‘Burgh Vivant’s growing network of contributors brings you their reviews and features of Pittsburgh’s cultural events, performances, restaurants, and more! See the video highlights here, or follow the links to “The Full Martini” for a fabulous full-length edition of each review, uncensored and uncut. Have a review of your own? Give us your critiques in the comments section!
Mike “Buzz” Buzzelli and Lonnie The Theatre Lady discuss SHREK THE MUSICAL from Pittsburgh Musical Theater, playing at The Byham Theater through February 16th. Continue reading “Review: SHREK THE MUSICAL, Pittsburgh Musical Theater”
“A puzzle… riveting!” says ‘Burgh Vivant Michael ‘Buzz” Buzzelli of Quantum Theatre’s latest production MADAGASCAR by J.T. Rogers, directed by Sheila McKenna. Buzz and Lonnie the Theatre Lady review the mysteries (and the marble!) that this unique play offers. MADAGASCAR stars Helena Ruoti, Larry John Meyers, and Melinda Helfrich – and who has the distinction of having received a “fan letter” from Lonnie the Theatre Lady? Find out! Playing through February 16 at the Carlyle building, downtown Pittsburgh. Continue reading “Review – MADAGASCAR, Quantum Theatre (1/31 – 2/16/14)”
LIDIA’S ITALY PITTSBURGH provided a feast for the senses last week with the premiere of its FIRST SEASON MENU 2014 – the first season being spring. And hey, who isn’t optimistic that it will be here soon? But for sumptuous flavors that comfort in the cold and give a nod to warmer times ahead you needn’t wait. Hosts Brian and Lonnie take you through the tantalizing tasting while debating their favorites. Burrata? You betcha. The menu boasts a variety of choices sure to suit any palette, and it’s finished off with a cannoli (just like Eli Wallach in The Godfather part III). What could be better? Only more! Listen to “The Full Martini” – the complete unedited episode in audio podcast for more delicious details, and sample the FIRST SEASON menu for yourself at LIDIA’S PITTSBURGH today! Let us know YOUR favorites! Continue reading “Preview – First Season Menu 2014, LIDIA’S ITALY PITTSBURGH”
Director Sheila McKenna gives a sneak peek into the mysteries of MADAGASCAR, on set at the Carlyle building, downtown Pittsburgh, opening January 31st and playing through February 16th, produced by Quantum Theatre. Continue reading “Preview: MADAGASCAR, Quantum Theatre (1/31 – 2/16)”
Exciting, evocative, emotionally impactful… just a few words used by ‘Burgh Vivant’s resident reviewers Mike “Buzz” Buzzelli and Lonnie the Theatre Lady to describe City Theatre’s current production of THE MOUNTAINTOP by Katori Hall, directed by Peter Flynn. Though they may disagree on the theme, they most certainly agree on the quality of this theatrical experience. Lonnie claims never to use the term “magnificent” (we’ll let you be the judge), and Buzz is vigilant as ever on “spoiler watch,” but no more spoilers here – watch and see for yourself! And listen to “The Full Martini” – the complete unedited review in audio podcast for more in-depth reactions to the production, running Jan 18th through Feb 9th at City Theatre. It’s a review (and a show) not to be missed! Production photos by Kristi Jan Hoover. Continue reading “Review – THE MOUNTAINTOP, City Theatre (1/18 – 2/9)”
Mike “Buzz” Buzzelli and Lonnie the Theatre Lady are back in their first review of the new year! The dynamic duo discusses SOUTH SIDE STORIES by Tammy Dixon, directed by Matt Morrow, and playing at CITY THEATRE now through January 26th. Parking chairs, pierogies, and pubs – Pittsburgh, this play’s for you! Hear their favorite moments, as well as some interesting background on how this unique work came to be. Listen to “The Full Martini” – the complete interview in audio podcast for more on the local flavor of SOUTH SIDE STORIES! Continue reading “Review – SOUTH SIDE STORIES, City Theatre (1/8- 1/26)”
No tap was left unturned when ‘Burgh Vivant loosed contributors Lonnie Jantsch and Andy Coleman on the Monroeville Convention Center January 11th for the first annual Pittsburgh Brew ‘N Chew event presented by GoodTaste! Pittsburgh. The debonair duo sampled beers from numerous breweries, both local and national in this tour de force of fun and flavor. Many of Pittsburgh’s favorite neighborhood bars and food-crafters were on hand with generous tastings of everything from pulled pork sliders to gelato infused with…beer?? Watch the laughter unfold while the beer flows as Lonnie and Andy make new friends, challenge each other to a game of portable water polo, and nearly drive off with a brand new car! Who held their beer the best throughout the day? You be the judge! Continue reading “GoodTaste! Pittsburgh’s first annual PITTSBURGH BREW ‘N CHEW”
Mike “Buzz” Buzzelli and Lonnie the Theatre Lady are getting along WELL over this barrier-bending play by Lisa Kron, and directed by Melissa Hill Grande. WELL features Daina Michelle Griffith, Virginia Wall Gruenert, Tony Bingham, Alan Bomar Jones, Linda Haston, Susie McGregor-Laine, and plays until December 28th at Off the Wall Theater in Carnegie. Continue reading “Review – WELL, Off The Wall Productions”
‘Burgh Vivant revisits LIDIA’S PITTSBURGH for Il Meglio dei due Mondi – “The Best of Both Worlds” – a 4-course beer pairing dinner arranged by General Manager Adam Greiner and Executive Chef Jeremy Voytish. The flavors were bursting – and so were the comments from guest contributor, comedian Missy Moreno! Get the dish on the dishes, and listen to “The Full Martini” – the complete unedited interview in audio podcast, for more delicious details and merry musings from Missy and Brian Edward. Continue reading “Review – IL MEGLIO DEI DUE MONDI, Lidia’s Pittsburgh”
Dueling pianos – and dueling opinions! Mike “Buzz” Buzzelli and Lonnie the Theatre Lady duke it out over 2 PIANOS 4 HANDS playing at City Theatre through December 22nd. If you saw it, let us know whose corner of the ring YOU’RE in. Listen to “The Full Martini” – the complete, unedited interview in podcast for more of Buzz and Lonnie’s banter on this story told through a wide range of music and comedy. Photos of 2 PIANOS 4 HANDS by Suellen Fitzsimmons and Kristi Jan Hoover. Continue reading “Review – 2 PIANOS 4 HANDS, City Theatre Company”
