If you love rapid-fire, eye-rolling puns, the North American Tour of “Shucked,” now at the Benedum Center, will fill you to overflowing with “farm to fable” lunacy and laughter.
Benedum Center
Review: ‘Water for Elephants’ Soars With the Thrills of Circus and Puppet Artistry
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.
‘Water for Elephants’ Is Theatrical by Leaps and Bounds and Puppets
“Water For Elephants: The Musical,” coming to the Benedum Center March 31-April 5, is purposefully, unapologetically theatrical. The show that takes its inspiration from the 2006 novel by Sara Gruen, comes alive with circus performers and life-sized puppets, including the elephant Rosie, a horse named Silver Star, and a dog named Queenie.
Pittsburgh CLO and Pittsburgh Public Theater Vote to Form New Organization, Starting January 2027
PITTSBURGH CLO & PITTSBURGH PUBLIC THEATER ENTER INTO A COMBINED NEW MODEL
The first full season will debut in January of next year, with the programming lineup expected to be announced by early fall.
Nick Traficante Brings Hometown Pride to the Legendary Musical Chicago
By JESSICA NEU Ever since graduating from Peters Township High School, Pittsburgh native Nick Traficante has been making a name for himself in the musical theater world. After appearing in the national tour of Annie and regional productions of Jesus Christ Superstar, A Chorus Line,… Read More ›
‘Beauty and the Beast’: A Familiar Tale, Reimagined on Broadway at the Benedum
Between dazzling spectacle and subtle reinterpretation, this revival reveals how even the most familiar fairy tales continue to evolve alongside the societies that keep retelling them. By GUILHERME MELETTI YAZBEK In 1994, Disney arrived on Broadway not merely by entering… Read More ›
Ballet to Broadway: an Interview with Leigh-Ann Esty – a Swing and Understudy for ‘Disney’s Beauty and the Beast’
By JESSICA NEU The Benedum Center has invited Disney’s Beauty and the Beast to ‘be their guest’ from Tuesday, February 24th, through March 1st. The production marks the 30th anniversary of Disney’s groundbreaking musical that brings the beloved 1991 film to life…. Read More ›
Bringing a Tale as Old as Time Back to Pittsburgh, an Interview with Grace Marie Rusnica
By GUILHERME YAZBEK A tale as old as time is about to take over Pittsburgh. Disney’s Beauty and the Beast arrives in the city in a dazzling new North American tour—the first major U.S. staging of the beloved musical in more… Read More ›
Updated: Wicked Winter Weather Forces Cancellations, Postponements
Due to the winter storm expected to blanket the Pittsburgh area on Sunday, January 25, 2026, cancellation and postponements of performances are inevitable. Ticket-holders, stay safe, and keep checking back with box-offices websites and by phone.
Review: Defying Expectations and Dazzling Audiences – ‘Wicked’ Remains Wonderful
By JESSICA NEU When I interviewed Wicked ensemble member Just Wirick, he noted, “You never forget the first time seeing Wicked.” The show leaves such an indelible mark that the experience becomes a core memory. I first saw Wicked at the Benedumin 2006. My friend and I drove down… Read More ›