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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, […]
“We often have feelings out of frustration and being overwhelmed and life in general that generate moments of wishing we could be free of our responsibilities, such as toward our kids or family. It doesn’t mean we want to be free of them. It means we are human. These feelings are universal and stretch back […]
Tiffany in Mumburger is gay but it’s not something that is discussed as an issue in her relationship with her parents because it isn’t an issue. It’s a part of her but it’s not the thing that defines her in her life or her story in the play. The more we see LGBTQ people having […]
Spoiler – this adaptation of the Charles Dickens classic gets everything right about the systemic and institutional issues Dickens addressed without the sentimental Christmas washing we are usually handed. The playwrights here understand, as I like to say, that it wasn’t so much that Scrooge’s change of heart saved Tiny Tim as that fair wages, […]
Our experiences with off the WALL productions at the Carnegie Stage never fail to leave me moved, thoughtful, and a bit perplexed. The current production of Byhalia, Mississippi did not fail me in the regard. The play, written by Evan Linder, is making its Pittsburgh debut this month. Act now to see this because it is heading […]
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 […]
The Prompt – Describe one or more overlooked cultural gems of this region that deserve more visibility. Tell us why. I pick these two. Carnegie Stage/Off the wall Productions – Located in Carnegie, a Pittsburgh suburb, this powerhouse theater company centers productions written by, directed by, and starring women. The theater is very comfortable, accessible, […]
Intersectionality is how to understand Etty Hillesum. She insists on not being defined by her circumstances (the Holocaust, yet unnamed), by her gender, by her religion, race, age, class, sexual orientation, political leanings. And yet she identifies herself as a woman, as a Jew, as a 28 year old middle class Dutch student. She is a truth seeker and digs deeply into her own self to work herself out. – See Etty the Play at Carnegie Stage February 7-10, 2019.
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 […]
Memories of Christmas and other holiday events are part of life’s sustenance, good and bad. They remind of what we’ve experienced and also teach us about who we are. Or perhaps who we aspire to be? Since 2005, I’ve written many blog posts about this holiday. Many describe events long before I was born but […]
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