Featuring: Confluence Ballet, Pittsburgh Shakespeare in the Parks, Theatre Sans Serif, Mrs. Shakespeare, Pittsburgh Festival Opera and Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre

Confluence Ballet Expands Its Voice with Live Ensemble

Confluence Ballet is stepping boldly into a new era by bringing live, original music directly into its productions. The recently formed Confluence Ballet Ensemble, directed by resident composer Joshua Malavé, is designed to be more than accompaniment—it is part of the storytelling fabric itself.

Their debut came this past May with The Onion, Malavé’s first full-length ballet, staged at Attack Theatre’s Lawrenceville space. The piece, based on a parable from Dostoevsky’s The Brothers Karamazov, drew attention for the way it married dance with the live sounds of a Pierrot ensemble—a chamber group small in size but large in expressive power.

The ensemble features Pittsburgh-based musicians: Steve Shade and Malavé (piano), Annie Schneller (violin), Trē Seguritan Abalos (flute), Kimberly Palmer (clarinet), and Kelsey Boltz (cello), with Alejandro Pinzón on the podium as conductor.

For Confluence, it’s not just about dance or music in isolation—it’s about the dialogue between the two. More info: confluenceballet.org

Shakespeare in the Parks Turns 21 with New Plays and Familiar Shadows

Pittsburgh Shakespeare in the Parks (PSIP) celebrates its 21st season with a double offering that blends humor, history, and horror.

The season begins August 22 with Friended by Shakespeare, a one-man play written and performed by Stoney Richards. The show imagines the life of Jon Sincler, a struggling London actor suddenly confronted with the death of his friend, William Shakespeare, in 1616. Richards weaves together humor, grief, and homage, reflecting on what it means to live in the shadow of genius while watching the legacy of that genius take shape.

If Friended by Shakespeare is an intimate meditation, PSIP’s second production, Macbeth, is a full-scale plunge into darkness. Directed and adapted by Nick Hrutkay, this version traps its characters in a supernatural limbo, forced to relive their violent tale again and again. Hrutkay describes it as “Game of Thrones meets reality TV”—a relentless cycle of ambition, betrayal, and blood.

The production stars Aaron Crutchfield as Macbeth, with PSIP artistic director Jennifer Tober in a multitasking role as Lady Macbeth, Witch, and Murderer. Live music and sound effects by Matt Calvetti heighten the eerie atmosphere. Fight director Tonya Lynn, returning for her 18th production with PSIP, provides visceral choreography, while Ricky Lyle’sblood-streaked costumes and Samantha Kuchta’s stark, utilitarian set cement the play’s nightmarish world.

Performances:

• Friended by Shakespeare – Aug 22 & 23, 7pm @ Pierce Theater, 937 Liberty Ave.
• Macbeth – Sept 5–Oct 12 in Pittsburgh parks (Fridays 6pm, Saturdays & Sundays 2pm)
  • Venues include Frick Park, Riverview Park, Hazelwood Green, Highland Park, and Westinghouse Park.
  • Details & schedule: pittsburghshakespeare.org

Theatre Sans Serif Serves Up Boozy Bard with Much A-brew About Nothing

Shakespeare meets speakeasy in Theatre Sans Serif’s raucous, immersive production Much A-brew About Nothing. This one-night event invites audiences to join the revelry as Beatrice, Benedick, and company spar their way through romance and rivalry—fueled not just by wit but by whiskey.

The title says it all: part Shakespearean comedy, part cocktail party, the performance plays up the connections between love, intoxication, and questionable decision-making. It’s a Bardic battle of the sexes where the bar is as much a stage as the floorboards.

September 6, 8pm at Kingfly Spirits Tickets: Eventbrite

Mrs. Shakespeare at Britsburgh: Wit, Wordplay, and Tribute

Pittsburgh’s Yvonne Hudson continues her long-running exploration of Shakespeare’s world through the eyes of his wife, Anne Hathaway—better known onstage as Mrs. Shakespeare.

At this year’s Britsburgh events, Hudson will appear at a tree dedication in honor of King Charles and Queen Elizabeth, followed by An Afternoon in the Park with Mrs. Shakespeare at Allegheny River Trail Park. Blending historical insight with sly humor, Hudson’s performances give voice to the oft-overlooked woman behind the Bard.

September 7, 2pm – Allegheny River Trail Park Admission free. Details: britsburgh.com

Pittsburgh Festival Opera: Stars Under the Stars

Pittsburgh Festival Opera invites audiences to Schenley Plaza for an outdoor gala, An Evening Under the Stars with Our Stars, hosted by WQED-FM’s Jim Cunningham.

The concert showcases a stellar lineup of company favorites, including:

• Victor Cardamone, Tenor
• Sadie Cheslak, Mezzo-Soprano
• Marianne Cornetti, Mezzo-Soprano
• Megan Cumming, Soprano
• Alexa Franklan, Soprano
• Kevin Galvin, Basso Buffo
• Thoma Shivone, Bass-Baritone
• Benjamin Werley, Tenor

It’s a chance to enjoy the artistry of Pittsburgh Festival Opera’s singers in a relaxed setting, under the canopy of a summer night.

August 27, 7pm @ The Tent in Schenley Plaza, 4100 Forbes Avenue

Ballet Under the Stars

Saturday, August 24 at Hartwood Acres Amphitheater | Performance begins at sunset.

Celebrate a summer evening of dance beneath the open sky. Bring your family, friends, picnic blankets, chairs—and yes, even tutus—to Hartwood Acres for this free outdoor performance. Guests who pre-register will be entered to win a 5-ballet subscription to PBT’s 2025–26 Dream Season. https://pbt.org/ballet-under-the-stars-registration

Program

• Emeralds (George Balanchine © The George Balanchine Trust) — excerpts
• The Mighty Casey (Lisa de Ribere) — excerpt
• Stars and Stripes Pas de Deux (George Balanchine © The George Balanchine Trust)
• Three Preludes (Ben Stevenson) — excerpt
• Angels in the Architecture (Mark Godden)
• Falling Forward (Caili Quan)
• Dracula (Matthew Griffin)
• Finale (Madison Russo)

Ticketed Picnic in the Park 5:30–7:30 pm – Savor an elegant pre-show experience under the tent with wine, dinner, and the chance to mingle with PBT artists. Tickets required.

Pre-Show Family Fun 5:30–7:30 pm – Arrive early to claim your spot, grab dinner and drinks from on-site food trucks, and join in interactive activities: Hands-on craft with Buzzword partner, Carnegie Science Center, Dance games and activities led by PBT teaching artists

Categories: Arts and Ideas