A letter from the Editor
To our beloved readers,
The countdown has begun; there are just 21 days left until the first day of Winter and we have put together a preview sure to prepare you for a holiday season of new and exciting theater experiences. Even though things start to slow down in the winter, there are plenty of things to keep you entertained during the cold, dark evenings as Pittsburgh’s warm theater community invites you to step in from out of the cold and catch a show. There is plenty of holiday themed fun and even a few new plays to choose from this Winter season!
Beyond this preview, stay tuned for continuous coverage of Pittsburgh theater. We will be checking in with local companies, some new to the scene and some seasoned veterans. We will also continue to introduce you to the people that make up Pittsburgh’s vibrant theater community through our artists spotlight series.
On a business related note, we are officially a legal entity (LLC) recognized by the government (AKA the IRS, OMG!). Remember, if you would like to sponsor the site or purchase advertisements on the site, contact info@pghintheround.com.
Again, we want to thank those of you that have and continue to support us through your donations to our previous fundraising campaign, your engagement with us, and simply being readers. Most importantly, we want to thank you for supporting local theaters and companies and helping the arts grow and thrive in Pittsburgh.
We would love to hear from our readers and follow along with your theater adventures so keep in touch with us on our Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram using the hashtag #WinterwithPITR.
Happy holidays from all of us here at Pittsburgh in the Round, now get out there and enjoy some theater!
Mara E. Nadolski
Let’s start off with the Top 5 shows we’re looking forward to this winter!
#5 – Eugene Onegin by Undercroft Opera: Usually sung in French, 10 year old
Undercroft Opera will be presenting this Tchaikovsky masterpiece in Russian as a concert. Originally premiering in Moscow in 1879, this story of unrequited love and regrets was last produced in Pittsburgh by the Pittsburgh Opera in 2009. Undercroft, a company known for giving performers “opera-tunities”, brings many opera veterans to the stage in this one night only event. Last seen in the Pittsburgh Savoyards’ production of Gianni Schicchi, Eugene Onegin will bring Ian Greenlaw and Katie Manukyan together on the stage once again. For tickets and more information, check out Undercroft’s website here.
#4 – Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf by Cup-a-Jo Productions: On the heels of their innovative 
production of Titus Andronicus, Cup-a-Jo brings us another twist on an old classic. A not-so-fun night of drinks with new colleagues turns dark and disastrous in the late Edward Albee’s absurdist drama. Starring company founder Joanna Lowe and Brett Sullivan Santry, Cup-a-Jo will drag us into an immersive universe complete with signature live music and of course, cocktails. Literally set within a living room, this production will give audiences “ultimate uncomfortable voyeuristic experience” says Lowe. Dates and more details to come, but for more information about Cup-a-Jo, click here.
#3 – The Lion in Winter by PICT Classic Theatre: The classic Christmas tale of King 
Henry II and his dysfunctional family weaves through politics, conspiracies, and ruthlessness. The cast includes Pittsburgh favorites like Karen Baum and Tony Bingham, even PICT’s Artistic Director Alan Standford graces the stage as Henry himself in the company’s third production in their new space at the Union Project in Highland Park. As always, PICT is “committed to the creation of high-quality, professional thought-provoking theatre of substance” and we’re confident this production will be no different. The Lion in Winter begins previews Thursday December 1, for tickets and more information click here.
#2 – Lungs by off the WALL: In the second production of their Mainstage 
series, off the WALL brings us more of the quick-witted dramas the company is known for with Duncan MacMillan’s Lungs. On a mostly bare set, no costume changes, and little accoutrements, Sarah Silk and Alec Silberblatt will force audiences to focus on the important themes of the text, rather than superfluous theatrics in this production. This two person drama takes us on a ride over the course of a relationship as they battle with questions about their families, their aspirations and each other. Opening December 2 at Carnegie Stage. For tickets and more information, click here.
#1 – The Royale by City Theatre: City Theatre continues to uphold its mission 
to be Pittsburgh’s home for new plays with their January premiere of The Royale. Known for writing and producing television shows like Sons of Anarchy and Orange is the New Black, Marco Ramirez’s Broadway debut play The Royale is inspired by the true story of turn of the century boxer Jack Johnson. DeSean Terry plays Jay “The Sport”Jackson in this drama about fighting more than just the other person in the ring. Jackson has eyes on the heavyweight championship but with the racial tension of 1905 that might be easier said than done. The Royale runs on City Theatre’s Mainstage January 21 – February 12. For tickets and more information, click here.
While we’ve got you, check out our Top 5 Musicals you don’t want to miss here!
In the mood for something a little more festive? Claire rounded up the Top 5 Holiday shows for you here.
Throughline Theatre Company has gotten a new Artistic Director! Meet Sean Sears here.
Speaking of new things, check out one of Pittsburgh’s newest theater companies, Jumping Jack Theater.
Curious about something a little more than theater? Check out Jason’s articles featuring slowdanger and The Space Upstairs.
Even Attack Theatre is loosening some screws in their upcoming show Unbolted.
We’ve been pretty busy this fall too! In case you missed anything, here are some highlights of the last three months:
Between Riverside and Crazy at the Pittsburgh Public Theater
Three Days in the Country by Kinetic Theatre
The Music Man by Stage 62
12 Angry Men by the McKeesport Little Theater
How I Learned to Drive by the Duquense Red Masquers
Salome by the Pittsburgh Opera
To Kill a Mockingbird by Prime Stage Theatre
Giselle by the Pittsburgh Ballet
Barefoot in the Park by The Theatre Factory
Prometheus Bound: A Puppet Tragedy at the Irman Freeman Center for Imagination
Pride and Prejudice by Steel City Shakespeare
Trial by Jury & Gianni Schicchi by the Pittsburgh Savoyards
The River by Quantum Theatre
The Toxic Avenger at the Pittsburgh CLO Cabaret
Categories: Feature