Author Archives
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Frida Kahlo’s Story Is Retold in Pittsburgh Public’s Season Finale
By SHARON EBERSON Of Frida Kahlo’s 143 known paintings, 55 are self-portraits. They are painted in bold strokes, with the artist’s face often in three-quarter pose, her eyes engaging the viewer. It’s a strikingly familiar face to anyone with knowledge… Read More ›
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Review: Kinetic’s ‘Every Brilliant Thing’ Faces Darkness With Hope and Humor
By SHARON EBERSON The alchemy of Every Brilliant Thing is a wonder that apparently works with just one consistent ingredient. Marcus Weiss is the lone actor, guide, soothing presence and often everything everywhere all at once. He leads the audience… Read More ›
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Create PA Launched to Build Skilled Stage and Screen Workforce in Pittsburgh
Conceived by Pittsburgh Film Office and Pittsburgh Public Theater leaders, the initiative plans to train behind-the-scenes workers for union jobs By SHARON EBERSON Two dynamos meet at the Duquesne Club. When the meeting is over, they shake hands, and Create… Read More ›
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Review: Billy Porter Delivers Dynamic Concert, Feels the Hometown Love at Heinz Hall
By SHARON EBERSON The sparkling talent and dedicated drive were always there, pushing against walls of denial and prejudice. Then along came some dynamite named Lola, and Billy Porter became the unstoppable force he was always meant to be. The… Read More ›
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Kelly Awards Highlights to Air on ‘CBS News Pittsburgh’
An hour-long program of highlights from the 2023 Gene Kelly Awards for High School Musical Theater Excellence can be viewed on CBS News Pittsburgh on Wednesday, May 31, at 8 p.m. You can find it on the CBS News App, Pluto TV… Read More ›
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Review: Laughs and Truisms Flow in New Horizon’s ‘Chicken & Biscuits’
By SHARON EBERSON Truisms abound in the laugh-out-loud comedy Chicken & Biscuits, with one in particular that bears repeating: “Family is a loaded word.” And to that I say, “Amen!” There are many occasions to say, “Amen,” punctuating a point… Read More ›
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Elizabeth Forward Completes Comeback, Wins Big at 2023 Gene Kelly Awards
By SHARON EBERSON In a dazzling display of talent Saturday night, the big winners at the 2023 Gene Kelly Awards for Excellence in High School Musical Theatre were Our Lady of Sacred Heart, Westinghouse Arts Academy, Hampton and the comeback… Read More ›
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Preview: Kinetic Theatre’s ‘Every Brilliant Thing’ Mines Humor and Hope in Dark Places
Previews begin on May 25th By SHARON EBERSON Mental health is no joke, so a comedy about depression might seem like a contradiction. Not so, says Marcus Weiss, the performer at the center of the play Every Brilliant Thing, which… Read More ›
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New Showcase Puts Drag Performers at the Whim of the ‘Wheel of Drag’
By Sharon Eberson Joe King got a call at just the right time. Sheree Goldstein wanted a recommendation to put on a drag show at the Square Cafe in East Liberty, and he wanted to try something new. The King… Read More ›
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A New Horizon for Broadway’s ‘Chicken & Biscuits’: Directed by Eileen Morris in Pittsburgh
By Sharon Eberson There’s a name on the cast list that might make you stop and say, “Whoa, that Sheldon Ingram?” Yes, indeed, it is the WTAE-TV reporter who has been branching out into acting and voice work, including playing… Read More ›