Author Archives
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‘Girl from the North Country’ Finds Beauty in the Macabre through Brilliant Acting and Timeless Bob Dylan Songs
PNC Broadway in Pittsburgh presentation of Girl from the North Country is at the Benedum Center in Pittsburgh now through January 14th. BY JESSICA NEU As jukebox musicals have become increasingly popular, three distinct forms of the genre have emerged…. Read More ›
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‘Highmark Holiday Pops’ Delivers Magic, Memories, and Meaning to the Holiday Season
By JESSICA NEU With a city rich in winter holiday traditions, it is not hard to find cherished activities to enjoy each year. The Pittsburgh Symphony’s Highmark Holiday Pops is one of those annual events that never fails to delight audiences of all… Read More ›
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Review: Michael Misko’s ‘ I Laughed in the Face of Magic!’
At Liberty Magic in the Cultural District through January 14t, 2024 By JESSICA NEU Stand-up comedy and professional magic are unique skills that require years of practice to perfect their craft. While many of us believe that we are funny… Read More ›
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‘Mrs. Doubtfire: The New Musical Comedy’ Uses Big Laughs to Explore Challenging Themes
PNC Broadway in Pittsburgh’s presentation runs now through December 3rd. By JESSICA NEU Divorce is likely a decision that does not come easily and is even more tumultuous when children are involved. So often, especially in today’s ongoing social media… Read More ›
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PSO’s Pops ‘Cirque Carnival’ is a Symphony of Contortion, Strength and Agility
By JESSICA NEU If you ever had your parents tell you, “you can be anything you want to be in life,” did you ever consider the possibility of being an acrobat who juggles while laying flat on their back while… Read More ›
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‘Closer Than Ever’: Immense Talent and Clever Lyrics Bring Perfection to the Playhouse
By JESSICA NEU Audiences entering the gorgeous Pittsburgh Playhouse to experience Point Park University’s Closer Than Ever are greeted with a dynamic set reminiscent of a 1960s Merv Griffin classic game show. Upstage are musicians Robert Frankenberry (musical director) and Ryan McMasters, who perform Maltby and Shire’s… Read More ›
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Gore, Horror and Fun at PMT’s Revival of ‘Evil Dead the Musical’
(Editor’s note: Due to scheduling conflicts at oSP, we are presenting our review of PMT’s 2022 Evil Dead production. The lead cast members and creative team remain the essentially same this year, with Emily Palmer in the role of Linda…. Read More ›
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Shoot Ogawa Merges Magic and Wit into a Beautiful Artform in ‘Holy Shoot’ at Liberty Magic
By JESSICA NEU Liberty Magic‘s 2023-24 season continues with another enthralling and renowned international magician. Performing October 4th – 29th is Shoot Ogawa in his riveting production of Holy Shoot. From a talent standpoint alone, Ogawa displays his impressive credentials and delivers a… Read More ›
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Chatham Baroque is poised to open its 2023-34 season with the annual Art of the Trio Concert from October 6th through 8th
For years, this concert tradition has delighted audiences as it explores modern music, reminding them that all music was once new. By JESSICA NEU Audiences will not be disappointed this year as the program will again explore the idea of… Read More ›
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‘#UglyCry – Grief Hits Different’ Offers an Honest and Introspective Look at Death and Grief
Reviewed by JESSICA NEU From the moment audiences walk into the Carnegie Stage to attend Off the WALL Productions‘ #UglyCry – Grief Hits Different, they are greeted with a uniquely immersive theater experience. A staff member politely approached me to… Read More ›
