With news about: Attack Theatre’s new Leadership, From Pittsburgh to Broadway, Kelly Strayhorn Theater’s WOWEO, Rocky Horror At the WPA, Ghoul Girls at the Strand, & this weekend’s Openings

🎭 ICYMI:

• Night of New Symphonic Experience Celebrating George A. Romero to Feature Exclusive Screening of First Film ‘Expostulations’
• Review: Fishy Woo Woos Re-Enter the Funny Zone in Halloween Comedy
• Review: A Night of Russian Music: Romantic Rachmaninoff Performed by the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra
• Review: Still Singing, Still Unpunished: Pittsburgh Opera’s ‘Rigoletto’ at the Benedum
• Preview: Quantum Theatre Takes a Dramatic Journey to ‘radio island’
• Review: Pittsburgh Playhouse’s ‘The Bed Trick’ Provides a Comedic Take on a Shakespeare Classic

Attack Theatre Welcomes Sarah Kramer as New Executive Director

Pittsburgh’s Attack Theatre has named Sarah Kramer its new Executive Director, bringing an experienced arts administrator with a background in multidisciplinary programming and organizational leadership to the company as it begins its 2026–27 season.

Kramer joins Attack Theatre following a decade at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C., where she most recently served as Senior Director of Artistic Operations. In that role, she helped turn ambitious artistic visions into fully realized productions, overseeing complex initiatives, high-profile artist engagements, festivals, and nationally televised performances. Her portfolio encompassed more than 1,500 performances and events annually.

Before her tenure at the Kennedy Center, Kramer spent six years at Dance Place, also in Washington, D.C., serving as Artistic Programming Manager and Development Associate. There, she curated and managed artists for the organization’s mainstage productions, festivals, and community programming, building a foundation in the collaborative and creative demands of contemporary dance.

For Attack Theatre, Kramer’s appointment brings together extensive institutional experience and a longstanding commitment to dance—an especially fitting combination for a company known for its adventurous approach to movement, music, and interdisciplinary performance.

“I couldn’t be more excited to welcome Sarah to Pittsburgh and Attack Theatre,” said Michele de la Reza, Co-founder and Co-Artistic Director. “She brings an incredible depth of experience, a genuine love and understanding of dance, and a collaborative spirit that deeply aligns with who we are as a company.”

DOES THAT TITLE SOUND FAMILIAR?

Four plays on Broadway right now that previously were produced by Pittsburgh theaters:

• Other Desert Cities (revival): 2013, Pittsburgh Public Theater, with Helena Ruoti, James DeMarse, Susan Cella, John Patrick Hayden, Pilar Witherspoon.
• School Girls; Or, The African Mean Girls Play (Broadway premiere): 2019, Pittsburgh Public Theater, with Markia Nicole Smith, Ezioma Asonye, Shakara Wright, Candace Boahene, Atiauna Grant.
• A Few Good Men (revival): 2019, Pittsburgh Public Theater, with Ryan Patrick Kearney, Michael Patrick, Daniel A. Kaffee, Alison Weisgall and Burke Moses, and Rocky Bleier and Larry Richert sharing time as the judge;. 2026 at Little Lake Theatre, with Maddox Cannon, Andrew Hughes, Brian Ferris, Nick Grosso, and Art Deconciliis.
• The Imaginary Invalid (revival): Not exactly, but close. 2022, Kinetic Theatre. The Illustrious Invalid, written by and starring Simon Bradbury, imagines the chaotic backstage moments of Molière’s final 1673 performance of The Imaginary Invalid.

Kelly Strayhorn Theater Presents THE World Premiere of Maree ReMalia’s ‘With Ourselves, With Each Other‘

With Ourselves, With Each Other (WOWEO), is a solo performance that transforms a whimsical “karaoke-funeral-lounge” into a space for remembering, grieving, and celebrating the people who shape our lives.

A Korean adoptee and ballerina-turned-experimental dance-maker, ReMalia draws on her own experiences to navigate the grief of losing a parent who raised her and the lingering absence of a parent she never knew. Weaving movement, personal storytelling, and familiar pop songs, WOWEO explores the complicated questions of where we come from, who we belong to, and how family connections extend beyond biology.

Co-directed by Adil Mansoor and produced by and created with Hatch Arts Collective, the premiere extends beyond the stage with opportunities for audiences to connect and reflect. Related events include a community dinner with ReMalia and Acts of Remembrance, a workshop led by ReMalia and artist David Bernabo.

Adding another dimension to the celebration, JADED, Pittsburgh’s first Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) art collective, opens its gallery exhibition Remind Me, My Dream on Friday, October 23. Curated in conjunction with WOWEO, the exhibition offers another perspective on memory, identity, and the stories that connect us.

🎟️ TICKETS AND DETAILS: WOWEO performances are October 23 & 24. https://kellystrayhorntheater.my.salesforce-sites.com/ticket/#/events/a0SVO000006wMHd2AM

The Rocky Horror Show Brings Its Outrageous Fun to Westmoreland

Westmoreland Performing Arts presents a live stage production of The Rocky Horror Show, the gloriously outrageous cult classic that has been delighting—and shocking—audiences for more than five decades.

The theatre company’s production brings together familiar Pittsburgh-area performers and a newcomer from Florida for a celebration of the musical’s eccentric characters, infectious songs, and unapologetic camp.

Returning favorites include Pittsburgh’s J. Alex Noble as Riff Raff, Anthony Marino as Brad, and Gavin Carnahan as Rocky. Latrobe’s Abigail McGinnis takes on Janet, while Greensburg’s Renata Marino plays the irrepressible Columbia. Nicole Nino Rosato appears as Magenta, with Tony Marino as Dr. Scott.

Making his Pennsylvania stage debut is Nicolas Querino of Florida, stepping into the platform heels of the flamboyant Dr. Frank-N-Furter. Born in Brazil, Querino moved to Florida at age 10, and this production marks his first performance outside the Sunshine State.

A graduate of Rollins College and the New York Conservatory for the Dramatic Arts Musical Theatre Intensive Program, Querino’s recent credits include Seymour in Bay Street Players’ Little Shop of Horrors and Billy in the State Theatre’s Bright Star.

WPA Artistic Director Tony Marino directs the production, with Penn Trafford’s Eric Barchiesi serving as musical director. Mark Kissner handles what the company describes as its “Fantastic Graphic Blandishments.”

For longtime devotees and curious first-timers alike, Westmoreland’s Rocky Horror promises a spirited encounter with one of musical theatre’s most enduringly unconventional favorites.

🎟️ TICKETS AND DETAILS: The Rocky Horror Show is at the Greensburg Garden and Civic Center October 30 and 31st, with shows at 8pm and midnight. https://westmorelandculturaltrust.org/events/rocky-horror-1026 or by calling 724.836.8000.

New Musical Ghoul Group Makes Its World Premiere at The Strand Theater

Some ghosts are harder to escape than others—especially the ones from your past. That’s the premise of Ghoul Group, a new family-friendly pop-rock musical making its world premiere at The Strand Theater in Zelienople on Saturday, October 24, at 2 p.m.

The one-act musical follows three estranged bandmates who arrive at a Halloween party in costume, only to discover they’re the only guests. Adding to the mystery, the haunted house hosting the gathering is the site of their final performance before both their band and their friendship fell apart.

With an original pop-rock score, Ghoul Group explores friendship, sisterhood, identity, and the ties that can bring people back together—even when the past refuses to stay buried.

The creative team includes Pittsburgh native Lisa Marinacci, who wrote the book, music, and lyrics; Broadway’s Jeremy Lewit, who directs; and former Radio City Rockette Melissa Rouse, who serves as choreographer.

The cast features Sam Carter, Sarah Dugan, Carol Niedringhaus, and Tess Walsh.

🎟️ TICKETS AND DETAILS: thestrandtheater.org, with additional information at GhoulGroupMusical.com.

HERE, THERE AND EVERYWHERE THIS WEEKEND

• Othello of the End Zone | Co-produced by DEMASKUS Theater Collective and New Hazlett Theater | October 22 – 25, 2026 | https://ci.ovationtix.com/36406/production/1291006
• radio islands | Quantum Theatre | Rockwell Park | October 23 – November 17, 2026 | https://www.quantumtheatre.com
• BNY Classics: Barnatan Plays Beethoven at PSO | Heinz Hall | October 23 & 25, 2026 | https://www.pittsburghsymphony.org/production/104553/barnatan-plays-beethoven
• Giselle with the PBT Orchestra | Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre | Benedum Center | October 23 – 25, 2026 | https://pbt.culturaldistrict.org/production/105139/giselle-with-the-pbt-orchestra

🎟️ Reminder: The discount ticket initiative Go See a Show! is ongoing, with 18 performing arts companies and Carnegie Mellon University School of Drama participating. Find tickets at https://www.goseeashowpgh.com.

👉 Don’t forget — you can always explore the next two months of performances, organized by date or company, at onStage Pittsburgh.

👉 Did we miss your show? Send us your updates at info@onstagepittsburgh.com so we can share them in Listings and a future Call Board.

Categories: Arts and Ideas, CALL BOARD, Our Posts, Preview, Reviews

Tags: 2026