Author Archives
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Review: Comfort From Infinite Pain Abides in the Indomitable Women of ‘Infinite Life’
Chronic pain has invaded the bodies of every character in “Infinite Life,” a constant companion as they lounge in the sun, ruminating on their paths to a fasting clinic, sipping water, hungering for peace, conjuring distractions and supporting each other in their separate journeys. In a quietly compelling 110 minutes, the Annie Baker play now at barebones productions in Braddock, does not tick off any boxes of expectations; rather, it lives and breathes in a singular realm of slow-burn storytelling.
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If Laughter Is the Best Medicine, Play On
In the Tony Award-winning “Eureka Day” (Best Play Revival of 2025), arriving at City Theatre this week, affluent parents who have sent their children to a utopian high-achieving private school are faced with an unexpected and up-to-the-second quandary: a difference of opinion on vaccinations. So why am I laughing?
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And For City Theatre’s ‘Next Act,’ An Expanded 2026-2027 Season
In addition to a 5-show subscription lineup and special events, Bricolage and RealTime Arts will be in residence By SHARON EBERSON City Theatre has themed its 52nd season as “Our Next Act,” featuring a five-show subscription lineup, with two world… Read More ›
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Barebones Assembles a Starry Cast for ‘Infinite Life’
In rehearsal these days, an abundance of riches faces back at Patrick Jordan as he directs some of the leading ladies of the Pittsburgh stage — Tami Dixon, Sheila McKenna, Karla Payne, Helena Ruoti, and Cary Anne Spear — in “Infinite Life.” The Annie Baker play, opening Friday, March 6, 2026, at barebones productions’ Braddock black box, focuses on a group of mature women in physical pain. They share their stories, and their longings, while lounging on the patio of a Northern California fasting clinic.
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Winners Crowned in 2026 Shakespeare Monologue & Scene Contest
Pittsburgh Public Theater’s 32nd annual Shakespeare Monologue & Scene Contest had participants from grads 4-12 chanting, “Shakespeare! Shakespeare!,” as if the competition had been a sporting event. In naming the winners, It was much ado about a whole lot of love of language and performance, training and outcome, and good sportsmanship all around, at the O’Reilly Theater on Monday night.
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This Week at Pittsburgh Public Theater: Shakespeare Monologue & Scene Contest, Launch of Lobby Series
Pittsburgh Public Theater’s 32nd annual Shakespeare Monologue & Scene Contest will crown winners in two divisions at 7 p.m., Monday, February 23, 2026, at the O’Reilly Theater. On Thursday, February 27, the Public kicks off its new Lobby Series, a community-driven initiative billed as “your chance to help transform the O’Reilly Theater lobby into a lively third place for connection and creativity.”
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Musical Comedy Is Their Jam: Quinn Patrick Shannon and Connor McCanlus Team for PMT’s ‘Annie’
“Annie” was not a show on Connor McCanlus‘ dance card as a performer. Until now. At auditions for Pittsburgh Musical Theater’s professional production of “Annie,” set for the Byham Theater February 19-March 1, 2026, McCanlus made his pitch and won the role of Annie’s nemesis, Miss Hannigan, with Quinn Patrick Shannon directing. The friends talked about their teaming for the show before a recent rehearsal, and lots of laughter ensued.
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5 Questions With Scott Logsdon and Aaron Gandy, Co-Creators of ‘Romero & Juliet’ Musical
By SHARON EBERSON Valentine’s Day weekend is upon us, and so thoughts naturally turn to romance and … zombies? It’s also a Friday the 13th weekend, so perhaps it’s the perfect balance for the 1980s-inspired zombie-rock musical Romero & Juliet… Read More ›
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A Love Story Launched With Correspondence, Continues With ‘Love Letters’
Opening this Valentine’s Day weekend, Tammy and Zachary Wyatt will be onstage, together, for the first time, reading “Love Letters,” an enduring play told entirely through correspondence. It is reminiscent of their own love story, which began with handwritten letters, before the retired CIA agent and actress met in person.
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Doing the Right Thing Isn’t as Simple as it Seems in ‘An Enemy of the People’
As Pittsburgh Public Theater prepares to present “An Enemy of the People,” first published in 1882, and revived for the 10th time on Broadway in 2024, the play’s themes remain top of mind. The meaning behind Ibsen’s words, however, has given rise to a different perspective for director Marya Sea Kaminski.
