Sep 21, 2023 17 min read

THEATER/FILM

“Lord of the Flies” will be performed at Little Lake Theatre Company in Canonsburg from Thursdays through Sundays, Sept. 7-24. Thursday-Saturday shows are at 7:30 p.m.; Sunday shows are at 2 p.m. For tickets and additional information, visit littlelake.org.

The Pittsburgh Silent Film Festival runs from Sept. 24 through Oct. 1. The inaugural festival features nine films at eight venues in the Pittsburgh area, with musicians providing live accompaniment. Festival updates will be available on the Pittsburgh Silent Film Society website at www.pittsburghsilentfilmsociety.org.

“Moulin Rouge,” the stage musical based on the Baz Luhrmann movie of the same name, comes to the Benedum Center in Pittsburgh with shows from Wednesday, Sept. 27 through Sunday, Oct. 8. For tickets, visit trustarts.org.

“The Book of Will,” a theatrical journey about the works of William Shakespeare, Thursdays through Sundays, Oct. 5-22. Thursday-Saturday shows are at 7:30 p.m.; Sunday shows are at 2 p.m. For tickets and additional information, visit littlelake.org.

“Godspell,” a musical based on the Gospel of St. Matthew, will be staged by the Main Street Theatre Company at the State Theatre Center for the Arts in Uniontown from Friday, Oct. 6 through Sunday, Oct. 8. Friday and Saturday showtimes are 7 p.m., Sunday’s performance is at 2 p.m. For tickets or additional information, visit statetheatre.info.

“Sugar Skull! A Día de Muertos Musical Adventure” comes to the Byham Theater in Pittsburgh on Saturday, Oct. 7 at 2 p.m. The bilingual/bicultural musical for young audiences and families uses traditional regional music and dance from Mexico to tell the story of a girl who can’t understand why her family is planning a celebration for the dead. To purchase tickets, visit trustarts.org.

“Haunted Illusions” with David Caserta brings magic and comedy to the state at the State Theatre Center for the Arts in Uniontown on Friday, Oct. 13 at 7 p.m. For tickets or addition information, visit statetheatre.info.

“The Wiz,” a twist on the classic “The Wizard of Oz,” will be performed at the Benedum Center in Pittsburgh from Tuesday, Oct. 31 through Sunday, Nov. 5. For tickets, visit trustarts.org.

“Always … Patsy Cline,” a musical about the songstress’s real-life friendship with Houston housewife Louise Seger, comes to the State Theatre Center for the Arts in Uniontown on Saturday, Nov. 4 at 8 p.m. Tickets are available at statetheatre.info.

“Little Women” is the Friday, Nov. 17 movie to be shown as part of the Classic Film Series at the State Theatre Center for the Arts in Uniontown. The movie will be screened at 2 and 7 p.m. Admission is $7 for adults, $5 for seniors or students. Tickets can be purchased at the door.

“The Nutcracker Ballet,” produced by the Main Street Theatre Company, comes to the State Theatre Center for the Arts in Uniontown from Friday, Dec. 8 through Sunday, Dec. 10. There will be performances on Friday and Saturday at 7 p.m. Additional 2 p.m. performances will be held on Saturday and Sunday. For tickets, visit statetheatre.info.

Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre will host free outdoor performances this year, including an open air performances at Hazelwood Green in Pittsburgh, Sept. 29-Oct. 1. Registration is recommended, with additional details available at pbt.org.

“tick, tick … BOOM!,” a musical by Jonathan Larson, will be performed at the Pittsburgh CLO Cabaret between Sept. 22 and Oct. 22. For ticket information, visit pittsburghclo.org.

“Bluey’s Big Play,” based on the children’s television series, will be performed at the Benedum Center in Pittsburgh on Saturday, Sept. 23 and Sunday, Sept. 24. Tickets are available at trustarts.org.

“Incredible Predators” is being shown in 3D and 2D at Rangos Giant Cinema in Pittsburgh through Saturday, Sept. 30. The runtime is 40 minutes. Tickets are available through carnegiesciencecenter.org.

“Jesus Christ Superstar,” an Andrew Lloyd Webber musical celebrating its 50th anniversary, will be presented at the West Virginia University Canady Creative Arts Center on Tuesday, Oct. 10 at 7:30 p.m. For tickets and additional information, visit events.wvu.edu.

“Life and Death of Harry Houdini,” presented by magician Lee Terbosic, runs at Liberty Magic in Pittsburgh from Wednesday, Oct. 25 through Sunday, Dec. 3. For ticket information, visit trustarts.org/magic.

“The Book of Mormon,” an irreverent Tony Award winning musical, will be presented at the West Virginia University Canady Creative Arts Center on Wednesday, Nov. 8 at 7:30 p.m. For tickets and additional information, visit events.wvu.edu.

“Mrs. Doubtfire,” a new musical comedy, will be presented at the Benedum Center in Pittsburgh from Tuesday, Nov. 28 to Sunday, Dec. 3. The musical is based on the Robin Williams’ movie of the same name. For tickets visit trustarts.org.

“Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet” will be presented at the West Virginia University Canady Creative Arts Center on Tuesday, Nov. 28 at 7:30 p.m. For tickets and additional information, visit events.wvu.edu.

“Who’s Holiday” will be performed by the Pittsburgh CLO at the CLO Cabaret between Dec. 1 and 31. For ticket information, visit pittsburghclo.org.

“A Musical Christmas Carol” will be performed by the Pittsburgh CLO Friday, Dec. 15 through Saturday, Dec. 23 at the Byham Theater in Pittsburgh. For ticket information visit pittsburghclo.org.

“A Magical Cirque Christmas” will be presented at the Benedum Center in Pittsburgh Friday and Saturday, Dec. 29-30. The variety show is friendly to all ages. For tickets, visit trustarts.org.

“The Cher Show,” a musical about the life of eponymous Grammy, Oscar and Emmy winner Cher, will be presented at the West Virginia University Canady Creative Arts Center on Monday, Feb. 12 at 7:30 p.m. For tickets and additional information, visit events.wvu.edu.

“Little Women,” the Broadway musical based on author Louisa May Alcott’s life, will be presented at the West Virginia University Canady Creative Arts Center on Monday, March 18 at 7:30 p.m. For tickets and additional information, visit events.wvu.edu.

Found & Favored Ministries presents “The Story Tour” at the State Theater Center for the Arts, 37 E. Main St, Uniontown, on Thursday, Nov. 9. The one-night performance features the hope-filled music of Allan Scott Band, ministry with speakers Allan Scott and suicide survivor Pastor Travis Habbershon, and testimonies and stories of God’s redemption. The powerful and unique experience is geared toward those who are hurting, addicted or struggling with their faith. For more information, or tickets, visit thestorytour.org.

“Arctic: Our Frozen Planet” is screening at the Rangos Giant Cinema in Pittsburgh through Tuesday, Oct. 31.The film, narrated by actor Benedict Cumberbatch, takes audiences to the top of the globe where climate change is happening faster and more dramatically than anywhere else. The runtime is 42 minutes. Tickets are available through carnegiesciencecenter.org.

ART/EXHIBITS

A fall gallery crawl will be held in Pittsburgh’s Cultural District on Friday, Sept. 22 from 5:30 to 10 p.m. A Crawl After Dark runs from 10 p.m. to midnight. A number of events are included. For times and specifics, visit crawl.trustarts.org/events.

“Mexican Masks: Symbols, Celebrations, Satire and Safety,” an exhibit at the Latin American Cultural Center in Oakland, will run from Sept. 26 through April 27, 2024. The exhibit uses photos, artworks, videos, and masks-both ancient and contemporary-from diverse regions of Mexico to highlight the many prominent roles of masks in the country’s culture. An opening gala celebration will be held on Sept. 23. For tickets or additional details, visit http://lacc.lasaweb.org.

The Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art at Ligonier Valley will host its annual Fall Plein Air Paint Out Sept. 28-30, and Wet Sale on Oct. 1. Artists who would like to participate in the paint out can contact the museum ligonier@sama-art.org or call 724-238-6015. The wet sale runs from 1 to 5 p.m. at the museum, located at One Boucher Lane & Route 711 South, Ligonier.

A painting retreat with a variety of classes will be held Oct. 5-8 at the Crestfield Camp and Conference Center in Slippery Rock. The retreat is being held by Golden Triangle Decorative Painters. To view classes and for more information go to GTDP.org. or call Laura at 724-859-8206.

“Untitled (Art Party)” will be held at the Carnegie Music Hall Foyer on Friday, Oct. 13 from 7 p.m. to midnight. The 21-and-over event includes live music, food, drinks and art. Tickets are available through cernegieart.org.

The Art Connection and Youth Art Studio classes begin next month at Carnegie Museum of Art. The connection classes are geared toward those in grades 5 through 9 and will be held Saturday mornings beginning Oct. 14. The youth classes are for those in grades 10 through 12, and run on Thursdays, beginning Oct. 12. For additional information, visit carnegieart.org.

“Titanic,” an artifact exhibit, will be displayed at the Carnegie Science Center from Saturday, Oct. 21, through Monday, April 15, 2024. Visitors can explore room recreations and hear passenger stories while viewing 154 artifacts recovered from the wreckage.

Seen & Heard, an exhibition at 707 Gallery in Pittsburgh, celebrates recent acquisitions made possible with the support of the Richard King Mellon Foundation to purchase works by contemporary Black women artists with ties to the Pittsburgh-region. The exhibition runs through Sept. 24.

The University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg is seeking submissions to its seventh annual art show, featuring a judged category and a general category. The exhibit runs from Sept. 25 through Oct. 6. Complete details, including art size requirements and cost, are available at www.greensburg.pitt.edu/art-show.

Westmoreland 250, an exhibit celebrating Westmoreland County’s 250th anniversary, is now open at the Westmoreland History Education Center, 809 Forbes Trail Road, Greensburg. More than 30 historical societies, museums, and other organizations across the county have loaned objects and/or pictures for the exhibit. The exhibit will be open throughout the year. For more information, call 724-836-1800 or visit westmorelandhistory.org.

“Imprinting in Their Time: Japanese Printmakers, 1912-2022” is now open at the Carnegie Museum of Art in Pittsburgh. The exhibition examines how the role of a printmaker has transformed through international encounters, new sources of inspiration, and artistic motivation.

“Pittsburgh and the Great Migration: Black Mobility and the Automobile,” is now open at the Car and Carnegie Museum in Pittsburgh. The exhibit will run through Feb. 4, 2024, and features well-known favorites like the 1914 Ford Model T Touring Car and the 1922 Lincoln Model L. For tickets or information, visit theprickpittsburgh.org.

“Traveling While Black,” a cinematic virtual reality experience, is now open at 820 Liberty Gallery, and will run through Sept. 24. The installation was created by Academy Award winner Roger Ross Williams and Emmy Award-winning Felix & Paul Studios. The Pittsburgh gallery is open Wednesday and Thursdays from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. For additional information, visit trustarts.org.

Jane’s Endangered Animal Experience is now open at the Carnegie Museum of Natural History in Pittsburgh. The exhibit runs through Jan. 2 and is based on the Apple TV+ series “Jane.” The show was inspired by the work of Dr. Jane Goodall. For more information, visit carnegiemnh.org.

Uniontown Art Club’s Gallery 86, located at 86 W. Main St., Uniontown, is open Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The art club has online sales Thursday evenings at 6:30 p.m. on the club’s Facebook page, facebook.com/uniontownartclub. For more information, visit uniontownartclub.org.

The Frick offers a variety of free virtual exhibitions, including fashion in the Gilded Age, a peek at 11 masterpieces in its collection and a detailed collection of early 20th century objects for refined dining and home entertainment. Check out the offerings online at www.thefrickpittsburgh.org.

The Carnegie Museum of Art’s lineup of exhibitions for 2023 will include Joan Brown, Heinz Galleries, May 27 to Sept. 24; What brings us here?, Scaife Gallery 2, June 24 and ongoing; Imprinting in Their Time: Japanese Printmakers 1912-2022, Gallery One, June 24 to May 12, 2024; Unsettling Matter, Gaining Ground, Heinz Architectural Center, Aug. 19 to Jan. 7, 2024; Amie Siegel, Forum Gallery, Sept. 22 to Feb. 11, 2024, and The Milton and Sheila Fine Collection, Heinz Galleries, Nov. 18 to March 17, 2024. For more information, visit cmoa.org.

MUSIC & COMEDY

Hugo Cruz and Caminos kicks off the Washington & Jefferson College Arts Series on Thursday, Oct. 5 at 7:30 p.m. The performance will be held in Olin Fine Arts Center, 285 E. Wheeling St., Washington. Tickets are required and can be purchased by calling 724-223-6546.”

“Music on the Bluff” returns with gems by classical composers for a four-concert series at PNC Recital Hall on the campus of Duquesne University in Pittsburgh. Shows are: “Fantasy,” Sunday, Oct. 15; and “Folk Style,” Sunday, Jan. 21. All shows begin at 3 p.m. and are preceded by a 2:30 p.m. pre-concert discussion. Cost is $20 per concert. Tickets are available at duq.edu/BluffSeries.

“Pleasant View Music Club” will be held on Wednesdays through September from 6 to 7 p.m. at Pleasant View Presbyterian Church, 533 Royal Road, Smock. The free club is for children ages kindergarten and older, and features hand bells, boomwhackers, songs and musical games. For questions, call 724-677-2149.

Television and Broadway star Donna Lynne Champlin, Tony Award nominee Sally Mayes, and Broadway star Valerie Wright will headline the world premiere concert of the new musical, “The Crinolynns” at Carey Performing Arts Center in Latrobe on Saturday, Sept. 30 at 2 and 7 p.m. Tickets are $26 for adults, $24 for seniors, and $16 for students, and can be purchased by calling 724-832-7464. For more information, visit stagerightgreensburg.com/.

The Tiger Lillies will perform at Greer Cabaret Theater in Pittsburgh from Wednesday, Oct. 25 through Friday, Oct. 27. Tickets are available through trustarts.org.

Dave Lang and Bernie Patrick will hold a Square Dance in the Fiddler’s Building at the Fayette County Fairgrounds from 6 to 9 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 21. Admission is $5. For more information, visit The Old Time Fiddlers Association of Western Pennsylvania Facebook page.

The Warrior’s Rock Concert at Wild Things Stadium in Washington will feature Gary Racan and the Studio E-Band on Thursday, Sept. 28. Gates open at 5 p.m.; the concert begins at 6:30 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at warriorsrock.org or at the gate.

The BAMA-sponsored Brownsville Area Christian Praise Festival will be on Saturday, Oct. 7 from 2 to 7 p.m. at the Cast Iron Amphitheater in downtown Brownsville. There will be live Christian music, food and children’s activities. The rain location will be at the Sons of Italy. Call Heidi at 724-970-3301 with any questions.

Matthew West’s “My Story Your Glory” tour comes to the State Theatre Center for the Arts in Uniontown on Sunday, Nov. 12 at 7 p.m. For tickets, visit statethreatre.info.

Old Crow Medicine Show, responsible for the folk song “Wagon Wheel” will perform at the West Virginia University Canady Creative Arts Center on Monday, Sept. 25 at 7:30 p.m. For tickets and additional information, visit events.wvu.edu.

Mountain Stage with Kathy Mattea, featuring Vince Herman, Larry & Joe, and Kat Wright comes to the stage at West Virginia University’s Canady Creative Arts Center on Sunday, Oct. 15 at 7:30 p.m. For tickets and additional information, visit events.wvu.edu.

Comedian Chris Tucker will perform at the Benedum Center in Pittsburgh on Thursday, Oct. 19 at 8 p.m. For tickets, visit trustarts.org.

Samantha Bee’s “Your Favorite Woman” comedy show comes to the Byham Theatre in Pittsburgh at 8 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 21. For tickets, visit trustarts.org.

Blues Traveler, the Grammy Award-winning group responsible for the song “Run-Around,” will perform at West Virginia University Canady Creative Arts Center on Monday, Oct. 23 at 7:30 p.m. For tickets and additional information, visit events.wvu.edu.

Mannheim Steamroller Christmas by Chip Davis will celebrate the holiday spirit at the West Virginia University Canady Creative Arts Center on Monday, Nov. 27 at 7:30 p.m. For tickets and additional information, visit events.wvu.edu.

The Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra will perform its Holiday Brass Spectacular at Waynesburg University on Wednesday, Dec. 6 at 7:30 p.m. in Roberts Chapel. Tickets are $15, and available at waynesburg.edu/pittsburghsymphony.

“Johnny Cash – The Official Concert Experience” comes to the West Virginia University Canady Creative Arts Center on Friday, Feb. 23 at 7:30 p.m. For tickets and additional information, visit events.wvu.edu.

The Temptations and The Four Tops will close out the season at the West Virginia University Canady Creative Arts Center on Thursday, May 2 at 7:30 p.m. For tickets and additional information, visit events.wvu.edu.

Jazz Live, presented by BNY Mellon, returns to the Agnes Katz Plaza, intersection of Penn Avenue and 7th Street in Pittsburgh, with free concerts on Tuesdays, from 5 to 7 p.m. The final performance of the season is John Shannon Trio, Sept. 26.

The nonprofit Mon Valley Academy for the Arts is offering music lessons for students of all ages and skill levels at its Charleroi and Brownsville locations. Lessons are taught by experienced and qualified instructors, and tailored to the individual student’s needs and goals. For more information, visit monvalleyacademyforthearts.org/music-lessons, or call 724-565-1687.

MISC.

There will be a free quilt show at the First Christian Church, 512 Second St., Brownsville, on Saturday, Sept. 30 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. There will also be a quilt raffle, food for sale, a basket auction, and flea market tables. The public is invited.

City of Asylum’s third annual Pittsburgh International Literary Festival (LitFest’23) runs from Saturday, Sept. 30 through Sunday, Oct. 16. The 16-day festival will consider themes of identity and marginalization with an emphasis on literature from around the world. For more information, including a full schedule of events, visit cityofasylum.org/pittsburgh-international-literary-festival.

The Battle of Homestead Foundation presents historians discussing “The 1948 Donora Smog Disaster – 75th Anniversary” on Tuesday, Sept. 26 from 7:30 to 9 p.m. The Zoom program features Brian Charlton of the Donora Historical Society and Smog Museum and Andy McPhee, author of “Donora Death Fog.” The program is free but viewers must register at https://tinyurl.com/y6jkwamn.

The Train Gang of Washington County will be operating its model railroad in Washington Crown Center Mall, 1500 West Chestnut St., Washington. Saturday, Sept. 23, is a special open house with door prizes from noon to 5 p.m. In October, the trains will be running on Saturday, Oct. 14 and 28 from noon to 5 p.m. Admission is free, but donations are accepted and passed on to local charities.

Powdermill Nature Reserve in Pittsburgh is holding a number of events, including Family Nature Walks on Oct. 7 from 2 to 3 p.m.; Avian Research Center free guided tours, Oct. 8 from 8 to 9:30 a.m., and Avian Research Center open houses on Sept. 23 and Oct. 21 from 8 a.m. to noon. For additional information, visit carnegiemnh.org.

South Hills Village Mall in Pittsburgh is planning a number of Wednesday Play Dates throughout the year on the lower level near the children’s play area. Dates are Sept. 27, Oct. 18 and Dec. 6 from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Each date includes activities and is free.

The Sunday Antiques & Collectibles Sale held at Historic Hanna’s Town, 809 Forbes Trail Road, Greensburg has started for the season. The sales run the second Sunday of each month through October. Buyers can enter the grounds at 7:30 a.m., and shop through the early afternoon. For more information on the sale, or to become a seller, call 724-836-1800.

Meadowcroft Rockshelter in Avella is open for the season. On Saturday, Oct. 28, guides will host an “insider tour” to mark 50 years since the first excavation at the rockshelter. For more information, visit heinzhistorycenter.org/meadowcroft or call 724-587-3412.

Historic Hanna’s Town, 809 Forbes Trail Road, Greensburg, is now open for the season. Visitors can check out the Revolutionary War-era historic site and see living history displays and demonstrations. For additional information on times and hours, call 724-836-1800 or visit www.westmorelandhistory.org.

The Monongahela River, Railroad & Transportation Museum, 412 Church St., Brownsville, is now open the first Saturday of every month in addition to each Wednesday, from 9 a.m. to noon. Other visitations are possible through appointment. Call 724-880-5960 or send an email to MRRandTM@gmail.com.