Q&A with Missy Moreno about Theater, Queerness, and Farce

—— arts keep hearts open to feelings. No matter the money count or leadership or any issue facing humans, art is the only way for us to stay human through it all.  I caught the final performance of POTUS at City Theatre. It was hilarious. Writing a review after the show closes might seem odd. […]

Review: The Hobbit Adventure at Pittsburgh Public Theater

I was quite young when I first met Bilbo Baggins, peaceful resident of Middle Earth and protagonist of ‘The Hobbit’ by J.R.R Tolkien.. My Dad was a aficionado of science fiction and fantasy so it was inevitable he would steer me that way, too. The novel dates to 1937 while the animated television musical (??) […]

Review: Juliet & Shakespeare Explore Girl Power at the Pittsburgh Benedum

Contains major spoilers The PNC Broadway Pittsburgh series brought another new classic to the Benedum courtesy of the Cultural Trust. This girl-power feminist re-imagining of the classic tragedy left a little to be desired. In this production, Juliet does not die by suicide, awakening to a world of possibilities with a little help from her […]

Review: Hamilton Inspired My 13 Year Old Nephew to Google

a black teen male standing in a theater with the stage in the background

HAMILTON is the epic saga that follows the rise of Founding Father Alexander Hamilton as he fights for honor, love, and a legacy that would shape the course of a nation. Based on Ron Chernow’s acclaimed biography and set to a score that blends hip-hop, jazz, R&B, and Broadway, HAMILTON has had a profound impact on culture, politics, and education. HAMILTON features […]

What is Pittsburgh Theater in the Fall 2024 Season?

Pittsburgh theater companies

Theater season is here. I did my best to round up the ’24’ part of the 24/25 season. I grew up without any theater as did most working class Gen X kids. It breaks my heart how many of my friends have never been to a play. Musicals can be great, but anyone who enjoys […]

I Watched Xena: Warrior Princess for the First Time, Seasons 1 and 2

Spoilers for a show that aired 29 years ago. Ahem. Never have I ever watched this titan of lesbian adjacent television before. I don’t know that it was a specific avoidance. Xena: Warrior Princess aired 1995-2001, most of which I was in grad school or starting my social work career. That’s probably why – not […]

Review: Wicked Little Letters is a Delightful Romp

Wicked Little Letters

Spoilerish Delightful, the word that comes to mind after watching the movie Wicked Little Letters. The film returns to a long forgotten episode from the 1920’s. Featuring Olivia Colman as the prim spinster Edith Swan seemingly targeted by an onslaught of lewd anonymous letters filled with the unique cursing of the English, the cast boasts […]

Review: Movie on The Depth of Elite Sporty Lesbians

Sarah and I recently watched Nyad, the biographical sports drama of swimmer Diana Nyad starring Annette Benning and Jodie Foster. This movie I am glad to have watched, but also feel my preconceptions about elite sports and record breaking attempts are confirmed. Totally. Not in a good way. So here’s my review. The film picks […]

Review: Get Accustomed to Something New as My Fair Lady Sets the Stage With A Silent Twist

Contains Plot Spoilers The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust ushered in a revival of one of the most beloved musicals, My Fair Lady, featuring a loverly (I know, I know but …) twist that celebrates everything Eliza Doolittle was and became after she met Henry Higgins. A review. This is a newer version of the story, supposedly […]

Pittsburgh Theater Isn’t Just For Fancy Folks, It’s For Yinz

Pittsburgh Theater

Coming up in local Theater (and Theatre) this winter and spring are the following shows. I’m looking forward to something on each schedule. It was 11 years ago that I began intentionally reviewing, mostly the arts but some other occasional ventures. I don’t profess to be an expert on any of these things. But I […]