Author Archives
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Javon Johnson’s ‘Sanctified’ Sings to the Heavens for Generational Unity
The Star of ‘The Oval’ Directs His Own Work for Pittsburgh Playwrights Theatre Company By SHARON EBERSON Even with rehearsals underway, Javon Johnson is still surprised that Sanctified is making its first appearance on a Pittsburgh stage. He chalks up… Read More ›
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Review: Betrayal of Trust Fuels Heartbreak in ‘Layon Gray’s Feed the Beast’
By SHARON EBERSON Knowing the destiny of the unwilling participants in the infamous Tuskegee syphilis experiment doesn’t ease the heartbreak stirred by the men of Feed the Beast. Writer, director and costar Layon Gray has the uncanny ability to create… Read More ›
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Review: Timely Satire Fuels Public’s Fiery ‘Trouble in Mind’
By SHARON EBERSON Actress Wiletta Mayer has been invisible in plain sight, without even realizing it. But that’s about change. After 25 years as a performer, the Black actress has earned what should be the role of a lifetime. She… Read More ›
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Review: Ties That Bind Face Challenges in ‘Years to the Day’
By SHARON EBERSON Two old friends walk into a coffee shop, having not seen each other for eight years. They hug, they reminisce, they sip their coffees, they argue, they each deliver shock and awe over life-changing events. And so… Read More ›
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New Public Space ‘Arts Landing’ Will Greet 2026 NFL Draft Attendees to Downtown Pittsburgh
By SHARON EBERSON
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Your Guide to 2025 Western PA Spring High School Musicals
Compiled by SHARON EBERSON OnStage Pittsburgh is changing things up for the annual listing of Western Pennsylvania spring high school musicals, 2025 edition. As February begins, more than a dozen schools are nearly on the eve of their performances, while… Read More ›
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Pittsburgh Public Has Had ‘Trouble in Mind’ Since Before Its Broadway Debut
By SHARON EBERSON The headline of The New York Times review declared: “ ‘Trouble in Mind,’ 66 Years Late and Still On Time.” That was in 2021, when Alice Childress’s 1955 play made its Broadway debut, to the tune of… Read More ›
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‘Hamilton’s’ Christopher Jackson Set for Trust Cabaret Spotlight
By SHARON EBERSON Christopher Jackson was asking about place to eat and things to do in Pittsburgh, and suddenly, an idea painted a vivid picture: It was of the regal General George Washington, overlooking the Golden Triangle from Mount Washington…. Read More ›
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Survivor of Clergy Abuse Turns Rage Into Advocacy in ‘Unreconciled’
By SHARON EBERSON This year marks 20 years since the release of the Pennsylvania grand jury report on clergy abuse. It also marks 40 years since actor Jay Sefton went from carefree 13-year-old to abuse survivor, and sparked his autobiographical… Read More ›
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Not Forgotten: U.S. Premiere Illuminates Contributions of 18th-Century Abolitionist Benjamin Lay
Director Ron Daniels and historian Marcus Rediker recount the play’s journey to Quantum Theatre By SHARON EBERSON Side by side on the Zoom screen, avoiding icy streets and freezing temperatures, were the eminent director Ron Daniels and award-winning historian and… Read More ›
