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Articles by Candy Williams
20/20 Performing Arts founders talk theater, inspiration
Two Penn-Trafford High School alums have a “perfect vision” of how to share their love of theater with young performers. Madison Nick and Jonathan Heinbaugh, both of Penn Township, are co-founders of 20/20 Performing Arts, a new school that focuses on providing acting classes, workshops and summer camps to students and offering the community quality adult and student productions. Their current location for classes is at Dance Expressions by Erica, a studio in Irwin.
Help Lincoln Caverns celebrate 90 seasons of underground fun
5 minutes ago Ann Dunlavy is inviting visitors to “Come to the Dark Side.” Dunlavy is president and general manager of Lincoln Caverns in Huntingdon, a tourist attraction that has been a part of her family since it was discovered in 1930 and purchased by her grandfather, Myron Dunlavy Sr. of Buffalo, N.Y. Lincoln Caverns will celebrate its 90th anniversary this season. “This is a great place to come for a visit to a rural area,” Ann Dunlavy says.
Take to the wild in one of the region’s parks
3 minutes ago Spring officially arrives March 19, marking the end of a cold Western Pennsylvania winter and the beginning of warmer, sunnier days. If ever there was a good time for swapping the “winter blues” for blue skies, this is it. With schools canceled and many parents working from home during the shutdown over coronavirus pandemic concerns, it’s a good opportunity to get outside for some exercise, fresh air and fun family time.
Catch a one-of-a-kind retelling of Shakespeare at the Geyer
9 minutes ago Seeing Actors and Artists of Fayette County’s production of “The Complete Works of Shakespeare Abridged” is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. No, really, it’s a one-time, never-see-it-like-this-again show. Director Andrew Johnson of Donora said that’s because the play written by Adam Long, Daniel Singer and Jess Winfield that parodies the plays of William Shakespeare encourages the cast to ad lib, revise the script and improvise.
Riverfront Theater’s ‘Proof’ is about family (and a little math)
2 minutes ago Four Pittsburgh actors play characters that are an integral part of the search for answers behind a mysterious mathematical proof in Riverfront Theater Company’s production of David Auburn’s drama, “Proof.” The play that won the 2001 Pulitzer Prize for Drama and the Tony Award for Best Play is the story of a troubled young woman, Catherine, played by Kaili Doud; her manipulative sister Claire (Rebekah Hukill); their brilliant father, Robert, a renowned mathematician (James...
Eclectic mix highlights annual Kerr Museum Antique Show
3 minutes ago Twenty-five antiques dealers representing eight states will set up shop March 13-15 at Oakmont Country Club for the 16th annual Kerr Memorial Museum Antique Show. The show and sale featuring furnishings, fine arts and decorative pieces from the 18th to 20th centuries is the major fundraiser for the Oakmont museum depicting the history of the region at the end of the 19th century.
‘The Band’s Visit’ delivers quiet, powerful message on Benedum Center stage
2 minutes ago The musical “The Band’s Visit” isn’t the kind of stage spectacular — with big production numbers, massive colorful sets and glitz-and-glam costumes — that typically wins awards on Broadway. But surprisingly it did, capturing 10 Tony Awards in 2018, including Best Musical, and the 2019 Grammy Award for Best Musical Theater Album.
Delight in the sights, sounds of ‘Rhythm of the Dance’ at Palace
3 minutes ago The National Dance Company of Ireland’s “Rhythm of the Dance” show is back in the states for another round of shows, just in time to celebrate the St. Patrick’s Day season with the troupe’s American fans. It’s not like the champion dancers, professional singers and musicians had a chance to rest up for their U.S. engagements, having just completed a six-week tour of Germany before landing in Arizona a few weeks ago to kick off the spring shows.
Pittsburgh Home and Garden Show is a sure sign of spring
3 minutes ago In nearly four decades, The Duquesne Light Pittsburgh Home and Garden Show has grown to be the place to go before shopping for improvements or new additions to the home. John DeSantis, the show’s executive director, has been leading the charge in providing the people to help make those projects happen.
Stage Right’s ‘Cabaret’ an always relevant social commentary
3 minutes ago Irwin native Mandie Russak has frequented the Kit Kat Club before, where she welcomed visitors as the Emcee in a previous production of “Cabaret” by Split Stage Productions in 2017. She returns to the seedy night spot as the unforgettable Sally Bowles, an English cabaret performer during the rise of power by the Nazis in 1931 Berlin, in Stage Right’s version of the iconic 1966 musical with music by John Kander, lyrics by Fred Ebb and book by Joe Masteroff.
Theatre Factory tackles deep issues in ‘She Kills Monsters’
3 minutes ago A game of Dungeons and Dragons holds the key to secrets about a deceased relative in Qui Nguyen’s contemporary play, “She Kills Monsters,” being performed Feb. 28-March 8 at The Theatre Factory in Trafford. The play focuses on a young woman, Agnes Evans, trying to come to terms with the loss of her younger sister, Tilly, who died in a car crash. Agnes Evans is played by Randi Walker of Monroeville, and Tilly Evans is played by Kiah Harrington-Wymer of Brookville.
Seton Hill students engage in ‘comedy of manners’ with ‘The Rivals’
About a minute ago Seton Hill University typically performs a classical work during its season in an effort to expose a variety of literary examples to its theater students. When Steven Wilson was asked to direct Richard Brinsley Sheridan’s 18th century comedy of manners, “The Rivals,” he knew he faced a challenge.
Disney on Ice takes you on a fun ride with ‘Road Trip Adventures’
About a minute ago Disney on Ice is inviting families to join their favorite Disney characters on a winter road trip to magical destinations. The latest ice skating show from Disney and Feld Entertainment, “Road Trip Adventures,” is all about the fun times and adventures of the open road.
‘Cats’ struts into Pittsburgh’s Benedum Center
About a minute ago The feline fantasy that is Andrew Lloyd Webber’s smash hit musical “Cats” is bringing its North America tour to Pittsburgh. Benedum Center will be the setting Feb. 25-March 1 for the latest gathering of Jellicle cats as part of Pittsburgh Cultural Trust’s PNC Broadway in Pittsburgh series.
Vote for your favorite during annual South Side Soup Contest
4 minutes ago Carmella Salem and Michael Alberter, co-owners of Carmella’s Plates and Pints on East Carson Street, South Side, know how to beat winter’s chill with a hearty bowl of homemade soup. They also know how to beat the competition in two out of four categories in the South Side Soup Contest, a community fundraiser for the Brashear Association and the South Side Chamber of Commerce.
‘Blippi Live!’ brings internet sensation to Pittsburgh stage
7 minutes ago Stevin John credits his 2-year-old nephew for convincing him to give up his job as a camera operator in the Los Angeles film industry to carve out a career teaching and entertaining young kids via the internet. “I’d sit and watch him viewing the low-quality children’s videos on YouTube and started to brainstorm,” he says.
‘The Queen of Cardistry’ settles in at Liberty Magic
3 minutes ago Anna DeGuzman is a whiz with a deck of playing cards. With an Instagram following of more than 90,000 and a popular YouTube channel where she posts her latest card tricks, she is affectionately known as “The Queen of Cardistry.” Her brand of close-up magic will be on display during her six-week residency Feb. 19-March 29 at Pittsburgh Cultural Trust’s Liberty Magic in the downtown Cultural District.
Looking for love at the Geyer with ‘Sweet Charity’
4 minutes ago A classic Broadway musical with a lot of heart is a perfect Valentine’s Day weekend treat on stage Feb. 13-16 at Geyer Performing Arts Center in Scottdale. Neil Simon’s “Sweet Charity,” directed by Rachael Szabo and Tyler Handford of Connellsville, features Vanessa Clarke-Deaver of Greensburg as hopeless romantic Charity Hope Valentine and Kelly Tunney of Brownsville as Oscar Lindquist, a guy whom she befriends and eventually falls in love with.
‘The Sunshine Boys’ light up latest Greensburg Civic Theatre production
4 minutes ago Neil Simon’s original “The Sunshine Boys” on Broadway featured Sam Levene as Al Lewis and Jack Albertson as Willie Clark, two stubborn ex-vaudevillians – formerly partners in a comedy-duo – who haven’t spoken to one another in many years.
Celebrate Valentine’s Day with these out-of-the-box suggestions
2 minutes ago A romantic dinner at an upscale restaurant with that special someone might be a nice way to celebrate Valentine’s Day — but it’s oh, so predictable. With the holiday of love just around the corner, how about considering something entirely different this year? Maybe a little offbeat, even a little crazy? And who says Valentine’s Day is just for lovers? What about those special relationships with your kids, your fitness friends or your group of work buddies?
Monster Jam a family tradition for Grave Digger driver Krysten Anderson
6 minutes ago Monster Jam is a family tradition for Krysten Anderson. As the only daughter of Dennis Anderson, professional driver and creator of the iconic Grave Digger monster truck, Krysten is following in her father’s footsteps. The 22-year-old will be behind the wheel of Grave Digger when Monster Jam Triple Threat Series comes to Pittsburgh Feb. 7-9 for four performances at PPG Paints Arena.
Split Stage tackles award-winning musical about mental illness
5 minutes ago Split Stage Productions is tackling an award-winning contemporary musical that explores how a suburban household copes with crisis and mental illness. For Laura Wurzell of Delmont, who is directing the show being staged Feb. 7-15 at Greensburg Garden and Civic Center, the story offers the chance to meld together two passions – theater and mental health.
Riverfront Theater’s musical revue covers all aspects of love
5 minutes ago Riverfront Theater Company celebrates Valentine’s Day with the musical revue, “I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change,” Feb. 12-15 at Aspinwall Riverfront Park. The show covers all the bases of love — from first dates to marriage, from children to “the twilight years” — set in a series of vignettes and songs. The cast features Jenna Hayes, Jim Froehlich, Breanne Smith, Amanda Leight, Jake Smith and Jeff Johnston. David Lu is director and Kevin Milliken is musical director.
‘Hollywoodland’ features best-loved songs from the silver screen
4 minutes ago Two performances of the most loved songs from the movies — including classics like “Over the Rainbow,” “Pennies from Heaven” and “Whistle While You Work” — will warm a winter evening for audiences at “Hollywoodland: Songs From the Silver Screen.” The musical production, being presented by the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust as part of its Trust Cabaret Series, will be held on Feb. 10 in Greer Cabaret Theater in the city’s Cultural District.
Gritty, beautiful ‘Miss Saigon’ latest in PNC Broadway in Pittsburgh series
5 minutes ago The North American tour of “Miss Saigon” – a powerful love story set in Saigon in 1975 near the end of the Vietnam War – stops in Pittsburgh Feb. 4-9 for eight performances at Benedum Center as part of Pittsburgh Cultural Trust’s PNC Broadway in Pittsburgh series.
Little Big Town’s ‘Nightfall Tour’ stops at Benedum Center
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Wings, nachos and cheeseballs, oh my! Super Bowl snacks sure to please
4 minutes ago San Francisco 49ers or Kansas City Chiefs? In these parts, the bigger question for Super Bowl LIV will be, chicken wings or guacamole — or both? Super Bowl snacking is part of the fun of watching the Feb. 2 festivities, even if our Pittsburgh Steelers won’t be on the field at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Fla.
Can’t make it to Gobbler’s Knob? You can still celebrate Groundhog Day
5 minutes ago Anyone living in Western Pennsylvania knows that Punxsutawney Phil is the authentic groundhog meteorologist that, according to tradition, has come out of his burrow every Feb. 2 since 1887 to hopefully announce an early spring – unless he sees his shadow and subjects us all to six more weeks of winter weather.
Taste of the NFL, with a Steelers presence, works to fight hunger
4 minutes ago The Pittsburgh Steelers may not be playing in Super Bowl LIV, but the city and the team will be well represented at an annual fundraiser on Super Bowl eve in South Florida to help support the fight against hunger. Scott Walton, executive chef at Acorn restaurant in Shadyside, and Andy Russell, a former linebacker and part of the “Steel Curtain” defense for the Steelers in the 1970s, will team up at Taste of the NFL Feb. 1, the night before the Super Bowl.
World of Wheels roars into Pittsburgh for annual stop
6 minutes ago Like many little kids, Aaron Kaufman of Grand Prairie, Texas loved playing with cars – and dump trucks, bulldozers, tractors and just about anything else with wheels. He credits his grandfather, who ran a mill near his home working on parts for aircrafts, and his father, a maintenance man with a passion for cars, especially hot rods and dragsters, for instilling in him his curiosity about how things work.
‘Cinderella’ kicks off Stage Right’s new year
5 minutes ago A large cast featuring three princesses and 75 students ages 6-18 from 12 different school districts will give a fairy tale start to the New Year for Stage Right School for the Performing Arts. Stage Right Artistic Director Tony Marino will direct Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II’s musical version of “Cinderella,” assisted by Renata Marino, choreographer; Christopher McAllister, musical director, and Anna Stewart, stage manager.
‘Dancing with the Stars’ brings all the moves to the Benedum
4 minutes ago Professional dancer Alan Bersten said he never imagined that he and his celebrity partner, “The Bachelorette” star Hannah Brown, would be among the finalists and the ultimate winner of ABC-TV’s “Dancing with the Stars” reality show, earning the coveted Mirror Ball Trophy. “Not until they called our names did we feel we had a chance,” he said. “It was surreal.
Get spring project inspiration at Monroeville Home Show
You are solely responsible for your comments and by using TribLive.com you agree to our Terms of Service. We moderate comments. Our goal is to provide substantive commentary for a general readership. By screening submissions, we provide a space where readers can share intelligent and informed commentary that enhances the quality of our news and information. While most comments will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive, moderating decisions are subjective.
Embrace winter fun at Boyce Park SnowFest
You are solely responsible for your comments and by using TribLive.com you agree to our Terms of Service. We moderate comments. Our goal is to provide substantive commentary for a general readership. By screening submissions, we provide a space where readers can share intelligent and informed commentary that enhances the quality of our news and information. While most comments will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive, moderating decisions are subjective.
Phipps’ annual orchid, bonsai show is ‘Out of This World’
It’s “all systems go” as Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens prepares for takeoff to a new galaxy of gardens that are truly “Out of This World” in its annual Orchid and Tropical Bonsai Show opening Jan. 18. Phipps’ “Guardians of the Galaxy” (the show’s designers) include Jordyn Melino, associate director of exhibits; Julianna Razryadov, curator of horticulture; Katie Schuller, orchid manager and Kevin Haughey, bonsai specialist.
Cirque du Soleil brings OVO show to PPG Paints Arena
In Cirque du Soleil’s touring production of OVO, insects are larger than life and the world is a buzzing spectacle of color. The Montreal-based contemporary circus returns to Pittsburgh Jan. 23-26 for the first time since 2017 with OVO, after having toured the show in North and South America and Europe. The production will be presented for seven performances Jan. 23-26 at PPG Paints Arena.
Explore relationship during One Acts Festival at Geyer PAC
3 minutes ago A weekend featuring original one-act plays that kicks off the New Year in style has become a tradition at Geyer Performing Arts Center in Scottdale. Actors and Artists of Fayette County’s third annual “One Acts Festival” Jan. 10-12 will give theatergoers an opportunity to experience four new plays created by local playwrights. David DeFazio of Harrison City, a board member with AAFC, is once again serving as coordinator for the production.
Pittsburgh Restaurant Week spotlights delicious meals and deals
3 minutes ago Two things are fairly predictable about January in Pittsburgh: it’s typically a cold month – and it’s a slow month for local restaurants after a busy holiday season. Brian McCollum says it’s a perfect time of year to check out some new cuisine or visit favorite dining establishments that are offering deals on special menus during Pittsburgh Restaurant Week.
‘A Charlie Brown Christmas’ comes alive on Byham stage
3 minutes ago A favorite holiday tradition is watching Charlie Brown and his pals as they once again discover the real meaning of Christmas in “A Charlie Brown Christmas,” the 1965 animated television special based on the Peanuts comic strip by beloved cartoonist the late Charles M. Schulz. The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust will bring the annual holiday classic to life when it presents “A Charlie Brown Christmas Live on Stage” for two performances Dec.
‘Jesus Christ Superstar’ brings familiar story with a rock edge to Benedum
3 minutes ago The Broadway musical “Jesus Christ Superstar” is returning to its roots. The 1970 rock opera with music by Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyrics by Tim Rice actually began as a rock opera concept album before it debuted on Broadway in 1971. For its 50th anniversary touring production coming to Benedum Center Dec. 31 to Jan.
Dinosaur Adventure makes stop in Monroeville Convention Center
You are solely responsible for your comments and by using TribLive.com you agree to our Terms of Service. We moderate comments. Our goal is to provide substantive commentary for a general readership. By screening submissions, we provide a space where readers can share intelligent and informed commentary that enhances the quality of our news and information. While most comments will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive, moderating decisions are subjective.
Harlem Globetrotters soar into Pittsburgh for annual show
12 minutes ago The world-famous Harlem Globetrotters are “Pushing the Limits” in so many amazing ways. They’re embarking on a world tour that will bring their high-energy basketball show to more than 250 North American cities — including Pittsburgh on Dec. 26 — and 30 countries into 2020. They also added six new Guinness World Records to their team total of 22 in one day on Nov.
The Illusionists will immerse Heinz Hall in magic
10 minutes ago The holiday season will be even more magical than usual when the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust makes a group of seven master entertainers appear on the Heinz Hall stage with their bag of sophisticated tricks and illusions. “The Illusionists — Magic of the Holidays” is a touring production of a successful show that has wowed audiences around the world, including engagements on Broadway, in London’s West End, and on tour around the United States and Canada.
Catch the musical take on ‘A Christmas Story’ at The Lamp
You are solely responsible for your comments and by using TribLive.com you agree to our Terms of Service. We moderate comments. Our goal is to provide substantive commentary for a general readership. By screening submissions, we provide a space where readers can share intelligent and informed commentary that enhances the quality of our news and information. While most comments will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive, moderating decisions are subjective.
Pittsburgh talent shines in ‘A Benedum Christmas - Home for the Holidays’
3 minutes ago An abundance of homegrown talent will be celebrating the season at “A Benedum Christmas — Home for the Holidays,” an annual concert featuring performers who are proud of their Pittsburgh roots. The festive showcase of vocalists, songwriters and musicians with ties to the city will take place at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 17 at the Benedum Center, sponsored by Pittsburgh Cultural Trust in partnership with Pittsburgh Winery.
‘Annie’ steps in as last-minute replacement at Geyer
3 minutes ago Patrons of Geyer Performing Arts Center may have been surprised to find that “White Christmas” was removed from the performance schedule just weeks before it was set to open at the theater in Scottdale.
Greensburg Civic Theatre’s ‘Frozen Jr.’ warms the hearts of cast, audience
You are solely responsible for your comments and by using TribLive.com you agree to our Terms of Service. We moderate comments. Our goal is to provide substantive commentary for a general readership. By screening submissions, we provide a space where readers can share intelligent and informed commentary that enhances the quality of our news and information. While most comments will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive, moderating decisions are subjective.
Pittsburgh Restaurant Week offers bargains and new bites
Local chefs know it takes some hot deals and creative cuisine to lure even the most faithful patrons into their restaurants during January, typically one of the slowest months of the year for dining out. That’s how Pittsburgh Restaurant Week was born, says founder and executive director Brian McCollum, who has been leading the semiannual promotion for six years. “Restaurant Week is an opportunity to discover or rediscover a new favorite restaurant in Pittsburgh,” he says.
Holiday cards benefit a variety of local charities
10 minutes ago The holiday season is all about sharing warm sentiments with family and friends. There’s still something special about sending holiday wishes “the old-fashioned way” — with a paper card and a handwritten note delivered to loved ones’ mailboxes rather than an email message sent to their inboxes. Even more special is choosing cards that benefit the good work of nonprofit organizations in Western Pennsylvania that are dedicated to helping others.
Phipps’ winter flower show, light garden is holiday tradition
One of the most beloved winter holiday symbols — decorated and brightly lit trees — will take center stage in “Holiday Magic! Winter Flower Show and Light Garden” at Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens. It’s not only traditional Christmas trees that will fill the exhibit rooms at the Victorian glass house in Oakland at this year’s Festival of Trees-themed holiday show Nov. 29 through Jan. 12.
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