carnegie. Swing down to Jazz on Third on Sunday, September 15. Be there for the history-making proclamation, whereas Carnegie will declare September 15 Carnegie Celebrates Jazz Day!

The Carnegie Arts Initiative welcomes the The St. John Affair, the Don Aliquo Quartet, Michele Bensen and Friends. There will be silent auctions, raffles and more! There will be some great food from Oasis Pasta, Suzi’s Deli, and A Ward’s Cheesecakes!

Go down to 220 Third Street, Carnegie, PA 15106. All the cool cats are doing it.

You can reserve tickets at www.dddmore.com or call Bonita Farinelli at 412-331-1047. Be there or be square!

Bonus Track (i.e. shameless self-promotional plug)

After the weekend is over, you can make your Monday a fun day! Come back out to Carnegie for Third on Third’s special event, a live reading of “Shakespeare in Love,”

The critically acclaimed screenplay by Marc Norman and Tom Stoppard will be read by the cast of South Park Theater’s “Romeo and Juliet,” which wrapped earlier this summer.

Get thee to the art gallery at 220 Third Street, Carnegie, PA 15106 at 7:00 p.m. Monday, September 16 all for the low, low price of $5.00.

 

– MB

On the Town: Pittsburgh New Works Festival 2013, Opening Night

‘Burgh Vivant sponsored the post-show mingle for last night’s opening of the 2013 Pittsburgh New Works Festival at Off The Wall Theatre in Carnegie.  Host Brian Edward, and contributors Mike Buzzelli and Lonnie Jantsch were on hand to party with the patrons and dish out exclusive ‘Burgh Vivant gift packages.  Notable visitors included actor Bingo O’Malley, Carnegie mayor Jack Kobistek, Carnegie Library & Music Hall Director Maggie Forbes, Kim ElLynne Franks, Randy DeShong, director Naomi Grodin, and recent ‘Burgh Vivant feature, Marlene Smith-Pendleton, among many others.  Award-winning Pittsburgh playwright and New Works board member F.J. Hartland cheerfully greeted guests, and ‘Burgh Vivant had the privilege of cocktailing afterward with several of the program’s performers including Jen Luta and Andy Coleman.  The Pittsburgh New Works Festival runs through the month of September at Off The Wall theatre in Carnegie.  Tickets and schedule available HERE.

actress Jun Luta with 'Burgh Vivant host Brian Edward.
actress Jen Luta with ‘Burgh Vivant host Brian Edward.
Eugene Banks, Brian Edward, Catherine Kolos, Lynne Franks, and Tom Kolos.
Eugene Banks, Brian Edward, Catherine Kolos, Lynne Franks, and Tom Kolos.
Bob Podurgiel, Brian Edward, and recent 'Burgh Vivant feature Marlene Smith-Pendleton
Bob Podurgiel, Brian Edward, and recent ‘Burgh Vivant feature Marlene Smith-Pendleton

 

 

 

The Buzz from Buzzelli: 5 Things to See This Weekend (9/5 – 9/8) –

The Shaker

The Shaker

Every week we shake things up with five fun things to do in Pittsburgh. This week’s list features a lot of local talent. Here are the top recommendations for having fun in the ‘Burgh (with an extra special bonus track).

Can You Feel The Love Tonight?

Get your pride together and head down to the Benedum for “The Lion King.”

The 1994 Disney animated movie made its leap to the stage in 1997 and is now one of the top five longest running shows on Broadway. Thanks to Julie Taymor’s incredible theatrical vision. Be warned: the songs will stick in your head. I had “Hakuna Matata” lodged in my Medulla Oblongata for years.

If you just can’t wait to be king, head down to the Benedum Center between September 3 and 29. The Benedum is located at 719 Liberty Avenue, Downtown Pittsburgh. Call 412-456-6666 or click www.pgharts.org

In the Jungle, the Mighty Jungle

If you missed your chance to have a tropical vacation this summer, you can still party in the tropics right in your own backyard. Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens is hosting “Party in the Tropics.” It’s a hot ticket, and not just because you can dance in a rain forest. Enjoy a cocktail or tour the vast and various rooms of the botanical wonderland.

It’s a lush life Friday night September 6, at Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, One Schenley Park, Pittsburgh. Call 412-622-6914 or visit www.phipps.conservatory.org

Girls Just Want to Have Fun

Debbie isn’t the only one preoccupied with 1985. Missy Moreno is still spending a lot a time there. She has seen all the classics and knows all the lines. Missy and her friends will perform sketch and improv comedy at the Arcade Comedy Theater, downtown.

Missy is one of the funniest people in Pittsburgh, she will be bringing back Springsteen, Madonna and the rest of our friends from that bygone era in “Missy Moreno & Friends: I Love the 80s.” That 80s show runs September 6 -7 at the Arcade Comedy Theater, 811 Liberty Avenue, Downtown Pittsburgh. For more info click here. www.arcadecomedytheater.com

My Fifteen Minutes of Fame, I want it, I want it

“Make it gay. Make it gay. Make it gay!” The Andy Warhol Museum is celebrating Pittsburgh’s LGBTQ community through pictures with Caldwell Linker’s “All Through the Night.” Caldwell Linker, a resident of Pittsburgh since 2007, reveals an intimate portrait of Pittsburgh’s vibrant gay, lesbian, bisexual and trans communities through photography. The exhibit features local drag queens, house parties, and simple afternoons on the porch.

On September 7, Caldwell Linker will be part of the TransQ event at the Warhol. Host Janet Granite will bring out a variety of guests for an evening of queer dance, stand-up, stories, fantasies, music and more for the Dadaist Variety Show. Put Sonny and Cher, Sesame Street, Andy Warhol’s TV, Ernie Kovacs, Pee Wee’s Playhouse and Wigstock in a blender and hit frappe.

Then, after watching that weirdness, head over to the after-party at HONCHO, 1139 Penn Ave. from 12 a.m. to 5 a.m.

It’s a snap to get over to the Andy Warhol Museum, 117 Sandusky Street, Pittsburgh, PA. For more information click: www.warhol.org and check out their calendar section.

Brand Spanking New

Catch the opening night of the Pittsburgh New Works Festival at Thursday September 5. A bunch of new plays written (mostly) by local writers make their world debut. Meet the playwrights and you have a chance to say, “I knew her (or him) when…” You will also have a chance to meet the creator and contributors to this very website.

Opening night promises to be a hoot and a half with food, drinks and prize packages.

The festival runs all month at the Off the Wall Theater, 24 W. Main Street in Carnegie.  For more information call 412-944-2639.

Bonus Track

If you Combine elements of “The Sandlot” and “A Christmas Story,” mix in Roberto Clemente and the Pirates, and you have “The Great One.” Three of the Pittsburgh area’s finest actresses, Karen Baum, Dana Hardy and Adrienne Wehr will participate in this one-woman show. Each actress will read one of three acts.

Local screenwriter Russ Babines has converted his feature length film script into a play, which incorporates themes of family, friendship, and redemption. The event (Sunday September 8 at 7:00 p.m.) is brought to you by the Carnegie Screenwriters and the Carnegie Arts initiative at the 3rd Street Gallery in Carnegie, 220 Third Street, Carnegie, PA.

For more details go to www.facebook.com/events/159208227609153/?fref=ts

– MB.

The “Buzz” from Buzzelli – 5 Things to See This Weekend (8/30/13)

The Shaker

‘Burgh Vivant contributor Mike Buzzelli’s hot picks for this weekend, August 30 – September 1st, 2013:

Hit the Heights

Lights go up on Washington Heights, and you don’t have to be there at the break of day, like Usnavi. You can get down to your favorite bodega and hang out with the colorful residents of a tight-knit urban community, in “In the Heights.”  Front Porch Theatricals and Carnivale Theatrics bring Tony Chiroldes back from Broadway, reprising his role as Kevin Rosario.

There may not be “Hundreds of Stories” in Washington Heights, but this is by far the best one. Tony award-winning is down at The New Hazlett Theater through September 1.

Tickets and more information are available by calling (888) 718-4253 or visiting carrnivale.com or showclix.com/event/IntheHeights.

The Other Side of Pittsburgh Dad

You might not know this but Pittsburgh Dad, Curt Wootton, is not just Yinzer with a ‘tude, he’s also a fine actor. You can see for yourself in Duquesne University’s production of “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof.” Justin Sines directs one of Tennessee Williams’ finest plays.

Find out why Maggie (Cassandra Hough) is as prickly as…well…a cat on a hot tin roof.

Catch the “Cat” August 29-31, at 8:00pm in the Peter Mills Auditorium at Duquesne University. Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for students and seniors. More information can be found at thesummercompany.com.

Collegiate Hop

All the kids are back in school and they’re showing off. You can hop over from Duquesne to Point Park and watch Arthur Miller’s “All My Sons,” directed by the playwright’s son, Robert A. Miller.

Joe Keller (Philip Winters) is having a more ups and downs than an elevator salesman. One son is about to propose to his girlfriend and the other is presumed missing in the war. Did I mention that the aforementioned patriarch is harboring his own dark secret?

“Sons” runs from now until September 22 with a “Pay what you will” performance at 2:00 p.m. Saturday September 7, and a special “Talk Back” Session after the 2:00 p.m. Saturday September 14 performance.

For more information call the Pittsburgh Playhouse box office at 412-392-8000 or online at http://www.pittsburghplayhouse.com/current-season/the-rep/all-my-sons-1

Saturday Night Special

If you’re looking for laughs, head downtown for “The John McIntire Dangerously Live Comedy Talk Show.” Saturday McIntire presents, “Carlos Danger: The Rise and Fall of Anthony Weiner,” where the comedian will not only roast Weiner, but he will be discussing political sex scandals both past and present with special guests Pittsburgh Post-Gazette cartoonist Rob Rogers, therapist Natalie Bencivenga, and mayoral candidate Bill Peduto’s press secretary Sonya Toler. All this for a mere sawbuck (five dollars) or FREE if you have a ticket stub from a same-night Cultural Trust event.

The late night talk show starts at 10:30 p.m. Saturday night at the Cabaret Theater, 655 Penn Ave., Downtown. For more chatter about the chat show call 412-325-6769 or visit www.trustarts.org

And now for something completely different…

Summer is almost over, but before the community pools are drained of their beautiful blue, albeit chlorinated water, you have a chance to throw your pet into the deep end at the Labor Day Doggie Dip at the Dormont Pool.

Take your dog for a swim at 4:00 p.m. September 2, treat them to an ice ball or soft pretzel and enjoy some fun in the sun with man’s best friend. Dormont Pool and the Western PA Humane Society cohost the fifth annual Doggie Dip.

For more information contact http://www.boro.dormont.pa.us/index.asp?Type=B_BASIC&SEC=%7B3AA27979-B5AF-4773-B414-2816CFD18C9B%7D

Bonus Track

Here’s a special sixth fun thing to do in the ‘Burgh this weekend. Join Stacey Keene, Davon Magwood, Tim Ross, Zach Simons, Tim Sommers, Todd Shaffer and some other guy (ME!) at the True Story Beach Party at the Arcade Comedy Theater on August 30th.

The storytellers will be making waves on stage, because the show’s theme is “Making Waves.” You can also hear DJ Zombo spin some surf rock music. The event is BYOB, so liquor up and come on down to the Arcade Comedy Theater, 811 Liberty Avenue, Downtown.

For more information surf over to http://arcadecomedytheater.com/

– MB

The Dietrich / Pittsburgh Connection

Marlene Dietrich in "Pittsburgh"
Marlene Dietrich in “Pittsburgh”

Silver screen legend Marlene Dietrich is discussed (and perhaps even scandalized) in this week’s episode of ‘Burgh Vivant.  Did you know that Dietrich starred opposite John Wayne in a 1942 film entitled “Pittsburgh?”  And it was partially shot on location here in our fair Steel City!  The film is worth a look – especially to see how the city has transformed (not to mention, cleaned up) since then.

– B.

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