Author Archives
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Idina Menzel’s ‘Take Me or Leave Me Tour’ Captivates Audiences and Proves Why She is a Vocal Icon
Reviewed by JESSICA NEU Walking into the Benedum Center last night, fans were immediately reminded of why Idina Menzel is one of the reigning queens of Broadway. The merchandise table featured a shirt listing most of her character names spanning a 30-year career. Making… Read More ›
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Little Lake Theater’s ‘Schoolhouse Rock Live! Jr.’ Offers Timeless Lessons for All Ages
By JESSICA NEU As August falls upon us, the chatter of back-to-school not-so-subtlety emerges. Teachers begin to prepare their classrooms and write their lesson plans, but no matter how veteran the teacher is, each new year is surely met with a… Read More ›
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“Oh, the Places You’ll Go” with CLO’s Amazing ‘Seussical’
By JESSICA NEU There’s magic in the air from the moment when young JoJo (Henry Thomas) steps on stage to begin Seussical. For the next 75 minutes, that magic comes alive in the form of classic characters, bright colors (J. Branson)… Read More ›
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The Old Schoolhouse Players’ Mary Poppins The Broadway Musical is Heartfelt Fun for the Whole Family
By JESSICA NEU The Old Schoolhouse Players continue their 2024 season as Mary Poppins flies into 17 Cherry Tree Lane. Mary Poppins The Broadway Musical is based on the beloved 1964 Disney film originally starring Julie Andrews and Dick Van Dyke. Mary Poppins… Read More ›
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The “Force” is With the PSO as They Present ‘Star Wars: The Force Awakens™ in Concert’
By JESSICA NEU Whether you are a Star Wars aficionado, could identify Yoda, or have ridden a ride in Star Wars land at Disney, odds are you can recognize the opening score of the franchise films. Composer John Williams’ score remains an iconic piece… Read More ›
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Bodiography Center for Movement’s Spring Concert Stunned with Student-Driven Choreography
By JESSICA NEU, updated 6/14/24 Following a beautiful opening number performed en pointe, Maria Caruso stepped on stage to introduce Bodiography‘s student spring performance. Immediately, you knew that you were about to witness not just dancing but a chosen family… Read More ›
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Mr. Messado, Jon Tai, and Hazard Spence Join forces to Conclude Liberty Magic’s ‘Spotlight on the Burgh’ with Poise, Talent, and Wonderment.
By JESSICA NEU Liberty Magic’s Spotlight on the Burgh concludes its three-week run with a show featuring card tricks, sleight of hand, and mentalism from three magnificent magicians. Mr. Messado, Jon Tai, and Hazard Spence join forces to conclude Spotlight on the… Read More ›
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An Enchanted Evening with Matthew Morrison at the Cultural Trust’s Greer Cabaret
By JESSICA NEU I remember when the Trust Cabaret series announced that Matthew Morrison would close out the 2023-24 season. As I exited Norm Lewis’ performance around this time last year, a massive poster with Morrisons’ picture adorned the lobby, accompanied by… Read More ›
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Liberty Magic’s ‘Spotlight on the Burgh’ Personifies What Makes Pittsburgh Magical
By JESSICA NEU Liberty Magic is celebrating its fifth season as Pittsburgh’s self-proclaimed “hidden gem” of the Cultural District. Since the conclusion of its first season, Liberty Magic has featured a Spotlight on the Burgh performance that highlights local magicians, as its annual… Read More ›
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Review: ‘God of Carnage’ at the Theatre Factory
By JESSICA NEW If we reflect on pop culture history, we can likely recall numerous examples of allegorical tales of suburban relational dysfunction. From American Beauty to Revolutionary Road and Married with Children, dramatic comedies that use humor to alleviate the discomfort from the… Read More ›
