Director Sheila McKenna gives a sneak peek into the mysteries of MADAGASCAR, on set at the Carlyle building, downtown Pittsburgh, opening January 31st and playing through February 16th, produced by Quantum Theatre. Continue reading “Preview: MADAGASCAR, Quantum Theatre (1/31 – 2/16)”
To simply state that this week’s guest Randy Kovitz is an actor doesn’t even begin to scratch the surface of this dynamic artist. I addition to being a writer, director, and fight choreographer, he’s performed in numerous stage works on Broadway and beyond, film and television in Los Angeles, yet he may just love Pittsburgh best! And Pittsburgh has a unique opportunity to see Randy in action Feb. 5th through 26th at Pittsburgh Playwrights Theatre in the one-man-show UNDERNEATH THE LINTEL, directed by Cameron Knight and produced by 12 Peers Theater. Listen to “The Full Martini” – the complete unedited interview in audio podcast to get more of Mr. Kovitz’s perspectives on Pittsburgh, what he likes to see in a good fight, how to act in a soap opera, – and what’s with the “evil stare”??? Underneath the Lintel photo credit: Craig Thompson. Continue reading “RANDY KOVITZ – Actor, Fight Choreographer, Writer, Director”
Exciting, evocative, emotionally impactful… just a few words used by ‘Burgh Vivant’s resident reviewers Mike “Buzz” Buzzelli and Lonnie the Theatre Lady to describe City Theatre’s current production of THE MOUNTAINTOP by Katori Hall, directed by Peter Flynn. Though they may disagree on the theme, they most certainly agree on the quality of this theatrical experience. Lonnie claims never to use the term “magnificent” (we’ll let you be the judge), and Buzz is vigilant as ever on “spoiler watch,” but no more spoilers here – watch and see for yourself! And listen to “The Full Martini” – the complete unedited review in audio podcast for more in-depth reactions to the production, running Jan 18th through Feb 9th at City Theatre. It’s a review (and a show) not to be missed! Production photos by Kristi Jan Hoover. Continue reading “Review – THE MOUNTAINTOP, City Theatre (1/18 – 2/9)”
Mike “Buzz” Buzzelli and Lonnie the Theatre Lady are back in their first review of the new year! The dynamic duo discusses SOUTH SIDE STORIES by Tammy Dixon, directed by Matt Morrow, and playing at CITY THEATRE now through January 26th. Parking chairs, pierogies, and pubs – Pittsburgh, this play’s for you! Hear their favorite moments, as well as some interesting background on how this unique work came to be. Listen to “The Full Martini” – the complete interview in audio podcast for more on the local flavor of SOUTH SIDE STORIES! Continue reading “Review – SOUTH SIDE STORIES, City Theatre (1/8- 1/26)”
If it can be said that there exists a “Dynasty of Puppetry,” then Heather Henson unquestionably hails from one if its most recent generations. Daughter of legendary Muppet creator Jim Henson, Heather brings her own unique expressions to the stage through her Orlando-based company, Ibex Puppetry – with its most recent production, FLIGHT: A CRANE’S STORY premiering in Pittsburgh this weekend at the Charity Randall Theatre! Heather discusses the show, her inspirations, and her favorite Muppets – but not without a nod to her favorite Oakland eateries, The Porch and Conflict Kitchen! Listen to “The Full Martini” – the complete interview in audio podcast to hear more of Heather’s philosophy on puppetry – past, present, and future, and what the other four Henson siblings are up to these days. Continue reading “HEATHER HENSON – Founder, Artistic Director, Ibex Puppetry”
No tap was left unturned when ‘Burgh Vivant loosed contributors Lonnie Jantsch and Andy Coleman on the Monroeville Convention Center January 11th for the first annual Pittsburgh Brew ‘N Chew event presented by GoodTaste! Pittsburgh. The debonair duo sampled beers from numerous breweries, both local and national in this tour de force of fun and flavor. Many of Pittsburgh’s favorite neighborhood bars and food-crafters were on hand with generous tastings of everything from pulled pork sliders to gelato infused with…beer?? Watch the laughter unfold while the beer flows as Lonnie and Andy make new friends, challenge each other to a game of portable water polo, and nearly drive off with a brand new car! Who held their beer the best throughout the day? You be the judge! Continue reading “GoodTaste! Pittsburgh’s first annual PITTSBURGH BREW ‘N CHEW”
Tonight’s guest is Kurt Shaw, President of Shaw Galleries, downtown Pittsburgh, and Art Critic for the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. Kurt’s Liberty Avenue gallery is a treasure trove of history, etched in maps and antique documents. Many valuable remnants of Pittsburgh’s past can be discovered here including, among other things, the deed to what is now, essentially, the South Side Works – and you’ll never believe what it sold for! Get “The Full Martini” – the complete interview in audio podcast to learn what exactly makes that painting in your attic worth something, how an artist can create a market for their work, and Pittsburgh’s unique connection to maps of…the moon? Continue reading “KURT SHAW – President, Shaw Galleries”
Filmed before a live audience at Arcade Comedy Theatre in beautiful downtown Pittsburgh, host Brian Edward laughs it up with Thoreau, NM Executive Director Lance Eric Skapura. Through the course of a dry martini, Lance discusses the origins of Thoreau, its unusual name, and the company’s long-standing involvement in the Pittsburgh New Works Festival. Listen to “The Full Martini” – the complete unedited interview in audio podcast to hear Lance’s insight on Thoreau, NM’s encore production of HOTLINE (which performed at Arcade immediately following this interview), absurd telephone trivia, and just who is Emma Nutt? Continue reading “LANCE SKAPURA – Artistic Director, Thoreau, NM”
He’s a composer, a conductor, a violinist, the senior lecturer and director of the University of Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra – he’s Roger Zahab, and he’s tonight’s guest on ‘Burgh Vivant! Roger talks about how he performed what host Brian Edward describes as a “Mr. Holland’s Opus” in transforming Pitt’s Symphony Orchestra, his music-making with Entelechron (PS – the lovely underscoring you hear is from their album!), and his time working with the famed and much debated American composer John Cage. Listen to “The Full Martini” – the complete interview in audio podcast to hear more on the philosophies of Cage, how he measures up to a particular Pgh pop artist, and Roger’s favorite restaurants in the ‘Burgh! Hint: Bacon. Lots and lots of bacon. Continue reading “ROGER ZAHAB – Composer, Conductor, Violinist”
Feliz Navidad, Pittsburgh! Bells are ringing, children are singing – and Donna Bailey has a new Christmas album! The Pittsburgh-based Jazz vocalist and gives a special preview of her unique rendition of “Baby It’s Cold Outside” and talks about her inspirations, influences, and, incomparable collaborators. Listen to “The Full Martini” – the complete unedited interview in audio podcast to hear what Donna has on the horizon, what to do when Etta Cox pulls you up on stage, and what’s in a Donna Bailey Martini! Continue reading “DONNA BAILEY – Jazz Artist, Vocalist”
