“Sit down, have a drink, let’s talk.” The heart of ‘Burgh Vivant is its candid and off-beat interviews with the people who contribute to make this city truly unique. Artists, cultural leaders, entrepreneurs, and news-makers let their hair down over cocktails with host Brian Edward for an entertaining and informative look into what’s happening in Pittsburgh. No subject is sacred, no secret is safe! See the video highlights here, or follow the links to “The Full Martini;” unedited and uncensored podcasts of each interview in its glorious entirety.
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”
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”
'Burgh Vivant
AMANDA IWANIEC - Education Coordinator of Demo Theaters and Buhl Planetarium, CARNEGIE SCIENCE CENTER
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”
'Burgh Vivant
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”
Our delicious visit to LIDIA’S PITTSBURGH continues as host Brian Edward has a few words (over vodka SAUCE for a change) with Executive Chef, Jeremy Voytish. Get the inside “dish” on what makes a great Italian meal, the hardest part about serving Presidents, and what its like to work with one of America’s most beloved TV chefs. And be sure to catch our chat with Lidia Bastianich, as she discusses her latest cookbook LIDIA’S COMMONSENSE ITALIAN COOKING, Pittsburgh’s unique taste, and cooking for the Pope!
What do you cook for the Pope? One of America’s most beloved chefs, Lidia Bastianich has the answer! She is the host of the Emmy-nominated television series, LIDIA’S ITALY, a best-selling cookbook author, and the restauranteur behind LIDIA’S PITTSBURGH. Tonight on ‘Burgh Vivant, the ever delightful Lidia discusses her latest cookbook LIDIA’S COMMONSENSE ITALIAN COOKING, Pittsburgh’s unique appreciation for good food, and cutting cake with His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI. For more wisdom from Lidia’s kitchen, listen to “The Full Martini” – the complete unedited interview in podcast, on iTunes or www.burghvivant.org Continue reading “LIDIA BASTIANICH – Chef, Author, Restauranteur, LIDIA’S PITTSBURGH”
Dek Ingraham, director of Prime Stage’s 2nd Stage series, discusses the restless spirits of TURN OF THE SCREW, directed by Joe Warik, now playing at the New Hazlett Theater, and GHOST STORIES, following the Nov. 8th performance, celebrating the 45th anniversary of Night of the Living Dead. Want more chills and thrills? Listen to “The Full Martini” – the complete interview in audio podcast, to learn more about the haunting of the Hazlett, horrible movies from Marlon Brando, and Brian Edward’s hidden musical shame! Continue reading “DEK INGRAHAM – Director, 2nd Stage, Prime Stage Theatre”
'Burgh Vivant
DEK INGRAHAM - Director, 2nd Stage, Prime Stage Theatre
He’s been called “Pittsburgh’s Playwright.” His works have been likened to a particular dessert with a particular surprise inside (you’ll have to watch to find out what exactly, though we welcome your creative culinary guesses). He’s also known as a director and actor, and he’s the latest addition to ‘Burgh Vivant’s roster of sassy, classy contributors. He’s F.J. Hartland and he’s here tonight on ‘Burgh Vivant! You’re certain to enjoy this delightful interview, and you may discover that you’re more closely connected to Kevin Bacon than you think. Continue reading “F.J. HARTLAND – Playwright”
Director Martin Giles discusses “a love story gone odd” on the set of PARLOUR SONG, performing Nov 1 through 24 at the former Pittsburgh Burger Co. in The Waterfront, West Homestead. Why the Waterfront? Which of the characters in this strange love triangle does Marty relate to most? More questions? Get your tickets at www.quantumtheatre.com and listen to “The Full Martini” – the complete unedited interview in audio podcast to find out just what goes on a “Marty Giles burger,” and more! Continue reading “MARTIN GILES – Director, PARLOUR SONG, Quantum Theatre”
'Burgh Vivant
MARTIN GILES - Director, PARLOUR SONG, Quantum Theatre
Get a peek inside Off The Wall, Pittsburgh’s Regional Theater Company! Artistic Director Virginia Wall Gruenert reveals the origins of Off The Wall Productions, and her inspirations as an actress and playwright. Impressed? Intrigued? See this dynamic company in action with its production of “The Zero Hour” by Madeleine George, directed by Robyne Parrish, Oct 25 through Nov 9th. www.insideoffthewall.com Continue reading “VIRGINIA WALL GRUENERT – Artistic Director, Off The Wall Productions”
'Burgh Vivant
VIRGINIA WALL GRUENERT - Artistic Director, Off The Wall Productions
