Reviews

Reviews of current productions by our writers

Review: Quantum Theatre’s ’10 Out of 12′ Experience Is an Unconventional Love Letter to Theatermakers

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10 Out of 12 — the working and break hours in a day prescribed by union rules — celebrates the unsung behind-the-scenes heroes who make sure the magic happens. It’s also a time when mundane, often funny conversations flow through headphones, bored or boorish actors stir up trouble, along with the emergence of old wounds and outside distractions. 

Disruptions abound, with those 10 hours proving to be necessary if ever the doors will open on opening night, as they did on Friday, April 3, for Quantum Theatre’s production of Anne Washburn’s laugh-out-loud and often maddening play, now at Mellon Institute.

Having the audience wear headphones and be in on every conversation worked beautifully, judging by the laughter all around me. Simple instructions at the entry were all we needed to be in on the unseen action.

Review: ‘Water for Elephants’ Soars With the Thrills of Circus and Puppet Artistry

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The reasons to flock to see Water for Elephants are not your typical musical theater must-haves. They include thrilling circus artistry and innovative puppetry, and, for those in the know, experiencing the adaptation of a beloved book-turned-movie-turned-theatrical romance. The touring company’s edge-of-seat daring was on display on opening night, as performers were tossed and caught, or were hanging and tumbling by a figurative thread, with only each other as a net.

Review: Pittsburgh Public Theater Finale ‘Primary Trust’ Uncovers the Helpers in Troubled Times

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Pittsburgh Public Theater’s heartwarming production of the Pulitzer Prize-winning play “Primary Trust” illustrates how far simple acts of kindness and empathy can go in uplifting spirits, and perhaps, changing lives forever, for the better. A quartet of Pittsburgh’s most accomplished performers — Monteze Freeland, Malic Maat, Bria Walker-Rhoze and Sam Turich, the latter two in multiple roles — are so darn likable and engaging in their roles, the play feels like a warm embrace of hope for all of its 90 minutes.

Review: Comfort From Infinite Pain Abides in the Indomitable Women of ‘Infinite Life’

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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.

Review: Patti LuPone Mines Matters of the Heart

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Patti LuPone’s eyes lit up and her smile was as wide as it had been all evening while entertaining a packed Byham Theater on Tuesday night. 2026 marks the 25th year of the concert she had just performed, titled Matters of the Heart, and she had been told she was on this same spot 25 years ago. She has been back since, but this memory spark delight. Even so, she began the night by saying “Hi Pittsburgh. I’m Patti LuPone,” as if we needed an introduction. Or, perhaps, the woman shimmering from within and wearing sparkly white, was just ready to get reacquainted.

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