1. Oklahoma! at Pittsburgh CLO (June 21st-June 30th at the Benedum)

I have a morbid fascination with Rodgers and Hammerstein’s 1943 Musical Oklahoma! (their first ever musical collaboration, to boot) that was galvanized by a skit on Sesame Street in the early 90s, in which a bumbling puppet enthusiastically launches into the famous opening “OOOKLahoma where the wind goes wippin’ down the trail..” but every attempt sees him starting the song with every vowel except O. I contend to this day it’s one of the finest skits ever created. Beyond that, I knew relatively little about the grand musical, other than it boasted the most lyrical presentation of intricate Old West politics that perhaps ever existed. But Pittsburgh CLO’s forthcoming adaptation of the musical promises to get me boot-scootin’  to the front row to finally experience this legendary show in all its glory. Directed by CLO-familiar Dontee Kiehn, and featuring a talented cast that includes Ashley Blanchet (Ado Annie), Matt Faucher (Jud), Ruth Gottschall (Aunt Ellen) and Nicholas Rodriguez (Curly) belting the inimitable R&H classics—like “Oh, What A Beautiful Mornin’,” “Many A New Day,” and “People Will Say We’re in Love”—this adaptation should not be missed. For ticket and cast information click here. 

2. Embodying Queerness + Embodying Jewishness at The Space Upstairs (Conducted by Moriah Ella Mason)

The Space Upstairs has carved out a niche in the PGH arts scene in the past year, providing a creative haven for a plethora of events—ranging from Poetry Slams to Postmodern Jazz Intensive Workshops—and artists. Predominantly focusing on physical and restorative arts, The Space Upstairs will be the home of Moriah Ella Mason’s upcoming, collaborative/interactive events Embodying Jewishness (June 23^rd, 1PM-3PM) and Embodying Queerness (June 26^th , 7PM-9PM). Both events are designed to incorporate explorative physical expression and performance that is framed through various texts—religious and artistic—that analyze, uplift, problematize, and complicate the body and spirit’s relationship to certain identities. Furthermore, the events will focus on the intersection of queer and Jewish identities, and how physical art and expression is both impacted by and can be mechanisms of addressing diaspora. Mason, who has been instrumental in groundbreaking, provocative Pittsburgh dance projects like A Letter Compiled of All Letters, has made astonishing strides in cultivating experiences that encourage individuals to interact with their physicality and spirituality while upholding the evocative power of dance as an art form. All participants are encouraged to attend regardless of experience or background in dance (just wear loose clothes and bring a notebook!). For Embodying Jewishness info, click here. For Embodying Queerness info, click here.

3. folkFUNDS: DINNER + SHOW benefit (hosted by folkLAB at Driftwood Oven; June 25, 7PM) AND We’re on a Boat! (hosted by Attack Theatre on a literal boat; June 25, 5:30PM).

Unlike my future children, I love all the companies PitR covers equally. So while I realize these two fundraising shebangs are on the same day (is June 25^th some blessed day of giving that I don’t know about? Should I be jumping on this?), I’m equally excited for both and want to ensure equal love and promotion–so show you’re love to both, huh?

Our friends at folkLAB, who have provided Pittsburgh with some of the boldest experimental theatre in recent memory (OTHER: multiracial folklore; QUEER: new american tall tales; miniMythologies; and more) have organized an irresistible evening of culinary delights, music, and performances that will feature a four-course meal prepared by Kate Carney, open bar and specialty cocktails by Lex Haynesworth, special performances by Samir Gangwani, Shan Soleil, Rachel Greene, and more. 100% of the evening’s proceeds will benefit the upcoming folkLAB production Mija: One Woman’s Show by Nicole Gallagher. Tickets are 175$ and include one ticket to Mija. Check out the full event info and score tickets here. 

To celebrate the denouement of their successful 24^th Season (the highlights of which include The Rube Goldberg Variations), the hearty crew of the Good Ship Attack (by way of Pittsburgh Luxury Cruises’ Fantasy) will set sail on June 25^th from the Lock Wall One Marina (Two 23^rd Street, Strip District). All are welcome who enjoy a cash bar, light yet sumptuous fare, the beautiful sights from a river cruise, and a scintillating sneak peek at Attack Theatre’s 25^th Season. Admission is $35, and don’t even act like you’re getting too old for this ship. All nautical-dance inquiries can be made here.

4. New Play Who Dis? by Non-State Actors (held at Glitterbox Theatre)

The crew at Non-State Actors are back at it, this time with a rad new play festival that will showcase eight original 10 minute plays. An ardent enthusiast of the short play festival series that have become somewhat of a staple in Pittsburgh, I can’t help but be utterly stoked for this upcoming festival that will run July 26^th-27^th. And it’s not just because the talented team at NSA (no, not that NSA, calm down) is comprised of some of my favorite creative minds—Shannon Knapp (who apparently never sleeps), Brian Pope, Matthew Russak and Joanna Getting—but these sort of festivals often produce some of the most promising work I’ve seen. If you want to be tickled, surprised, and support both NSA and Glitterbox Theatre, then the obvious choice is to get thee hence on July 26^th-27^th.  (Visit NSA’s Facebook Page for more information.)

5. Gem of the Ocean by Pittsburgh Playwrights Theatre Company (Opens Aug 24^th; performed at 1839 Wylie Ave, Hill District)

Pittsburgh Playwrights Theatre Company is remarkable for a litany of reasons. But perhaps their most laudable enterprise is the preservation and proliferation of the canon of Pittsburgh native and two-time Pulitzer Prize winning playwright, August Wilson. This summer, Pittsburgh Playwrights will bring Wilson’s Gem of the Ocean to life, a story which centers around Aunt Ester—Wilson’s oft-portrayed character who serves as a locus for spirituality in his works—as she opens her home to a stranger fleeing the rural south, and the consequent turmoil this generosity creates. Known for powerful performances and stunning adaptations, this next piece from Pittsburgh Playwrights will undoubtedly be outstanding. What’s more, Gem of the Ocean will be performed outside at the historic site identified by Wilson to be Aunt Ester’s home in Pittsburgh’s Hill District. Don’t do yourself the grave disservice of missing some phenomenal theatre that connects with the rich, incredible history of African American playwrights, artists and communities at large. (For more information, visit Pittsburgh Playwrights Theatre Company’s site.)

(But wait, there’s more: Be sure to be on the lookout and get excited for other upcoming projects we’re particularly jazzed about, like Cup-A-Jo Productions’ upcoming re-imagining of the legendary Tartuffe; dance/performance art virtuosos slowdanger’s provocative new work slowdanger :: empathy machine (Aug 30, KST’s Alloy Studios); and Bricolage’s latest installment of Wordplay (July 19^th-20^th) that will be as compelling and fun as ever!)

Categories: Feature

Tags: Attack Theatre, August Wilson, Bricolage, Folklab, Gem of the Ocean, Non-State Actors, Oklahoma!, Pittsburgh CLO, Pittsburgh Playwrights Theatre Company, SummerWithPITR