Our thoughts on the state of the performing arts in Greater Pittsburgh and nationally.
By SHARON EBERSON By the numbers, the Pittsburgh premiere of Bandstand: A New American Musical is the largest show ever mounted by Front Porch Theatricals. By the emotional breadth of the show about returning World War II veterans, it also… Read More ›
The Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra (PSO) Board and Management and the Pittsburgh Musician’s Union Local No. 60-471, American Federation of Musicians have ratified a new three-year trade agreement beginning September 2, 2024 and running through the 2026-27 season. The new agreement… Read More ›
City Theatre and three regional partners have commissioned Lauren Gunderson, one of America’s most-produced playwrights, to adapt Little Women for a coast-to-coast launch. In partnership with Northlight Theatre (Skokie, Illinois), People’s Light (Malvern, PA) and TheatreWorks Silicon Valley (Palo Alto,… Read More ›
Over the years, Kelly Strayhorn Theater (KST) has envisioned and brought to life groundbreaking initiatives with Pittsburgh-based artists, youth, families, East End residents, and Black and queer communities for nearly 25 years. Situated in East Liberty, KST has fostered cultural… Read More ›
By SHARON EBERSON The colorful totem outside of a Shadyside storefront signifies a convergence happening there, at Eons Fashion Antique, inspired by the man for all seasons inside. Richard Parsakian, the 2024 grand marshal of Pittsburgh Pride, perhaps best known… Read More ›
Deana Muro and Joe Jackson accept the challenge of staging a beast of a musical for Front Porch By SHARON EBERSON Music director Deana Muro called the prospect of Bandstand terrifying. So she had to do it. Director-choreographer Joe Jackson,… Read More ›
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 ›
In 2022, MTAP—Musical Theatre Artists of Pittsburgh—produced six new mini-musicals written by six teams of collaborating regional artists under the collective title of Hot Metal Shorts. MTAP now invites regional artists to participate in the second round of collaboration on the… Read More ›
This relatable and touching play explores themes of family, change, and the passage of time with warmth and insight. Painting Churches, written by Tina Howe, was a Pulitzer Prize for Drama finalist. The play is about the relationship between an artist’s… Read More ›
By BOB HOOVER Atmosphere and acting. Quantum Theatre’s wholehearted embrace of Eugene O’Neill’s last play blends the cricket-filled night of a wooded hill overlooking the Allegheny River with the moving performances of its leading cast — Melessie Clark, Wali Jamal, and Brett Mack. Rounding out… Read More ›
