Review: Grist From the Mill Delivers a Good Storytelling Experience

On Friday we were at Carnegie Stage for the debut of Grist From the Mill, the first piece of a storytelling trilogy from local playwright and creator, Lissa Brennan. The trilogy boasted infusing Irish murder ballads with the steel industry. This piece was set in 1902 Pittsburgh. This performance was not what I expected, but […]

‘Grist From The Mill’ trilogy explores steel mill storytelling

This weekend, Off the wall Theater debuts the first piece from a new trilogy by Lissa Brennan. GRIST FROM THE MILL is a trilogy of works of storytelling inspired by fairy tales and folk music, specifically Irish murder ballads which spoke of ugly events with considered beauty. The steel mills of Southwestern Pennsylvania go beyond […]

How a Fishing Boat Sinking in North Carolina Resonates with Pittsburgh. Please read.

Papa's Girl sinks

There are four reasons you should donate to this crowdfund. I grew up in a steelworkers family and understood from early on that it was a dangerous, difficult job. We weren’t allowed to touch my father’s work clothes, not to keep them from being mussed but to keep us from being exposed to the chemicals. […]

My 2020 History Chicks Podcast Binge

The History Chicks

I picked a new binge project for 2020 – listening to all of the ‘History Chicks’ podcasts episodes. This is for multiple purposes. First, it is obviously educational and enriching. Second, I’ve been tasked by my therapist to incorporate a new distraction tool into my daily life. Listening to a podcast in the car is […]

Review: ‘Jesus Christ Superstar’ Brings Modern Feel to 50th Anniversary Tour

Jesus Christ Superstar Pittsburgh review

PNC Broadway in Pittsburgh brings Jesus Christ Superstar to the Benedum through January 5, 2020. Tickets start at $33. This review is part of our series of ‘regular people reviews’ exploring cultural events and performances throughout the region. Ledcat and Sarah crafted this review. ~ Sue   New Year’s Eve, full of tradition and superstition […]

Review: ‘The Illusionists’ is your father’s magic show

The Illusionists Magic Show Pittsburgh

The holidays occasionally put us in proximity to family members & traditions that induce winces, full-fledged eye rolls, and even brawls over old wounds and new politics.  The Illusionists ‘Magic of the Holidays’ show lands neatly into that category – it is very much your father’s and grandfather’s magic show. There’s a lot to appreciate, […]

E! the Dragnificent: ‘Celtic Woman’ performance with PSO stirs feelings of warmth and the meaning of Christmas

Celtic Woman The Best of Christmas Review Pittsburgh

Our youth (and drag) correspondent, E! the Dragnificent recently covered the Celtic Woman holiday concert at Heinz Hall. She and her father attended the performance. ~ Sue   The Celtic Women’s performance was an amazing night of Christmas tunes with a traditional Celtic sound! There were four women on stage in beautiful red sparkly gowns, […]

Why does J.K. Rowling think her queer and trans fans don’t count?

(TW: transphobia, rape) I’m trying to figure out what’s motivating J.K. Rowling to defecate on her trans and queer fans from a great height, and I’m failing miserably. I’m also at a loss to figure out why the U.K. and Ireland seem to be a nexus for trans-exclusionary bullshit. I have some theories centering around […]

Celebrate the Holidays with ‘The Carols’ at Carnegie Stage

The Carols Carnegie Stage

It’s Christmastime in 1944. War is raging and, here at home, a group of neighbors gathers at the VFW to make the most of what they have. This new original musical comedy, first staged in 2017, is back by popular demand and tells the story of an oddball friendship between a trio of singing sisters, […]

Twinkle! Kids Drag Variety Show Lets Kids Express Themselves

Drag Variety Show kids Pittsburgh

This is a post from contributing drag artist, E! The Dragnificent ~ Sue Twinkle! is an amazing kids drag variety show that lets kids express themselves the way that they thrive in performance. This annual show was founded by my mother, Dré Aliquo-Varela in August of 2014. The first-ever twinkle show was put on at […]