By SHARON EBERSON Just one more thing, Delana Flowers was saying, before our goodbyes. She had been discussing her return to Dinah: A musical revue, as Dinah Washington, who declared herself the Queen of the Blues and had a remarkable… Read More ›
Sam Lothard
Review: New Horizon Premiere Biomusical Pays Overdue Homage to Willie Dixon
By SHARON EBERSON Willie Dixon stands as tall in forging the foundation of American popular music as a certain “ten-dollar Founding Father” did in paving the foundation of our country. But unlike that other guy, Dixon comes with a ready-made… Read More ›
New Horizon Theater Debuts Willie Dixon Biomusical ‘Blues Is the Roots’
“The blues is the roots, everything else is the fruits.” – Willie Dixon By SHARON EBERSON Pittsburgh actor Sam Lothard will channel blues pioneer Willie Dixon in the premiere production of Blues Is the Roots, a biomusical by actor, activist… Read More ›
REVIEW: Pittsburgh Playwrights Theatre Presents August Wilson’s ‘Joe Turner’s Come and Gone’
By BOB HOOVER Defeated, angry Black men are at the center of numerous August Wilson plays. Still, none is angrier and more dangerous than Herald Loomis in Joe Turner’s Come and Gone, now playing at the August Wilson House, 1727 Bedford Ave.,… Read More ›
Prime Stage Theatre Presents ‘Harriet Tubman and the Underground Railroad’
Harriet Tubman and the Underground Railroad is based on her true story, adapted by Douglas Jones and directed by Linda Haston. The production runs January 20 – 29, 2023, with evening performances at 7:00 pm and matinees at 2:30. Harriet Tubman and the Underground… Read More ›
Review: ‘Green Book’ play opens doors to family strength amid racial strife
By SHARON EBERSON New Horizon Theater is in the midst of its 30th season, and it’s first with the designation “Pittsburgh Cultural Treasure.” The Heinz Foundation bestowed the honor in December 2021 for presenting “consistent, high-quality cultural events that reflect… Read More ›
“Midnight Radio’s: The Wonderful Wizard of Oz”
By Brian Pope Can you name a place more magical than the emerald-spangled, poppy-pink land of Oz where witches, wizards, and munchkins (Oh my!) call home? It’s a place where not only the fantastical imagination of L. Frank Baum resides… Read More ›
“Savior Samuel”
By Brian Pope Faith is in the eye of the beholder. It is an abstract concept. It is reliant on context. It is difficult to hold on to when the harsh realities become overwhelming. The consequences of not having faith… Read More ›
Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom
“1-2-You know what to do…” With Pittsburgh Playwright Theatre Company’s sterling reputation as the city’s premier interpreter of August Wilson’s work, one would think it’s as easy as counting to three for them to mount yet another searing and soulful… Read More ›