Summer Starts in April at Phipps Conservatory
UPMC Health Plan’s Celebrate Summer 2016 Event Offers a Day of Healthy, Family FunPittsburgh, Pa. — Kick off the Summer Flower Show at Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens with UPMC Health Plan’sCelebrate Summer 2016 event. Delight in a day of healthy and interactive fun for the whole family on Sat., April 30, from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Experience the grand opening of the interactive Summer Flower Show: PlayGardens, and stroll through the enchanting Butterfly Forest. UPMC-sponsored events will promote healthy lifestyles and Phipps’ Let’s Move Pittsburgh Program.
- Make upcycled origami crafts, play giant Connect Four and checkers games and watch a cooking demo from Café Phipps.
- From 1 – 2 p.m., meet Charlie Batch, former Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback and an advocate for healthy lifestyles.
- Visit UPMC’s Health Coach Table, where families can learn how to make tasty, refreshing drinks to help keep hydrated during the summer.
- Take a fun selfie at the 5-2-1-0 Funky Photo Booth and find out how the numbers 5-2-1-0 can keep you on the path to good health.
Phipps’ tip: When completing the activities, guests should tweet one picture from each of the eight activity stations to Twitter at @UPMChealthplan using the hashtag #phippssummer to be entered into a drawing for a free Phipps Family Membership! Guests can send in one entry per station for a total maximum of nine entries. Photos must be posted by 11:59 p.m. on Saturday, April 30, 2016. Find official sweepstakes rules at http://upmchp.us/1S8B4xV.
All activities are free with admission. Admission is $15 for adults, $14 for seniors and students, and $11 for children (2 – 18). Members and kids under 2 enter free. UPMC Health Plan members with a valid UPMC Health Plan insurance cardholder ID get 50% off admission on up to four tickets, and UPMC for Life members get 50% off admission on up to two tickets. More details can be found at phipps.conservatory.org.
The “Buzz” from Buzzelli: Pittsburgh’s Top To Do’s THIS WEEKEND (5/5 – 5/8)
Mike “Buzz” Buzzelli, ‘Burgh Vivant
Tricky Comedy
Mark Haywood and Jonathan Burns do tricks in the “Mark & Jonathan Family Friendly Comedy and Tricks Show.” The duo have performed on “The Tonight Show,” “The Late Show with David Letterman,” and “The Late, Late Show with James Corden.” There will be yo-yo’s and all sorts of crazy shenanigans. It’s May 6th at The Oaks, 310 Allegheny River Blvd. Oakmont, PA 15139. For more information, click here.
Do a Little Sidestep
You might want to do a little sidestep over to McKeesport for “The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas.” It’s a little ole’ bitty puissant country place, but it’s got lots of singing and dancing. It opens this weekend at the McKeesport Little Theater, 1614 Coursin Street, McKeesport, PA 15132. For more information, click here.
It sure is musical!
It’s time for “Musical of Musicals – the Musical!” You get one story and five musicals! Hear skewered versions of Sondheim, Andrew Lloyd Webber, Jerry Herman and more in this hilarious satire of musical theater. It’s at the Carnegie Stage, 25 W Main Street, Carnegie, PA 15106. For more information, click here.
Onomatopoeia!
It’s time for Pittonkatonk, a grassroots effort to connect people through local and national brass band music. Pittonkatonk is a day-long concert in the park with over 100 musicians. It’s May 7th (the first Saturday of May annually) on Overlook Drive, Schenley Drive, Pittsburgh, PA 15207. For more information, click here.
You Don’t Say!
It’s not too late to catch Vanessa German’s “Dontsaythatshitoutloud.” The award-winning multidisciplinary artist works with all sorts of different mediums to create her art. The show runs till May 29 at the Artists Image Resource, 518 Foreland Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15212. For more information, click here.
– MB
The “Buzz” from Buzzelli: Pittsburgh’s Top To Do’s THIS WEEKEND (4/28 – 5/1)
Mike “Buzz” Buzzelli, ‘Burgh Vivant
Idle Hands
Follow Tom Rakewell as he abandons his true love (named Ann Trulove!) to spend his inheritance on women, drinking and gambling, in Stravinsky’s “The Rake’s Progress.” His idle hands are the Devil’s workshop. Hear them sing the story at the Benedum Center, 719 Liberty Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15222. For more information, click here.
Midway through Midlife
It’s not too late to catch Bob and Jim Walton’s musical, “Mid-Life: The Crisis Musical.” Watch a musical comedy about the trials and tribulations of aging. There’s a discount for seniors! Obviously. But students get a discount, too. It’s at the Theatre Factory, 235 Cavitt Avenue, Trafford, PA 15085. For more information, click here.
Acrobats and Orchestras
The circus is in town. It’s the “Cirque de la Symphonie” as acrobats, jugglers, dances and more choreograph their movement to the symphony. See feats of strength and stamina at Heinz Hall, 600 Penn Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15222. For more information, click here.
Hopelessly Devoted
You better shape up or you’re going to miss “Grease.” It’s the musical that rocks out with 50’s style tunes. Catch Danny and the T-Birds at PMT production. It’s at the Byham Theater, 101 6th Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15222. For more information, click here.
What’s the matter with kids these days!
Join John McIntire as he discusses generational politics at the Dangerously Live Comedy /Talk Show. McIntire’s guests will be Allegheny County Controller Chelsa Wagner, Comedian Gab Bonesso and Post-Gazette Cartoonist Rob Rogers. It’s at the Oaks Theater, 210 Allegheny River Boulevard, Oakmont, PA 15139. For more information, click here.
The “Buzz” from Buzzelli: Pittsburgh’s Top To Do’s THIS WEEKEND (4/21 – 4/24)
Mike “Buzz” Buzzelli, ‘Burgh Vivant
Get Ratched
It’s Conformity vs. Non-Conformity in a winner-take-all battle in “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest.” Ken Kesey’s novel that became an Academy Award winning film about life in a psychiatric hospital comes to life on stage. It’s at the New Hazlett Theater, 6 Allegheny Square, Pittsburgh, PA 15212. For more information, click here.
A Starry, Starry Night
In 1904, people gathered in cafes to discuss art and literature (and there weren’t even any Starbucks). Comedian and playwright Steve Martin takes us to a mythic meeting between Albert Einstein and Pablo Picasso in “Picasso at the Lapin Agile.” It’s playing at Hambones, 4207 Butler Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15201. For more information, click here.
Smash! Pow!
The ToonSeum wants you to play dress up Saturday, April 23. They’re inviting everyone with a cape to “Ka-Blam! Cause-Play.” Join Klingons, Stormtroopers, Ghostbusters, and Jedi Masters for this colorful costume party (costumes are not required, they’re just fun). It’s at the Teamsters Temple Banquet Hall, 4701 Butler Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15201. For more information, click here.
Second Chance
On April 23, the cast of “First Date” would like to ask you out for a “Second Date.” Join them for the world’s earliest late night cabaret (from 9 pm to 11 pm) as the cast sings songs about dating, love and more. It’s your second chance to see the First Date crew. Find them at the Cabaret at Theater Square. 655 Penn Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15222. For more information, click here.
Wily Capote
Truman Capote comes back to life in “Tru.” Broadway actor Eddie Korbich will play the famous author and bon vivant (oh, that’s where that comes from!). It’s at the O’Reilly Theater, 621 Penn Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15222. For more information, click here.
A sixth thing…
Rabbit, Rabbit
You have a few more chances to catch “White Rabbit, Red Rabbit.” Each night with a different actor. See the show every Pittsburgh actor is talking about. This final week you can see Bricolage’s Jeffrey Carpenter, Diana Ifft, ‘Burgh Vivant’s own Brian Edward and more. It’s at the Pittsburgh Playwrights Theatre, 937 Liberty Avenue, 3rd Floor, Pittsburgh, PA 15222. For more information, click here.
– MB
The “Buzz” from Buzzelli: Pittsburgh’s Top To Do’s THIS WEEKEND (4/14 – 4/17)
By Mike “Buzz” Buzzelli, ‘Burgh Vivant
Musical Interlude
April 15 and 16 is “Word Play,” a night of stories and music. The night features storytellers James Kincaid, Shannon Reed, Nathan Rosswog and host Alan Olifson, with DJ Todd Keebs. It’s all at the Bricolage, 937 Liberty Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15222. For more information, click here.
World on Fire
April 16 and 16 is the Burning Bridges Festival. Local comedian John Dick Winters is bringing you a comedy festival filled with rising stars. Geoff Tate (seen on the Late, Late Show with Craig Ferguson) will headline a slew of performers, both local and touring. It will also premiere of “Open Mike,” a television pilot about a comedian and his struggles. Lots of laughs can be found at Work Hard Pittsburgh, 744 E. Warrington Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15210. For more information, click here.
Cry me a River
Two nationally renowned bands, River Whyless (Ashville, NC) and Driftwood (from Binghampton, NY) come to the New Hazlett on Saturday, April 16. Rise out of your seat and dance at at the New Hazlett Theater, 6 Allegheny Square East, Pittsburgh, PA 15212. For more information, click here.
Time Keeps on Slipping…
On Sunday, April 17, playwrights, directors and more than 20 actors will gather on one day to create six, one-act plays in 24 hours at the “24 Hour Play Fest.” It sounds exhausting, but it will be a ton of fun. Also, it’s a benefit for the Pittsburgh-made “Dani Girl.” It’s at the Andrew Carnegie Free Library and Music Hall, 300 Beechwood Avenue, Carnegie, PA 15106. For more information, click here.
Match up
Rising Russian star Sergei Sergeyev is pitted against American great Tim Porter in an epic showdown in “The Last Match.” The play follows the two tennis titans through pivotal moments on-and-off the court. Get ready, get set to go to the City Theatre, 1300 Bingham Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15203. For more information, click here.
A sixth thing…
That’s Italian!
Bocce, Bingo and a cookie table? That’s as Italian as you can get. It’s a fundraiser for “The Sisters Sorella” on Monday, April 18. Of course it’s in a church in Bloomfield? It couldn’t get any more Italian. Oh wait! There will be spaghetti. Come down to St. Maria Goretti’s Parish Hall, 300 Edmond Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15224/ For more information, click here.
Iguanatron goes on Tour
Spreading the Laughs: Local Comedy Duo on Mini Tour
Greg Gillotti and Brian Gray bring their believably odd improvised theater on the road, April 15-24
PITTSBURGH – This Spring, local comedy duo Iguanatron (Greg Gillotti and Brian Gray) will be hitting the road to perform and teach their style of improvisational comedy. Gillotti and Gray–prominent figures in Pittsburgh’s recent comedy renaissance–are eager to evangelize the Pittsburgh comedy scene. They have been performing together as Iguanatron since 2009, a show which features bizarre and outlandish characters who still feel human and sympathetic. Their style represents what the two friends love most about improvisation: playing on the edge of failure. Those moments where no one knows what will happen, and the performers discover it together with the audience in real time.
“Iguanatron is an audience favorite,” says Kristy Nolen, Creative and Programming Director of Arcade Comedy Theater. “One of Pittsburgh’s favorite two-person groups, [they are] always humorous and creative.”
Gillotti and Gray have over twenty years of combined improv experience, and are both passionate about teaching. The tour includes workshops where new and experienced improvisors alike can learn their approach to the work.
“Brian’s enthusiasm for improv education is enormous, his perspective thoughtful, and his work ethic inspiring,” says Chris Trew, the Creative Director of The New Movement Theater in New Orleans where Gray recently taught. “I’m a fan of what he’s contributed to the art form.”
There are two performances in Pittsburgh: Friday April 15 at 8pm Iguanatron performs at the University of Pittsburgh’s Studio Theater. The show is free for Pitt students and $5 for others. Friday April 29 at 10pm Iguanatron presents Wheel of Bits at Arcade Comedy Theater. $10/$5 student rush. BYOB. Other events include 4/23 in Baltimore, 4/24 in Philadelphia.
For more information, click here.
The “Buzz” from Buzzelli: Pittsburgh’s Top To Do’s THIS WEEKEND (4/7 – 4/10)
By Mike “Buzz” Buzzelli, ‘Burgh Vivant
Rabbit, Rabbit
It’s the talk of New York and it’s here in Pittsburgh. Nassim Soleimanpour’s “White Rabbit Red Rabbit.” With no director, no set, and a different guest performer each night, this play is performed by distinct local actors reading a script they see for the first time as they step onstage in front of a live audience. The show opens with Matt Henderson, but many local actors will stop by including Richard Keitel, Ingrid Sonnichsen, Hayley Neilsen, John Feightner, David Crawford, PICT’s Alan Stanford, Bricolage’s Jeffrey Carpenter, ‘Burgh Vivant’s Brian Edward and the inimitable Richard Rauh. Hop over to the Pittsburgh Playwrights Theatre Company, 937 Liberty Avenue, Suite 3, Pittsburgh, PA 15222. For more information, click here.
Build me up
Quantum Theatre in collaboration with the Heinz Architectural Center and the Carnegie Museum of Art bring Henrik Ibsen’s “Master Builder” to life. Enter the mind of Halvard Solness, whose principles drive him past conventional morality and threaten to destroy him. It takes place at the soon-to-be-reimagined Nova Place (the former Allegheny Center), 100 S. Commons, Pittsburgh, PA 15212. For more information, click here.
Soul Man
Archbishop Thomas Cranmer is in a pickle. In the morning he faces his execution, but fate offers him an escape. He must choose between life and death as well as between the ghosts of Queens Anne Boleyn and Katherine of Aragon, both of who want his Cranmer’s soul. It’s Timothy Ruppert’s dark historical comedy, “The Consorts.” Find it at the Genesius Theater, Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, PA 15219. For more information, click here.
Jagging Around
On Friday, April 8, you can jag around n’nat with a night of stand-up, improv and Pittsburgh blogger extraordinaire John Chamberlin, AKA YaJagoff. Come “dahntahn” to the Arcade Comedy Theater, 811 Liberty Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15222. For more information, click here.
Spring Flings
Emerge from your wintry hideout April 9th for the new Smokin’ Betties Burlesque Show, “Spring Gets Sprung!” See guest performers Lita D’Vargas, Penny Delapoison, and 2015 Burlypicks winner Mika Romantic! The show is hosted by the lovely Lilith DeVille and it’s at the Club Café, 56 South 12th Street, (Southside) Pittsburgh, PA 15203. For more information, click here.
– MB
JEZEBEL BEBBINGTON D’OPULENCE – Female Impersonator
TONIGHT: cocktails with the divine Jezebel Bebbington D’Opulence, as she prepares for her starring role in the upcoming CORNINGWORKS dance production RIGHT OF WAY. Get the scoop on the show, how Jezebel got her start on the stage, and opening for Chaka Kahn! Listen to “The Full Martini” – the complete, unedited interview in audio podcast to hear more of Jezebel’s musings on the Pittsburgh Drag scene, day jobs, sports, how the art of female impersonation has changed over the years, and Adele’s “Hello.” See RIGHT OF WAY by CORNINGWORKS, March 30 through April 3rd, 2016, www.corningworks.org Continue reading “JEZEBEL BEBBINGTON D’OPULENCE – Female Impersonator”
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The “Buzz” from Buzzelli: Pittsburgh’s Top To Do’s THIS WEEKEND (3/31 – 4/3)
Mike “Buzz” Buzzelli, ‘ Burgh Vivant
Fools Rush In
Get ready to celebrate April Fool’s Day with some of your favorite fools. On Friday April 1, Buckhead Saloon has a Comedy Showcase starring Matt Wohlfarth, Andy Picarro, Alex Homyak and Tommy Kupiec. There’s no cover charge and no drink minimum! Come early and celebrate Happy Hour and Drink for a Cause (for a $10 donation to Cystic Fibrosis you get a Free Drink and discounts on drinks and appetizers). It’s all at Buckhead Saloon, 225 W. Station Square Drive, Pittsburgh, PA 15219. For more information, click here.
Out of the Cave
The Mattress Factory’s Teen Cooperative is celebrating spring with “Unhibernate.” There will be local bands, the Nox Boys, Chattel Tail and Chase the Monkey. Bring a canned good and support the Northisde Community Pantry. See some fine art and party. It’s at the Mattress Factory, 500 Sampsonia Way (parking on 505 Jacksonia Street), Pittsburgh, PA 15212. For more information, click here.
Math is hard
An incompatible mathematics professor and an English professor are paired together to teach a class that demonstrates how their disciplines overlap in “The Mathematics of Being Human.” It’s at the Henry Heymann Theatre, Stephen Foster Memorial, 4301 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15213. For more information, click here.
Confidentially Speaking
On Friday April 1, a group of performers take to the stage and present a musical. There’s a catch. They have had absolutely no group rehearsal. It’s “The Confidential Musical Theatre Project,” and it’s at the Carnegie Stage, 25 W. Main Street, Carnegie, PA 15106. For more information, click here.
Dining In
Retro Red Theatre Productions presents Neil Simon’s “The Dinner Party.” Tossed together like a salad, five guests show up at an exclusive restaurant in Paris. Of course things get a little crazy. It’s at the Seton Center, 1900 Pioneer Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15226. For more information, click here.
– MB
BISHOP ZUBIK – Bishop of the Diocese of Pittsburgh
TONIGHT: Perspectives on Pittsburgh arts and culture from one of the city’s prominent spiritual leaders. We caught up with Bishop Zubik just prior to his guest appearance on stage in Pittsburgh Musical Theater’s production of SISTER ACT. Find out how a Bishop prepares, what particular pieces of art inspire him, and who would play him in a musical! Listen to “The Full Martini” – the complete interview in audio podcast for more insights from the Bishop, his favorite showtunes, and what is by and large the best ride at Disney World. Special guest appearance by Nathan Sudie! See Pittsburgh Musical Theater’s SISTER ACT through March 26, 2016, www.pittsburghmusicals.com Continue reading “BISHOP ZUBIK – Bishop of the Diocese of Pittsburgh”
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