BroadwayWorld.com Pittsburgh Stories

Alton Brown Comes to Pittsburgh, February 2014

Fri, 24 May 2013 13:11:58 PST

Alton Brown, Iron Chef host and renowned television personality is taking his brand of quirky humor and culinary science on the road with the "Alton Brown Live! The Edible Inevitable Tour." Brown will appear at the Byham Theater on Sunday, February 24th, 2014 at 8:00 PM. Tickets go on sale Friday, June 7th, 2013. Tickets start at $29.50 and a limited number of VIP tickets that include a meet and greet will be available. For information and tickets: visit www.TrustArts.org, call (412) 456-6666, or in person: Theater Square Box Office, 655 Penn Avenue. To purchase 10 or more tickets at discounted rates, please call (412) 471-6930. The performance is a part of the Cohen & Grigsby Trust Presents series presented by The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust.

Recently named Best Food TV Personality at The Munchies, Brown's tour promises to be an eventful evening of stand-up comedy, talks show antics, multimedia lecture, live music and food experimentation. Be prepared. Ponchos will be involved. The show will offer an interactive component in which audience members will have the opportunity to serve as Brown's trusted assistants on stage. For those hoping to sip at the pure source oF Brownian wit and wisdom, this is a must-see extravaganza for the whole family.

Brown said, "I've been cultivating material for this show for about a decade so it'll feel pretty darned good to finally get it out of my head and onto a stage. I feel we've come up with some pretty amazing food demos, and the multi-media segments are solid....but I do have to say I'm a bit nervous about the singing parts."

To coincide with the announcement of the national tour, Alton Brown will be doing an "Ask Me Anything" session on Reddit starting at 3pm EST on Friday, May 24th, 2013.

Photo Flash: First Look at Pittsburgh CLO's SIDE BY SIDE BY SONDHEIM

Thu, 23 May 2013 18:57:33 PST

Pittsburgh CLO presents the Stephen Sondheim celebration, Side By Side By Sondheim, which will run tonight, May 23 through August 18 at the CLO Cabaret. BroadwayWorld has a first look at the cast in action below!

Side by Side by Sondheim features Music by Stephen Sondheim, Leonard Bernstein, Jule Styne, Richard Rodgers, Mary Rodgers, Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and Continuity by Ned Sherrin.

This highly-acclaimed musical revue is a celebration of America's greatest living composer! Side By Side By Sondheim is a dazzling collection of songs by Broadway's musical master, Stephen Sondheim. You'll laugh, cry and fall in love with music from many of his very best works including: Company, Follies, A Little Night Music, A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, Anyone Can Whistle and Pacific Overtures. This exciting celebration of America's greatest living composer also features the classics he wrote with musical theater giants Leonard Bernstein, Jule Styne and Richard Rodgers - West Side Story, Gypsy and Do I Hear a Waltz?

Michael Campayno returns to the CLO Cabaret after appearing as Gene in 'S Wonderful: The New Gershwin Musical. In addition, his Pittsburgh CLO credits include: Jekyll and Hyde, Jesus Christ Superstar, Love Changes Everything and The Sound of Music. North Shore Music Theatre: All Shook Up (u/s Chad). BFA Musical Theatre, Carnegie Mellon University 2014.

Billy Hepfinger is making his CLO Cabaret debut. A graduate of Princeton and a Pittsburgh native, Mr. Hepfinger's local credits include Pittsburgh CLO (A Musical Christmas Carol, Young Washington), Pittsburgh Irish and Classical Theatre (Three Sisters, Ivanov), Pittsburgh Musical Theater (Hairspray, The Sound of Music), City Theatre (2011 Young Playwrights Festival) and Carrnivale Theatrics (Next to Normal). Mr. Hepfinger appeared this winter in a developmental workshop of the new musical Tamar of the River with Prospect Theater Company in New York. Most recently, he originated the role of Alex in the world premiere of Antarktikos at the REP.

Daniel Krell is making his CLO Cabaret debut after performing in over 35 Pittsburgh CLO productions. Mr. Krell was most recently seen at the Pittsburgh Public Theater as Dr. Lyman Hall in their much acclaimed production of 1776. He has played a variety of major roles with the region's professional theaters, such as Pittsburgh Public, City Theatre, Quantum, Bricolage, PICT, and The Rep as well as with theaters around the country, including Gateway Playhouse, PlayMakers Repertory, and Clarence Brown Theatre among others. Mr. Krell is also a veteran of many films, commercials, industrials, and voice-overs.

Kristiann Menotiades returns for her ninth show at the CLO Cabaret. Favorites include: Shear Madness; I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change; My Way: A Tribute to Frank Sinatra and Ruthless! The Musical. Other credits include Audrey in Little Shop of Horrors, Alice Miller in My Favorite Year, Yonah in Children of Eden and Madge in the new work play Enlightenment at The City Theatre. Ms. Menotiades is also an instructor at the Pittsburgh CLO Academy and the director of Fox Chapel High School's fall play.

Lenora Nemetz is one of a rare breed in theater today, having performed on Broadway in Cabaret, Bob Fosse's Original Chicago, Working, Up In One with Peter Allen, The Rink, Pajama Game, and the 2008 Tony Award revival of Gypsy. National tours include Sweet Charity, Cabaret, Bye Bye Birdie and Some Like It Hot. Ms. Nemetz has starred in over 20 CLO productions, and is returning to the Cabaret after appearing as Sister Robert Anne in Nunsense.

Caroline Nicolian has worked for numerous theater companies in the Pittsburgh area such as Pittsburgh Musical Theatre and Carrnivale Theatrics, and received her B.F.A. in Musical Theatre from Point Park University. Some of her past credits include Can-Can! (La Mome Pistache), Into the Woods (The Witch), Evita (Eva Peron) and the title role in Jane Eyre the Musical.

Creative team: Richard Sabellico (Director & Choreographer), Brent Alexander (Musical Director), Douglas Levine (Associate Music Director), Tony Ferrieri (Scenic Designer), Andy Ostrowski (Lighting Designer), Tim Brady (Production Stage Manager).

Tickets range from $34.75-$44.75 and are available online at CLOCabaret.com, by calling 412-456-6666 or at the Box Office at Theater Square. Groups of 10 or more can call the Group Sales Hotline at 412-325-1582 to learn more about special discounts, priority seating and corporate discounts. Visit pittsburghCLO.org for more information.

Caroline Nicolian, Billy Hepfinger, Lenora Nemetz and Daniel Krell

Lenora Nemetz and Daniell Krell

Caroline Nicolian and Billy Hepfinger

Caroline Nicolian

August Wilson Center for African American Culture Presents THE FIRST VOICE Festival, Now thru 5/25

Thu, 23 May 2013 21:51:07 PST

The August Wilson Center for African American Culture is proud to present the fifth annual First Voice: A Pittsburgh Black Arts Festival. This year's class of 2013 fellows celebrates both the creator and the creative process as four regional artists explore the definition Black Art.

Fellow: Marlana Vassar
Gallery Talk: Call & Response
May 23 | 7 pm | FREE

Under the mentorship of Cecile Shellman, Artistic Director of Visual Arts and Exhibitions, Marlana Vassar has created a series of large-scale paintings that reflect visual narratives of local theatrical, music, and dance concerts. These works depict the human figure and decorative patterns. More significantly, Marlana's interpretation of these performances through paint are soulfully poetic.

Fellow: Nikki Young
Staged Reading: Things Not Seen
May 24 | 8 pm | FREE

Part character study, part conspiracy suspense, "Things Not Seen" explores various sociopolitical issues within the context of one woman's discovery of a dangerous secret that causes her to question everything she thought she knew.

This multi-media presentation will include the premiere of a theatrical trailer for the film, along with a staged reading presentation that incorporates various visual and audio elements to give the audience a firsthand look at the development of this feature film project.

Fellow: Nathan James
Growing Pains
May 25 | 8 pm | $10

Through spoken word poetry, monologues, movement and multi-media imagery, Nathan James' one-man show, Growing Pains, illuminates the voice of the true authentic culture of the Hip Hop generation. It takes a first-hand look at the births of the mentalities of urban African-American males. Tapping into the part of the human spirit that enables us to empathize with one another, Growing Pains examines the influence of media and upbringing over the way we view politics, beauty, each other, and most importantly ourselves.

ART EXHIBITIONS

SOLO Exhibits
Through June 29 | Tuesday - Saturday | 11 am - 6 pm
Fees apply

SOLO Exhibits features three individual exhibitions of fiber art, printmaking, painting and sculpture by Leslie Ansley, Jo-Anne Bates and Tina Brewer. Each artist has drawn inspiration from inward journeys recalling African heritage, reflecting on the Diaspora, or literal pilgrimages to the African continent.

Support for this exhibition is generously provided to the August Wilson Center for African American Culture from The Fine Foundation.

Pittsburgh CLO Presents SIDE BY SIDE BY SONDHEIM, Now thru 8/18

Thu, 23 May 2013 00:30:00 PST

Pittsburgh CLO presents the Stephen Sondheim celebration, Side By Side By Sondheim, which will run tonight, May 23 through August 18 at the CLO Cabaret.

Richard Sabellico (Director & Choreographer) is an award winning director, seasoned Broadway actor as well as a respected acting coach and script adapter. Mr. Sabellico directed, choreographed and adapted the critically-acclaimed American Jewish Theatre production of The Cocoanuts and its transfer to Broadway. He has also directed Wonderful Town at Lincoln Center, Leonard Bernstein: A Helluva Town at Rainbow and Stars as well as a revised version of Jerry Herman's first musical Milk and Honey. He was nominated for two Outer Critics Circle and one Drama Desk Award for his work on I Can Get It for You Wholesale and Rags. Mr. Sabellico directed the American premiere of Willy Russell's Blood Brothers and was Associate Director to Arthur Laurents on Tyne Daly's Broadway revival of Gypsy. He has directed in most major venues throughout the United States. As an actor, he's performed in seven Broadway shows, most notably as Rooster in Annie and as Pasty in Gypsy. Mr. Sabellico also starred as Lord Evelyn Oakleigh in the National Tour of Anything Goes with legendary star, Mitzi Gaynor.

Brent Alexander (Musical Director) returns to the CLO Cabaret after serving as musical director for A Grand Night for Singing and Ruthless! The Musical. Dr. Alexander has also worked with the CLO Academy, Pittsburgh Musical Theater, and many other Pittsburgh area Regional and Community Theaters over the past 14 years as a musical director, vocal coach, and accompanist/keyboardist. He currently serves as the Director of Choral Activities at Carlow University in Pittsburgh, and is on the music and musical theater faculties of Robert Morris University and CCAC South, and at PMT's Richard Rauh Conservatory.

Douglas Levine (Associate Music Director) is a pianist, composer, arranger and musical director based in his hometown of Pittsburgh. His original scores include Eastburn Avenue, Mother Courage and Peer Gynt (Playhouse REP), Stuff (Gateway to the Arts), Losing It (Raymond Laine Memorial One Acts), Deadend (Attack Theatre), Mimoun (Pennsylvania Dance Theatre), Colorfast (Pittsburgh International Children's Theater Festival) and Shakespeare Street (Playhouse Junior). Doug has written or arranged music for companies including City Theatre, Pittsburgh Public Theater, Pittsburgh Musical Theater, Pittsburgh Irish & Classical Theatre, Opera Theater of Pittsburgh and The Renaissance City Women's Choir. He is an adjunct faculty member of Point Park University's Conservatory of Performing Arts.

Tony Ferrieri (Scenic Designer) Awards and milestones include nearly 34 years with City Theatre, New Works Festival Lifetime Achievement Award, "Designer of the Year" by the City Paper and Post-Gazette, "Frankel Award," "Fred Kelly Award for Outstanding Achievement," "Harry Schwalb Excellence in the Arts Award," features in Live Design, and Stage Directions, and set designs for over 480 productions. Recent Pittsburgh CLO designs include: You Say Tomato, I Say Shut Up!; A Grand Night for Singing and Girls Only - The Secret Comedy of Women. Other designs include: Abigail/1702, Seminar and South Side Stories (City Theatre), John Gabriel Borkman, Ainadamar (Quantum Theatre). Other credits include designs for Milieu Theatrics NY, Jewish Theatre of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh Playwrights Theatre, Pittsburgh Opera, Carrnivale Theatrics, Pittsburgh Irish and Classical Theatre, Emelin Theatre, Northlight Theatre, barebones productions, Madison Rep, TheatreWorks, 1812 Productions, Playhouse Rep, Playhouse Conservatory, Tuesday Musical Club, Theatre at Hartwood, Gargaro Productions, Physical Theatre Project, Spur of the Moment Theatre, Chatham College, University of Pittsburgh, Development Dimensions International, Saltworks and Unseam'd.

Andy Ostrowski (Lighting Designer) recently designed You Say Tomato, I Say Shut Up! and A Grand Night for Singing for Pittsburgh CLO, Bolero for PSO, PNME's summer season, "August Osage County" for The Rep at the Pittsburgh Playhouse, "Rigoletto" for Pittsburgh Opera and City Theatre's POP. National credits include: The Asolo, Virginia Stage Company, North Shore Music Theatre, Merrimack Repertory, Arden Theatre, Spoleto Festival USA, Dallas Summer Musicals, Theater of the Stars, Madison Opera and others. International: productions in Ireland, Scotland, Sweden, France, and touring all of Western Europe.

Tim Brady (Production Stage Manager) returns for his ninth season as PSM at the CLO Cabaret. As an actor, he has appeared in 11 productions of Pittsburgh CLO's A Musical Christmas Carol and various summer season productions. Other local theaters that Mr. Brady has performed with include The Pittsburgh Pops, Starlight Productions, The New Pittsburgh Jewish Theatre, Stage Right and The Theater Factory. Mr. Brady was also the managing director of the Conley Inn Dinner Theater in Irwin for 17 years.

Side by Side by Sondheim features Music by Stephen Sondheim, Leonard Bernstein, Jule Styne, Richard Rodgers, Mary Rodgers, Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and Continuity by Ned Sherrin.

Performance Schedule for Side By Side By Sondheim: Wednesdays 7:30pm; Thursdays 1:00pm* & 7:30pm *Thursday matinees - 6/27, 7/25, 8/15; Fridays 7:30pm; Saturdays 2:00pm & 7:30pm; and Sundays 2:00pm.

Since 1946, the Pittsburgh CLO has been the driving force behind live musical theater in Pittsburgh and the entire Southwestern Pennsylvania region. Under the direction of Van Kaplan since 1997, this not-for-profit arts organization appreciates the support of nearly 200,000 patrons each year and produces a subscription series, educational programs, national tours and develops and invests in new works, including 18 Broadway shows (13 Tony Awards) featuring the recent productions of Cinderella, Kinky Boots and Matilda. Its dedication to the musical theater art form extends to include such programs as the CLO Academy, the CLO Mini Stars, the Gene Kelly Awards, the Richard Rodgers Award the National High School Musical Theater Awards, the Construction Center for the Arts and the CLO Cabaret.

THE NIGHT THOREAU SPENT IN JAIL Comes to Throughline Theatre, 6/7-15

Tue, 21 May 2013 17:36:06 PST

Teacher, writer, and philosopher Henry David Thoreau looks back on his life and the chain of events that lead to his incarceration for refusing to pay a tax that will fund the Mexican-American War, a war he believes to be unjust.

As Thoreau reflects on all of his past relationships with his family, his love, and his friend and mentor Ralph Waldo Emerson, the play shifts fluidly through time and space, culminating in a feverish, nightmarish vision of the war that he sacrifices his freedom to oppose.

The Night Thoreau Spent in Jail is the first production in Throughline Theatre's fourth season, their second season at The Grey Box Theatre in Lawrenceville, following a wildly successful 2012 season. Pittsburgh City Paper called Throughline's 2012 production of August: Osage County "spellbinding."

Throughline Theatre Company's four-show season focuses on the relationship between past, present, and future by presenting plays from varied time periods and arranging them to highlight their thematic and stylistic similarities.

The Night Thoreau Spent in Jail opens Friday, June 7, at 8pm and runs until Saturday, June 15. The opening night performance will be followed by a reception where food and drinks will be provided and audience members can meet the cast. Thursday and Friday performances start at 8pm, Saturdays at 2pm and 8pm. Tickets are $15 or $12 for students and seniors. Tickets for the Opening Night Reception are an additional $10. Tickets are available at the door or in advance online at throughline.showclix.com.

THE GERSHWINS' PORGY AND BESS Opens February 25 in Pittsburgh

Tue, 21 May 2013 11:37:17 PST

The National Tour of THE GERSHWINS' PORGY AND BESS, winner of the 2012 Tony Award for Best Musical Revival, will star original Broadway cast members Alicia Hall Moranas Bess, Nathaniel Stampley as Porgy and Phillip Boykin as Crown. The tour will also feature Broadway cast members Sumayya Ali as Clara, Dan Barnhill as the Detective, Bryonha Marie Parham as Serena, Allison Blackwell as a Woman of Catfish Row, Roosevelt André Credit as a Fisherman and Joseph Dellger as the Policeman. Complete casting will be announced this summer.

Moran performed the role of Bess in THE GERSHWINS' PORGY AND BESS during the Broadway run. She has also appeared in the critically acclaimed cabaret, the motown project, Things of the Heart, andThe Three Penny Opera. Moran co-wrote and performed vocal music for Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane Dance Co.'s Chapel/Chapter. Moran embraces a broad musical repertoire, including classical and avant-garde, Jazz, Motown and Broadway.

In addition to his portrayal of Porgy in the Broadway production of THE GERSHWINS' PORGY AND BESS, Stampley recently appeared on Broadway in The Color Purple and The Lion King as well as the West End production of The Lion King and the national tour of Ragtime. Stampley's other credits include Pacific Overtures with Chicago Shakespeare Theatre, Lost in the Stars with NY City Center's Encores!, as well as Strike Up the Band and One Touch of Venus with Auditorium Theatre's Ovations! series.

The National Tour of THE GERSHWINS' PORGY AND BESS, winner of the 2012 Tony Award for Best Musical Revival, will launch at San Francisco's Golden Gate Theatre this November. The tour, accompanied by a 23-piece orchestra, will begin performances Sunday, Nov. 10 with an official opening on Wednesday, Nov. 13. The national tour will travel to more than 20 cities in its first season in addition to San Francisco, including Los Angeles (Ahmanson Theatre), Seattle (5th Avenue Theatre), Dallas (Winspear Opera House), West Palm Beach, Tampa, Naples, Greenville, Cleveland, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Detroit, Buffalo, East Lansing, St. Paul, Des Moines, Las Vegas, Tempe and Charlotte, with additional cities to be announced in the coming days.

Pittsburgh CLO Opens 42ND STREET, 5/31

Mon, 20 May 2013 15:50:38 PST

Audiences will be left tapping their toes all summer long with Pittsburgh CLO's production of 42nd Street, May 31-June 9 at the Benedum Center. The production will feature *N SYNC legend, Joey Fatone, musical theater veteran Patrick Ryan Sullivan, and an incredible supporting cast including Pittsburgh CLO veterans.

Broadway razzle-dazzle at its best! Fired from her first Broadway show, starry-eyed actress Peggy Sawyer thought she'd never see her name in lights, but fate had other plans! Come and meet those dancing feet in this Tony Award-winning musical. This toe-tapping, foot-stomping score includes such classics as "We're in the Money," "42nd Street" and "Lullaby of Broadway."

ABOUT THE CAST

Joey Fatone (Bert) is perhaps best known as a member of the mega-hit band *N SYNC; however, he also counts among his many credits starring roles in Broadway's RENT and Little Shop of Horrors and a critically-acclaimed appearance in Pittsburgh CLO's The Producers as Franz Liebkind. His television credits include: "Dancing with the Stars," "Family Feud," "The Price is Right Live!" "Hannah Montana," "Robot Chicken," "Rachael vs. Guy: Celebrity Cook-Off," "Chopped: All-Stars" and NBC's "The Singing Bee" in both the United States and Australia, where he served as the show's host.

Ephie Aardema (Peggy Sawyer) has countless credits ranging from Chava in Fiddler on the Roof and Liesl in The Sound of Music at Theatre of the Stars to the world premiere of A Room with a View at The Old Globe. Additional credits include: Laurey in Oklahoma!, Little Red in Into the Woods,Natalie in Next to Normal, Patsy in Crazy For You, Gertrude in Seussical, The Drowsy Chaperone, Under the Bridge, Titanic, Singin' in the Rain, HAIRand Dirty Rotten Scoundrels.

George Dvorsky (Pat Denning) is currently starring as El Gallo in New York's Longest Running Musical, The Fantasticks and returns to Pittsburgh CLO for his 10th production. Broadway credits include The Scarlet Pimpernel, Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, Passion, Marilyn: An American Fable andThe Best Little Whorehouse in Texas. He also starred as Prince Charming in the NYC Premiere of Rodgers and Hammerstein's Cinderella at Lincoln Center. Off-Broadway: Revival of Closer Than Ever, Pete N Keely, the revival of Dames at Sea and 'And the World Goes Round. His solo CDs, "All Through the Night" and "In the Still of the Night" are available on the JAY Records label. www.georgedvorsky.net

Tyler Hanes (Billy Lawlor) has an extensive list of Broadway credits including: A Chorus Line (Larry, Original Revival Company),Hairspray (Link Larkin), Sweet Charity (Charlie), The Frogs, The Boy From Oz, Urban Cowboy and Oklahoma! Other favorites includeOn The Town (Gabey), All Shook Up (Chad), Cabaret (Clifford Bradshaw), Juno (Johnny Boyle), The Drowsy Chaperone (Robert Martin), The Studio (Jackie), Footloose (Ren McCormick) and Fosse (first national tour). TV/Film: "In The Blood," "30 Rock," "Dancing With The Stars," "Phoebe in Wonderland," "One Life To Live," "Rose" and "The Tony Awards."

Jeffrey Howell (Mac/Thug/Doctor) was recently seen as the Captain in The Sound of Music (PMT). Pittsburgh CLO shows include Sunset Boulevard (DeMille), Jesus Christ Superstar (Annas), Jekyll and Hyde (Poole), A Musical Christmas Carol (Bob Cratchit), Beauty and the Beast(Cogsworth), Bells are Ringing (Dr. Kitchell) and Pajama Game (Prez). Other credits include Candide (Dr. Pangloss), Chicago (Billy Flynn), Tribute to Lerner and Loewe with Marvin Hamlisch and the PSO.

Charis Leos (Maggie Jones) is making her Pittsburgh CLO debut. Most recent roles include Singin' in the Rain (Dora, Dinsmore) Maltz Jupiter Theater; Gypsy (Electra ,Cratchitt) The Fulton Theatre; 42nd Street (Maggie), Legally Blonde (Paulette) Maine State Music Theater, and Nunsense(Sister Hubert) Northern Stage. Her numerous credits include Portland Stage, The Palace Theater, Gateway Playhouse, Dallas Theater Center, Casa Manana, Stage West, North Shore, Mountain Playhouse, The Plaza Theater, among others.

Mara Newbery (Anytime Annie) returns to Pittsburgh CLO after her last appearance in Cats. Additional credits include: A Christmas Story, the Musical (Broadway), On Your Toes (New York City Center) and Shrek the Musical (1st Nat'l Tour).

Paul Palmer (Abner Dillon) returns to the Benedum stage for his 56th Pittsburgh CLO summer show, reprising the role he performed in the 2006 production. A veteran of 34 CLO summer seasons, Mr. Palmer last appeared as LT. Ward and Cordell Hull in the 2012 production of Annie.

Gavan Pamer (Andy Lee) Mr. Pamer is a Pittsburgh CLO veteran. His Pittsburgh CLO credits include: Joseph... (Reuben), Carousel (Heavenly Friend), Me and My Girl (Bob Barking), My Fair Lady (Boxington), Funny Girl (Renaldi), Crazy for You (Custus/Perkins), Annie (Ickes), Bye, Bye Birdie (Shriner), and Jesus Christ Superstar (Annas) among others. National Tours: CATS (Mungojerrie), 42nd Street and A Chorus Line. For CLO Cabaret: My Way (Choreographer) and Forever Plaid (PSM). Mr. Pamer is the Artistic Director of Lincoln Park Performing Arts Center in Midland, PA.

Patrick Ryan Sullivan (Julian Marsh) Mr. Sullivan has many Broadway credits including: Julian Marsh in 42nd Street, Gaston in Beauty and the Beast and various roles in Titanic. Regional (2013): Oberon in Mid-Summer, Victor in Empty Plate..., Serge in Art and Arles in Tuna Christmas. His favorite roles include: Billy in Chicago, Sweeney in Sweeney Todd Lockstock in Urinetown, Harold in Music Man, Ruthledge in 1776, Sky in Guys and Dolls, Billy in CarouseL, Michael in I Do I Do, Henry Higgins in Pygmalion, Tito in Lend Me a Tenor, Beau in Auntie Mame (with Charles Busch) and El Gallo in The Fantasticks.Telivision/Film: "Law and Order S.V.U," "Pursued."

Luba Mason (Dorothy Brock) returns to Pittsburgh CLO after starring last in Hairspray. Broadway: Chicago, Jekyll & Hyde, Paul Simon's The Capeman,How To Succeed In Business..., Trevor Nunn's Sunset Blvd., The Will Rogers Follies directed by Tommy Tune, played opposite legendary comedian Sid Caesar in Sid Caesar & Co Television: Person Of Interest, Law & Order, Raines, NYPD Blue. As a Recording Artist, Luba has "a voice as big and rich as a star-filled sky". (Jazz Times) She has released two critically-acclaimed albums : Collage (PS Classics) and Krazy Love ( Sunnyside Records), debuting her impressive song writing skills. Graduate from NYU's Tisch School of the Arts (Drama).

42nd Street is complete with an exceptional ensemble including: Keely Beirne, Sarah Bishop, Sara Blodgett, Jesse Carrey-Beaver, Max Clayton, Rachel Fairbanks, Lucas Fedele, Mike Greer, Rodney Jackson, Stephanie Maloney, Isabella McCalla, Connor McRory, Rob Montgomery, Allie Pizzo, Jonalyn Saxer and Andrea Weinzierl. They will be joined by 12 local teens: Rachel Beaver, Christine Brown, Nicole Conrad, Annette Elphinstone, Stephanie Franciscus, Tressa Holodnik, Kayla Kozlowski, Heidi Murr, Sidney Popielarcheck, Maria Scherer, Stefanee Sybo and Gabriela Zucckero.

City Theatre Announces Four Original Plays Set for MOMENTUM

Mon, 20 May 2013 12:22:00 PST

City Theatre announces four original plays set for MOMENTUM, the theatre's annual festival of new plays at different stages. This year's selection of works highlights the intricacies of human relationships-chance encounters with strangers; a look back at a life lived in the spotlight; serendipity in a lonely city; and competition on and off the playing field.

MOMENTUM is a celebration of new theatrical works featuring readings, workshops, panels, and conversation. The festival is a chance for audiences to not only see four new works in their earliest incarnations, but also to get to know the process of creating new plays and to glimpse inside the minds of the playwrights.

"MOMENTUM is vital to our mission as a home for playwrights and new play development," says Tracy Brigden, City Theatre's Artistic Director. "The festival provides an opportunity for writers to hear their work performed in front of an audience and a creative community, and that has impact. Two years ago, we featured a workshop of Tami Dixon's South Side Stories. Subsequently, Tami's first foray into playwriting enjoyed an extended run during City Theatre's main season. In addition, due to popular demand, we're bringing South Side Stories back to our stage next January as a special presentation. This progression exemplifies the goal of MOMENTUM-to launch new plays into their next phase of development. This year, we're excited to welcome playwright Willy Holtzman back to City after his success here with The Morini Strad. His music-filled play, Holliday with Mulligan, is a City Theatre commission. In addition, Opus playwright Michael Hollinger returns to City with his brand new play, Hope and Gravity. Audiences will have the opportunity to watch this absorbing play progress from a reading at MOMENTUM to a fully-produced show on our Mainstage during the 2013-2014 season. We'll also feature Andy Bragen's play Don't You F*cking Say a Word. Focused on a competitive relationship between two men, but told through the perspective of two women, this script uniquely portrays two sides of the same story. Likewise, Anna Ziegler's Variations on a Themeaddresses the theme of relationships through a variety of lenses. We're thrilled to feature these gifted writers throughout the festival weekend."

$20 four-day pass; $5 per show

Available by phone at 412.431.CITY (2489) or online at www.citytheatrecompany.org

Now Playing Onstage in Pittsburgh - Week of 5/19/2013

Sun, 19 May 2013 10:00:00 PST

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Click Here to View BroadwayWorld.com Pittsburgh Calendar

ABIGAIL/1702
City Theatre
5/4-5/26/2013
Whatever happened to Abigail Williams? It's 1702, a decade after The Crucible's infamous seductress danced with the devil in Salem. Now, the devil returns for a visit, the blood on the gallows is dry, and Abigail hides behind a changed name in a new town. Imagining the destiny of the immortal stage villain who cried "Witch!," this suspenseful drama reveals the accuser's unforeseen fate.
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ABIGAIL/1702
City Theatre Co
5/4-5/26/2013
Mainstage: - Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa; dir: Tracy Brigden.
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I LOVE A PIANO
Western Star Productions LLC
3/21-6/2/2013
I LOVE A PIANO is the celebration of the music and lyrics of Irving Berlin. It follows the journey of a piano as it moves in and out of American lives from the turn of the century to the present. Along the way, the story comes to vibrant life with over sixty of Irving Berlin's most beloved songs, including classics such as 'Blue Skies,' 'There's No Business Like Show Business,' 'Puttin' on the Ritz,' 'Cheek to Cheek,' 'Always,' 'How Deep is the Ocean,' 'Anything You Can Do,' 'God Bless America,' and, of course, 'I Love a Piano.' Alternately heartbreaking and hilarious, rousing and reflective, I LOVE A PIANO is a fitting tribute to the man Jerome Kern famously said had 'no place in American music - he is American music.'Music and Lyrics by Irving Berlin; Conceived By Ray Roderick and Michael Berkeley
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CATS
Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre
5/16-6/29/2013
CatsBased on the universally popular poetry of T.S. Eliot, CATS tells the story, in song and dance, of the annual gathering of Jellicle cats at which time one special cat is selected to ascend to the Heaviside layer. A true musical theatre phenomenon, CATS opened at London's New London Theatre on May 11, 1981 and ran for a record-setting 21 years. CATS's London success was nearly matched on Broadway where it ran at the Wintergarden Theatre for just over 18 years.
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2013 Dollar Bank Three Rivers Arts Festival Seeks Volunteers

Thu, 16 May 2013 09:21:39 PST

The 54th annual Dollar Bank Three Rivers Arts Festival and 3rd annual Pittsburgh JazzLive International Festival are looking for volunteers! The Dollar Bank Three Rivers Arts Festival will be held June 7-16, 2013 in the streets, open spaces, galleries and historic plazas of downtown Pittsburgh's Cultural District, Gateway Center, and Point State Park. Pittsburgh JazzLive International Festival will be held June 7-9 at various locations in the Cultural District.

Every year the success of the Festivals depend on the help of hundreds of volunteers. There arevolunteer positions for nearly every age, interest and ability. From heavy lifting to easy sitting, there's something for you! Volunteers will also be given an official volunteer t-shirt to wear while helping during the Festival. Most volunteer shifts last about four hours. The Festivals need volunteers every day. Individuals, students, groups and families are all encouraged to help, and may choose one shift or multiple shifts.

Dollar Bank Three Rivers Arts Festival-Volunteer Opportunities, June 7-16, 2013
Volunteers are needed as information booth concierges, green team, artist booth sitters, roving concierges, activity assistants, gallery assistants, artist hospitality room monitors and loading assistants.

Info Booth Concierges: Paired with a Arts Festival employee, concierges assist with overflow and general questions (Where are the bathrooms? Where are the food booths?)

Booth Sitters: Artist Market Booth Sitters are responsible for relieving artists who have signed up for a 15-minute slot, in order to run errands, get food, and go to the bathroom. Booth sitters do not make sales.

Roving Concierges: Outfitted in a Arts Festival VOLUNTEER t-shirt, Roving Concierges will walk the festival footprint answering questions and being helpful to all Arts Festival patrons.

Creativity Zone and Children's Activities Assistant: Activities Assistants will help children with crafts and activities in the Giant Eagle Creativity Zone and at the Gateway Center fountain. Volunteers for this must have state clearances.

Gallery Assistant: Gallery Assistants assist the staff at the Visual Arts Galleries throughout the Cultural District. They answer patron's questions, monitor attendance and help ensure that the art is not damaged.

Artist Hospitality Room Monitor: The Dollar Bank Three Rivers Arts Festival will be hosting a hospitality room for artists and their assistants in the Wyndham Grand Hotel. The artist hospitality room monitor will check credentials to ensure that only artists and their assistants enter. They will also monitor the light refreshments and the cleanliness of the space.

Loading Assistants: Loading Assistants help artists find their booths and assist with loading and unloading vehicles. This position requires some heavy lifting and can be labor-intensive.

Green Team Volunteers: Green Team volunteers are needed to help continue the Festival's efforts again this year promoting environmentally responsible practices. A variety of 'green team' volunteer opportunities are available.

Thanks to support from the Colcom Foundation, the Festival has been able to earn a GOLD Standard Accreditation from Pennsylvania Resources Council's Zero Waste Pittsburgh initiative and diversify its efforts from recycling trash to promoting bicycling, providing onsite environmental education and reducing reliance on plastics. This year the Festival will continue leading practices, through the Foundation's generous support, with a world-class composting and recycling system-one of the first and largest in the nation which helps divert more than 80% of trash from landfills annually. The Festival also offers free bicycle valet service to encourage eco-friendly transportation to and from downtown and free water stations that encourage refilling personal containers to reduce waste.

Pittsburgh JazzLive International Festival Volunteers, June 7-9: A variety of volunteer opportunities are available.

To sign up for volunteer opportunities, visit: www.3riversartsfest.org/volunteer/ or call Eric Thomas, Volunteer Coordinator, Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, at 412-456-2697.