Author Archives
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Review: Nick Cartell Leads a Flawless 40th Anniversary Production of ‘Les Misérables’
By JESSICA NEU Last week, I had the opportunity to tour the Wyoming state capital building, where the Amish handcrafted the building’s woodwork. The Amish believe that the only person who can create something perfect is God, so they intentionally… Read More ›
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Preview: One on One with The Becoming Arts Collective’s Darrin Friedman on how ‘Refracted Light’ Makes Mental Health Awareness Whole
By JESSICA NEU After an enormously successful sold-out theater festival, The Becoming Arts Collective is thrilled to present their first full-length production, Refracted Light. This critically acclaimed comedic drama by award-winning playwright Dana Hall and directed by Ponny Conomos Jahn explores “the beautiful chaos of a modern… Read More ›
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Review: Aakash Odedra Company’s ‘Songs of the Bulbul’ Brings Joy and Inspiration to the Byham Theater
By JESSICA NEU Dancer, Choreographer, and Teacher Aakash Odedra‘s impressive resume features over 300 full-length performance credits across more than 40 countries, all in the past decade. What makes this triumph even more amazing is that Odedra’s performances are solo. Odedra boldly… Read More ›
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Review: Little Lake’s Theater’s ‘Reefer Madness: the Musical’ is a HIGH-ly Entertaining Musical Trip
By JESSICA NEU Sitting amidst a hazy theater, I was scrolling through my phone when I heard the beat start. I immediately put my phone down and smiled. Then I heard the first few “La da da da da da’s.” Afroman’s… Read More ›
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Review: Welcome to the ‘Histo-Remix:’ Six is a Sparkling Celebration of Female Empowerment
Winner of over 35 international awards, including two 2022 Tony Awards, Six returns to the Benedum Center through October 12th. By JESSICA NEU As women, we often find ourselves in spaces that require us to prove ourselves constantly. Despite our triumphs,… Read More ›
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Review: Isaac Mizrahi Shines in the Trust Cabaret Season Opener
By JESSICA NEU One of the aspects I love most about events at the Greer Cabaret Theater is that conventional theater rules do not necessarily apply to the performers. There’s a sense of casualness and comfort in the air. Almost as if you… Read More ›
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‘Compagnie, Hervé Koubi’ Stuns as Pittsburgh Dance Council’s Season Opener
By JESSICA NEU Renowned visionary and choreographer Hervé Koubi greeted a nearly sold-out crowd at the Byham Theater Saturday evening. He introduced his critically acclaimed show Compagnie, Hervé Koubi as the Pittsburgh Dance Council began its 2025-26 season. Koubi explained that his vision for… Read More ›
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Whether Shit-Faced or Sober, You are Sure to Enjoy “Shit-Faced Shakespeare: Hamlet”
By JESSICA NEU Five empty cans of Lagunitas IPA, a partially empty fifth of Jack Daniels, sexual innuendo, a dance break complete with a kick line, uproarious laughter, and constantly breaking the 4th wall to interact with the audience. Upon… Read More ›
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“Come On Feel The Noise:” The Strand’s ‘Rock Of Ages’ Succeeds in its Desire to Rock
By JESSICA NEU Theater is sacred for a myriad reasons. One of the primary reasons is that it, of course, provides an escape from reality. For several hours, you can sit immersed in a dark theater and be transported to… Read More ›
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The Pittsburgh New Works Festival Continues With Edgy and Entertaining Original Work
By JESSICA NEU With only two programs left, the Pittsburgh New Works Festival continues to showcase some of the best and most creative national and local playwrights. The Pittsburgh New Works Film Festival marches forward, featuring Program C from September 4th… Read More ›
