Review: Intersectional Adaptation of ‘Miss Julie’ Stirs the Pot in Pittsburgh

Spoilerish, reference to animal cruelty Some of you are familiar with the play Miss Julie from traditional interpretations of August Strindberg’s 1888 play. Others may remember the storyline in the television show The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel where character actor Sophie Lenon decides to stage an ultimately disastrous version. The latter is how I first encountered […]

Review: Witch at Carnegie Stage Explores Universal Traumas of Yesteryear

When I learned about a local production of a play about a witch originally drafted around 1621, but updated by playwright Jen Silverstein … I was intrigued. I did not know what to expect, but the involvement of Shammen McCune gave me confidence I would be satisfied. I caught their performance as Gandolf at the […]

Here’s What is Coming to Pittsburgh Live Theater This Spring

Pittsburgh theater

Among the many losses I’ve experienced these past two years, my connection to local live theater has been a significant source of grief. Without a car, I must rely on others to transport me and hope it is a show they’d like to see as well. And I’ve lost my best theater companion. It is […]

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 […]

Sitting in Lynn Cullen’s Shadow

The first time I called Lynn Cullen’s talk radio program was in 1999. I was living in my parents basement while finishing graduate school. I have no recollection of why I called or what I wanted to say, I just remember what she said to me. Her sister Susan was on the air with her […]

Q&A with Phat Man Dee About Her Pride Month Tribute to Billy Strayhorn

Name: Phat Man DeePronouns: she / her  How do you describe your identity?Cis gender female  You are celebrating Pride Month with a tribute to Billy Strayhorn. Why? I was inspired to produce this concert because his music and life have always been such a great source of inspiration to myself and so many creative souls […]

Haunted Theater in Pittsburgh

For those of us continuing to social distance, finding things to do to celebrate holidays like Halloween can be a challenge. Laura and I donated candy to Proud Haven to offset the sadness of not giving out tricks or treats. We’ve harvested pumpkins, had apple cider and pumpkin cookies, we drove to see the leaves. […]

Review: Hoard a new play at off the WALL Productions in Carnegie

This is the sort of play that I would prefer to contemplate for a few days before I write a review. However, the importance and impact of this creation is so significant that I’m pushing through my own process to urge you – strongly – to Carnegie to see this show running for three weekends. March […]

Q&A: Natalia Zukerman Discusses Queer Conventionality and The Women Who Rode Away

The Women Who Road Away Natalia Zukerman

Off the Wall Productions and Carnegie Stage host an intriguing performance series this weekend – queer artist and singersongwriter Natalia Zukerman in a one woman show The Women Who Rode Away. Featuring original music and projected paintings by Zukerman, this intimate portrait recounts the artist’s journey of finding her own voice through the stories of […]

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 […]