Lonnie The Theatre Lady and Mike ‘Buzz” Buzzelli share a cocktail and discuss GROUNDED at the City Theatre, playing through May 4th, written by George Brant, directed by Jenn Thompson. Production photos by Kristi Jan Hoover. AND: Why does Buzz think awards are frivolous? What special souvenir does he always take home from the beach? Listen to “The Full Martini” – the complete interview in audio podcast to find out! Continue reading “Review – GROUNDED, City Theatre”
‘Burgh Vivant contributor Mike “Buzz” Buzzelli discusses the “palpable hit” from Pittsburgh Musical Theatre, Les Misérables. Actors and production values are praised as Buzz and host Brian Edward improvise their own renditions of Les Miz numbers and examine France’s oldest, and perhaps most popular, profession. Listen to “The Full Martini” – the complete interview in audio podcast for more insights and the best James Mason impersonation you’ve ever heard. Les Misérables plays through April 6th. Continue reading “Review: LES MISÉRABLES, Pittsburgh Musical Theater”
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Review: LES MISÉRABLES, Pittsburgh Musical Theater
HEADLINE: “Cirque du Soleil invades Primanti’s!” At the world-famous Primanti Bros. restaurant in the Strip District, manager Toni Haggerty has become nearly as well known as the signature french fry and cole slaw topped sandwiches she creates. But what happens when the cast of Cirque du Soleil’s VEREKAI takes over her kitchen? Watch as host Brian Edward and Lonnie The Theatre Lady enjoy a classic Primanti’s sandwich, rub bare elbows with Cirque performers, and try to determine whether they’re overdressed or underdressed for the occasion! And once you’ve heard the inside scoop from Toni’s 40 year+ history with the restaurant, be sure to visit Primanti Bros.’ original location (since 1933) in the Strip District, open 24 hours! Continue reading “TONI HAGGERTY – Manager, Primanti Bros., Strip District”
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TONI HAGGERTY - Manager, Primanti Bros., Strip District
‘Burgh Vivant contributors Lonnie The Theatre Lady and Mike “Buzz” Buzzelli spend cocktail hour discussing the “honest, moving, and courageous” STRAIGHTENING COMBS, written and performed by Kim El, with Nia Washington, directed by Linda Haston. STRAIGHTENING COMBS plays in repertory at Off The Wall Theatre in Carnegie, and returns April 4th, 5th, and 6th. www.insideoffthewall.com Continue reading “Review – STRAIGHTENING COMBS, Off The Wall Theater”
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Review - STRAIGHTENING COMBS, Off The Wall Theater
‘Burgh Vivant’s Mike “Buzz” can barely contain himself (or his martini) as he delivers “high praise” for BY THE WAY, MEET VERA STARK playing at The Rep, directed by Tomé Cousin. This “madcap” satire of Old Hollywood’s glamour days sends Buzz and host Brian Edward down memory lane, and urges them to ponder their own future in showbiz. AND: Buzzelli coughs up more than just a good review in this one! The Listen to “The Full Martini” – the complete interview in audio podcast for more. VERA STARK runs through April 6th at Point Park University’s Pittsburgh Playhouse. Production photos by Jeff Swensen. Continue reading “Review: BY THE WAY, MEET VERA STARK, The REP, Pittsburgh Playhouse”
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Review: BY THE WAY, MEET VERA STARK, The REP, Pittsburgh Playhouse
Known for her extensive career on the Pittsburgh stage and her roles on the iconic PBS show MISTER ROGERS’ NEIGHBORHOOD, Barbara Russell sits down for a cocktail on this week’s ‘Burgh Vivant. From playing a zombie for George Romero to playing an elephant for Fred Rogers, Barbara covers it all – including tales from the road on working with Don Brockett and sharing scenes with Lady Elaine Fairchilde. Listen to “The Full Martini” – the complete interview in audio podcast for more, and don’t miss a rare opportunity to see Barbara on stage with Bingo O’Malley April 6th at the Carnegie Music Hall in Carnegie for WHAT’LL WE DO ABOUT SUE? produced by the Pittsburgh New Works Festival: www.pittsburghnewworks.org Continue reading “BARBARA RUSSELL – Actor, Educator”
“A thought provoking play” by Nina Raine, directed by Stuart Carden – Mike Buzzelli and Lonnie The Theatre Lady review TRIBES at City Theatre. Which actor made the set “shine,” and just whose story is it anyway? Listen to “The Full Martini” – the complete interview in audio podcast to hear more on TRIBES playing through March 30th at City Theatre. Continue reading “Review: TRIBES – City Theatre”
Pittsburgh Opera soprano Sari Gruber shatters the misconceptions of “opera divas” with the swig of a martini and plenty of laughs. Host Brian Edward talks with LA BOHEME’s leading lady about life upon the stage, musicals vs. operas, and more. Listen to “The Full Martini” – the complete interview in audio podcast for further cocktail hour stories including “bloopers with bloomers,” and the scandalous tale of how Brian and Sari first crossed paths on stage – over 15 years ago! After this high spirited interview, you won’t want to miss Sari and company in Pittsburgh Opera’s LA BOHEME, playing at The Benedum March 29th, April 1st, 4th, and 6th. Continue reading “SARI GRUBER – Soprano, Pittsburgh Opera”
During GoodTaste! Pittsburgh’s 2014 Brew n’ Chew event, the Steel City was visited by world renowned Brewmaster Garrett Oliver of Brooklyn Brewery. ‘Burgh Vivant host Brian Edward swaps his martini for a pint and sits down with the man he’s dubbed “The King of Beer” to find out how Pittsburgh rates as a “beer town,” and just how one ascends to the throne of “Brewmaster!” Listen to “The Full Martini” – the complete unedited interview in audio podcast to hear about Brooklyn Brewery’s new Swedish venture, how Pittsburgh and Brooklyn may be sister cities, and the meaning of the Oliverian term “pre-sad.” And check out ‘Burgh Vivant’s visit to GoodTaste! Pittsburgh’s 2014 Brew n’ Chew HERE.
The swift gavel of justice (and comedy) falls upon ‘Burgh Vivant this week with guest, actress Kara Mikula, currently portraying the title role in the world premiere of JUDGE JACKIE JUSTICE at the CLO Cabaret. Between the laughs, Miss Mikula talks about the show’s history, her journey from Pittsburgh to New York and back, and just how Judge Jackie measures up to other TV judges you may be familiar with. Plus – a special tribute to Bethel Bakery! Listen to “The Full Martini” – the complete, unedited interview in audio podcast to hear more on Kara’s encounter with Judge Judy, the shocking similarity between Kara and Judge Jackie, and how an actual judge may have had a hand in her landing the role. JUDGE JACKIE JUSTICE runs through April 27th at the CLO Cabaret, Downtown Pittsburgh. Continue reading “KARA MIKULA – Actress, Pittsburgh CLO”
