Mike “Buzz” Buzzelli and Lonnie the Theatre Lady are getting along WELL over this barrier-bending play by Lisa Kron, and directed by Melissa Hill Grande. WELL features Daina Michelle Griffith, Virginia Wall Gruenert, Tony Bingham, Alan Bomar Jones, Linda Haston, Susie McGregor-Laine, and plays until December 28th at Off the Wall Theater in Carnegie. Continue reading “Review – WELL, Off The Wall Productions”
‘Burgh Vivant revisits LIDIA’S PITTSBURGH for Il Meglio dei due Mondi – “The Best of Both Worlds” – a 4-course beer pairing dinner arranged by General Manager Adam Greiner and Executive Chef Jeremy Voytish. The flavors were bursting – and so were the comments from guest contributor, comedian Missy Moreno! Get the dish on the dishes, and listen to “The Full Martini” – the complete unedited interview in audio podcast, for more delicious details and merry musings from Missy and Brian Edward. Continue reading “Review – IL MEGLIO DEI DUE MONDI, Lidia’s Pittsburgh”
Christmastime just wouldn’t be the same in Pittsburgh without THE NUTCRACKER, performing at the Benedum Center Dec. 6th through 29th. Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre’s Artistic Director Terrence Orr discusses the details he’s crafted into this particular production that will have Pittsburghers coming to see it again and again. Host Brian Edward delves into the dynamic director’s career to learn how it began, and the discipline it takes to succeed in ballet – past and present. Listen to “The Full Martini” – the complete, unedited interview in audio podcast for more insight on the ballet industry, the evolution of The Nutcracker, and Brian Edward as…King Rat?? Nutcracker photography by Rich Sofranko. Continue reading “TERRENCE ORR – Artistic Director, Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre”
Dueling pianos – and dueling opinions! Mike “Buzz” Buzzelli and Lonnie the Theatre Lady duke it out over 2 PIANOS 4 HANDS playing at City Theatre through December 22nd. If you saw it, let us know whose corner of the ring YOU’RE in. Listen to “The Full Martini” – the complete, unedited interview in podcast for more of Buzz and Lonnie’s banter on this story told through a wide range of music and comedy. Photos of 2 PIANOS 4 HANDS by Suellen Fitzsimmons and Kristi Jan Hoover. Continue reading “Review – 2 PIANOS 4 HANDS, City Theatre Company”
The Carnegie Science Center has been making learning fun for decades, and this week on ‘Burgh vivant, host Brian Edward learns that it also hosts 21+ parties once a month! Education Coordinator Amanda Iwaniec sits down and covers everything from submarines to Laser Floyd. Also, find out about the new addition to the famous Miniature Railroad. Be sure to get “The Full Martini” – the complete interview in audio podcast for more, and if you’re over 21 and like a good time, get to the Science Center this Friday, Dec. 6th for their special holiday 21+ night! Continue reading “AMANDA IWANIEC – Education Coordinator of Demo Theaters and Buhl Planetarium, CARNEGIE SCIENCE CENTER”
The laughs and the martinis flow simultaneously as Lonnie the Theatre Lady, festively festooned, recounts the rollicking riot that is MRS. BOB CRATCHIT’S WILD CHRISTMAS BINGE, playing now through Dec 14th at Little Lake. Listen to “The Full Martini” – the complete interview in audio podcast for more details, and to hear your ‘Burgh Vivants reminisce about their own wild christmas binges. The show is directed by Jena Oberg and features Harley Allen, Debbie Bender-Becker, Andy Coleman, Art Deconciliis, James Curry, Luke Graci, Leah Hillgrove, Dale Irvin, Abby Martz, Kerry McGrath Benson, Bob Rak and Helga Terre. Continue reading “Review – MRS. BOB CRATCHIT’S WILD CHRISTMAS BINGE, Little Lake Theatre Company”
On Nov. 15th several of the ‘Burgh Vivants attended the opening of OBSCURE/REVEAL at James Gallery in the West End. The exhibit features contemporary works incorporating encaustic, the demanding and complex process of painting with hot wax, uniquely interpreted by 10 artists: Christine Aaron, Tracey Adams, Stephanie Armbruster, Karen Freedman, Amber George, Lorraine Glessner, Jane Guthridge, Catherine Nash, James Nesbitt and Paula Roland. Host Brian Edward and ‘Burgh vivant Andy Coleman recount the evening through photos from the event, and encourage you to visit OBSCURE/REVEAL at James Gallery, now through January 4th, 2014. Continue reading “Review – OBSCURE/REVEAL, James Gallery”
Internationally known performer Dan Kamin wears many hats: magician, pantomime artist, and author, to mention a few. He’s also the world’s leading expert on Charlie Chaplin. Here on ‘Burgh Vivant he recounts coaching Robert Downey Jr. for his Oscar-nominated role as the silent movie star, and “creating magic” for the film “Benny and Joon” with Johnny Depp. Get “The Full Martini” – the complete interview in audio podcast. It’s one you won’t want to miss as Dan delves into film history, why he loves Pittsburgh, the ups and downs of pantomime, his humble beginnings in magic, and more tales from Hollywood. Continue reading “DAN KAMIN – International performer, Author, Chaplin expert”
Settle in for some straight-up wisdom form the “creatively blessed” Kim El. Get an in-depth look at this Pittsburgh playwright, poet, actor, and director through her touching triumph over depression through art, her memorable encounter with August Wilson, and her advice for any artist who has ever suffered from self doubt. But wait – there’s more! Get “The Full Martini” – the complete, unedited interview in podcast to learn about the special connection that both Kim and Pittsburgh have to the banana split, why being single rocks, and more gems from the “vault of El.” Continue reading “KIM EL – Playwright, Poet, Actor, Director”
Basketball, music, and the relationship between a father and daughter come to center court in CHARLES IVES TAKE ME HOME, by Jessica Dickey, directed by Matt M. Morrow, and playing at City Theatre through December 15th. And guess who teared up at this play? Mike Buzzelli’s not saying, but Lonnie the Theatre Lady might just get it out of him. Watch as they put back a few cocktails and discuss the play’s impact and stand-out performances. Listen to “The Full Martini” – the complete interview in audio podcast for more. Also, we’re confused as to whether Buzz likes SPAMALOT, or “likes Spam a lot.” Comments welcome. Continue reading “Review – CHARLES IVES TAKE ME HOME, City Theatre”
