Author Archives
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Pittsburgh Dance Council’s Bodytraffic Soars With Heart and Soul
By JESSICA NEU The Bodytraffic company flew onto the Byham Theater stage last night. Continuing the Pittsburgh Dance Councilseason, artistic director Tina F. Berkett and creative partner Trey McIntyre delivered a show that reached new artistic and creative heights. Company members Chandler Davidson, Katie Garcia, Pedro Garcia, Anaya, Gonzalez, Alana Jones, Ty Morrison, Joan Rodriguez, and Jordyn… Read More ›
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‘Life of Pi’: A Visually Stunning Story of Imagination and Survival
By JESSICA NEU A digitized body of calm water titled “Life of Pi” transformed the traditional curtain at the Benedum Center into a pool of tranquility. The bold blues of the water and the soothing ebb and flow of the… Read More ›
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Christopher Rivas’ ‘The Real James Bond…Was Dominican’ Offers a Prolific, Powerful, and Important Commentary on Appropriation in the United States
BY JESSICA NEU Sometimes a theatrical performance comes along that is more than a show. The words, songs, or actions penetrate your brain and speak to your soul. A core memory is created. City Theatre‘s presentation of the DNAWORKS production of The Real James… Read More ›
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From Bob Dylan to Hugh Grant: My 2024 Year-in-Review
By JESSICA NEU The second in a series by onStage’s writers looking back on the past year’s performances. In 2024, Russell Wilson became a Steeler, and we were ‘totally eclipsed,’ and Pittsburgh experienced its warmest year on record. Whether you enjoyed… Read More ›
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Christmas Is All Around as the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra Presents ‘Love Actually’
By JESSICA NEU There was a buzz in the air at Heinz Hall last night before the Pittsburgh Symphony took the stage to perform along to the 2003 British Comedy Love Actually on December 19th. Conductor Jacob Joyce assumed his spot center stage and brought the symphony in as they… Read More ›
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Pittsburgh Public Theater’s ‘A Christmas Story’ : A Perfect Ensemble and Beautiful Production With No Fear of “shooting your eye out!”
By JESSICA NEU Based on Jean Shepherd’s 1966 book In God We Trust: All Others Pay Cash, A Christmas Story the play, has morphed into a holiday classic. Beginning with the film in 1983, a limited-run Broadway musical in 2012, and also being adapted into a play, A… Read More ›
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Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra’s Holiday Brass Band is a Show for Everyone That Delivers Angelic Holiday Cheer
By JESSICA NEU With Heinz Hall perfectly adorned with its traditional Christmas decorations and a host of brass instruments meticulously set on the proscenium in front of the closed stage curtain, the Holiday Brass Spectacular was ready to begin. All… Read More ›
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Veteran Actress Hannah Shankman is Poised and Prepared to Bring Fannie Brice and ‘Funny Girl’ to Pittsburgh
By JESSICA NEU After we wrap up the holidays and have picked up all the bottles on New Year’s Day, the PNC Broadway series continues with the classic musical Funny Girl at the Benedum Center January 7th – 12th. Featuring a famously… Read More ›
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Pittsburgh Ballet Theater’s The Nutcracker Dazzles in Christmas Wonderment
By JESSICA NEU Each year, as the holiday season draws near, there are countless symbols, themes, metaphors, and representations of Christmas. The spirit of Christmas is all around, from songs to decorations to movies to presents, large and small. But… Read More ›
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‘MJ: The Musical Shines’ and Redefines the King of Pop’s Legacy
BY JESSICA NEU What comes to mind when you hear the name Michael Jackson? Perhaps “King of Pop,” Genius, the moonwalk, a Glove, white socks and black shoes, the Jackson 5, Bubbles the Chimp, the “Thriller” music video, media freak, the… Read More ›
