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.
Karla Payne
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.
Pittsburgh Playwrights Theatre Co.’s Leader Continues 19th-Century Journey With Pre-Emancipation ‘Art of Wise’
NEW 3-PLAY SUMMER FESTIVAL WILL HONOR AUGUST WILSON A newly minted three-play festival, titled the August Wilson American Century Cycle Experience, will run for six weeks this summer, said Pittsburgh Playwrights Theatre Company’s Mark Clayton Southers, offering a sneak peek… Read More ›
‘Radio Golf’ Puts Pittsburgh Playwrights’ Southers One Shy of Twice Around August Wilson’s Cycle
By SHARON EBERSON Mark Clayton Southers pauses periodically to instruct son Marcus and nephew Matthew as they work behind the scenes: “Lemme see what you got. Oh, perfect. Get the big ladder. OK. Marcus, call your mom right now though…. Read More ›
The Best of Pittsburgh Theater 2023
By SHARON EBERSON So much Pittsburgh theater, so little time is among my top picks for the subtitle of my theater-going life. A good overall title might be: “There’s No Business Like Covering Show Business.” Combine those two, and you… Read More ›
