Friday, February 23, 2024

Day 412- Pittsburgh Opera-“Proving Up” at the Bitz Opera Factory- Chasing the American Dream

 

Pittsburgh Opera’s Proving Up is a dark tragic collage of the struggles facing Nebraskan homesteaders in 1870s. These homesteaders flocked west dreaming of owning land. The opera, based on a short story by Karen Russell,  gives a haunting portal of the Zegner family’s efforts to meet the requirements of the Homestead Act of 1862 in order to own a piece of America. “Proving Up” preformed in the intimate setting of the Bitz Opera Factory, has the ambiance of a horror film about chasing an often-unattainable dream. 


Reflection

Proving Up showcases the talent of our Pittsburgh Opera Resident Artist  (see Day 385). This 80 minute show, sung in English is a good opera for newbies. It engages the audience since you are close to the action in this intimate 213 seat setting. The resident artists with strong vocals  and superb acting captivate the hardness of the unforgiving land and the desire to own it even at the cost of their survival.    


The requirements of the Homestead Act needed to own the land: a house of sod, 5 years of harvest and a glass window, which is the hardest to secure, are repetitive themes in the libretto. The score uses dissonant harmonies, harmonicas,  guitars and varied rhythms that are sometimes down right spooky.   

The father, “Pa” Zegner (Brandon Bell ) opens  with the dream, “...come from every nation. Uncle Sam is rich enough to give us all a farm.”  The mother, “Ma” Zegner (Emily Richter ) seems broken as she repeatedly sings, “Where is God’s rain?”  The son, Miles (Fran Daniel Laucerica) fights the elements of a rainstorm and blizzard to share the glass window with another farmer before the government inspector’s visit asking, “Does a window make a home?” 

There is bloody brother in a steel tub, two dead Zegner singing sisters (Julia Swan Laird) and (Jazmine Olwalis) and a zombie like  Sodbuster (Evan Lazdowski) that wonders the land.

Yes it’s dark, like I said, akin to a good horror flick that does not end well.  Yet this eerie opera is relevant today. It ponders the question of the existence of the American dream, even for those that seem to do everything right. 

(Poven Up runs through 2/25/24.  La Traviata  runs March 16-24 and The Passion of Mary Cadwell runs April 27- May 5, 2024. Both of these shows are part of a new opera ride share program that puts a $60 dollar voucher in your Uber account with your ticket purchases. This makes a night out at the Opera a no parking, door to door experience. For tickets and more about the free ride voucher go to pittsburghopera.org.)

David Bachman Photography for Pittsburgh Opera

Other Sources

https://www.pittsburghopera.org/

https://www.pittsburghopera.org/resident-artists/2023-24resident-artists/

https://www.pittsburghopera.org/season/free-low-cost-events/songshop/

https://www.pittsburghopera.org/season/la-traviata/

https://www.pittsburghopera.org/season/the-passion-of-mary-cardwell-dawson

https://www.pittsburghopera.org/tickets/free-rideshare-vouchers/

 

 

Saturday, February 17, 2024

Day 411- Pittsburgh Public Theater - Dragon Lady- Generational Healing Through Story Telling

 


Pittsburgh Public Theater's Dragon Lady is the ultimate story telling experience with a punch of music and song. The author and performer, Sara Porkalob, tells the family history of the dragon lady, her grandmother who was a night club singer in the Philippines  before marriage brought her to the United States.  This one women show portrays three generations of  family struggles, pain and joys. It’s raw, funny and an authentic portrait of generational healing though story telling.    

Reflection

The show opens with the Dragon Lady singing and rapping  her life version to the beat of “House of the Rising Sun ” and  Gangsta's Paradise.”  On her 60th birthday she shares it all with her first born granddaughter, Sara. She believes that “60 is last of old person’s birthdays when we need to start to tell stories to our children before death.”  

Her story begins with childhood turmoil in the Philippines  and her father’s proclamation that, “you have my blood in your veins, trouble is a family trait.”  The account, often told with humour, is of one tough lady who had to claw her way through life.


After intermission, Sara’s mother (Maria) tells a different tale of the Dragon Lady. Maria’s narrative is critical of her mother’s life choices and her own upbringing. It’s a strained mother/daughter relationship sprinkled with love.  As I watched this show with my own mother,  I thought about the many times that  I too played the “blame game”  with her.    

Porkalob portrays every character: her grandmother, her mother, mother’s siblings, the night club madam and 18 others, with amazing alterations to her voice, posture and expressions. These character changes often occur at lighting speed but with understandable distinction. Porkalob’s singing and the quartet from the band Hot Dam Scandal  enhance this engaging painting of her life.

Sometimes all we have are our stories and memories of our past.  Like Porkalob, I have found  laughter and maybe even some healing reminiscing about my childhood with my closest friends , or recounting the stories of my immigrant  Italian huckster grandparents with my cousins.

 This show made me laugh and cry. There is sure to be something in Porkalob’s tale that will resonate with everyone because  family relationships, whether good or bad, bring meaning to our present. We all have a history, a story and even some pain that runs through our blood that “is of some use to us.”    

(Dragon Lady  runs until Feb 25, 2024 at Pittsburgh Public Theater. To purchase  tickets go to https://www.ppt.org/.  Also, you can live stream the show on Feb. 23rd and 25th for $49 per household. Get the live stream tickets at PPT.org/DragonLive.)

All Photos: Sara Porkalob in Pittsburgh Public Theater’s Dragon Lady by Michael Henninger )

My mom is
first US generation of our family.
I am second and my son 3rd.
Our stories bring meaning to
the present.

Spiritual Reflection

But now, O Lord, you are our Father: we are the clay, and you are the potter: we are all the work of your hand.  Isaiah 64:8 (ESV)


Other Sources

https://www.ppt.org/

https://www.ppt.org/production/87715/dragon-lady

 

Saturday, December 9, 2023

Day 410-Get you Cheer on with This Guide to Holiday lights, Shows and Music in Pittsburgh

 


Christmas is the most wonderful time of year in Pittsburgh.  The holiday lights, shows and music give you so many ways to get your cheer on. If you join me in some of these experiences, you be like Buddy the Elf and want to spread Christmas cheer by, “singing loud for all to hear.”  

Lights Camera Holiday Action

1. Dazzling Lights -Pittsburgh Botanical Gardens- November 24 to January 2, 1024

This is the second year for this immersive light experience. Lights twinkle, sparkle and dazzle as you traverse through the trees, fields, tunnel illuminated installations, and snow at the Pittsburgh Botanical Gardens.  Grab a bite or  adult drink as you watch colours dance over a pond or throughout the trees.  Join me at Dazzling Lights and purchase your tickets here.  

2. Holiday Magic! Winter Flower Show and Light Garden Phipps Conservatory-November  17-January 7, 2023

Phipps Conservatory not only gives you over 21 varieties of poinsettias, adorned trees, and a train display, but they have a magical shimmering illumined outdoor garden. This has become an annual Pittsburgh tradition because it had the "ah factor" each year.  Have a hot chocolate or an adult beverage as you stroll through the garden and the beauty. Join me for the Holiday Magic and get your tickets here.

Read more about The Phipps Holiday Magic experience on Day 180 , Day 251 and Day 313.

3. Zoo Lights Drive through-November 24 to December 30, 2023 (New walk-through Dec 15, 16, 22 and 23)

If driving through the lights is more to your liking, the Pittsburgh Zoo will take you on an illuminated safari.  You will be greeted by over 150 sparking, twinkling and moving wild life installations, newly added zoo babies and more. (There are also 4 walk through nights complete with live music) So, pack up your car, put on the tunes and join me for a ride through Zoo Lights and purchase your tickets here.

4. A Christmas Tree Stroll Through the City

Omni William Penn Hotel lobby

Pittsburgh is adorned with lights on bridges, buildings and trees. There are lit trees from the tip of Point State Park to the granddaddy evergreen at the City County Building. Make your own magic with a scavenger  hunt for decorated trees on a city walk. 

Take a tree stroll from the iconic towering Joseph Horn's tree on the now Highmark Building, then venture to the Fairmont Hotel  lobby tree, cross though the market square village to the PPG dancing illuminated tree, then head uptown to the City County Building tree. Visit the life size nativity at the USX Tower. On your way uptown, make sure to stop and view  lobby of the Omni William Penn Hotel

During your adventure enjoy a drink and find even more festive trees in hotel lobbies and restaurants. No tickets are needed for this free adventure of your own making.

Bring Up the Curtain and Enjoy Some Holiday Shows

1. Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberley-City Theatre-November to December 17, 2023

City Theatre on the South Side  offers a size venue for a more intimate theatrical experience. Celebrate Christmas with the characters from Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice. This play takes place two years later, when love is sparked by an unexpected guest. The story transports you to  the 1800’s when our Christmas traditions such as a decorated tree began. Join me and celebrate with Austen’s charters at Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberly  and purchase tickets here.

2.Who’s Holiday-CLO-Greer Cabaret Theatre-December 1 to December 31, 2023

If you are looking for some adult comedy, go to Dr. Seuss’s Whosville and catch up with grown up Cindy Lou who lives in a trailer on the mountain in Who's Holiday. She enjoys her cocktail and more and rhymes her story galore. Join me with a cocktail for this funny witty show in the intimate The Greer Cabaret Theatre and purchase your tickets here.

 3. A Christmas Story: The Play-Pittsburgh Public Theatre-December 7 to December 23, 2023

The Christmas Story (The Play) will immerse you in the iconic holiday movie. Every year my son and I make it a ritual to watch the movie. Last year the play had us laughing over and over at nine-year old Ralphie’s quest for a “Red Ryder, Carbine Action, two-hundred shot, range rider air rifle with a compass in the stock” and the father’s acquisition of a major award.  Join me for this iconic lighthearted play and purchase your tickets here.

Read more about The Christmas Story:The Play experience on Day 390.

4.  CLO’s A Musical Christmas Carol-December 15 to December 23, 2023

The Dicken’s tale where Scrooge finds redemption and joy on Christmas morning is another holiday classic. The CLO kicks it up a notch with the addition of beloved holiday songs in A Musical Christmas Carol. The story with the injection of  holiday melodies heightens the spirit of the season. Join me for this charming event that has become a Pittsburgh tradition and purchase tickets here

Read more about A Musical Christmas Carol experience on  Day 312.

Sing a Holiday Song/Dance

1.Pittsburgh Opera -Song Shop- Holiday Concert -December 9, 2023

The Pittsburgh Opera offers free Song Shop events (January through May) at the Bitz Opera Factory. It’s a great way to experience opera in an intimate setting and sample opera before you commit to a full performance. The Holiday concert Song Shop is a choreographed collage of festive music sung by some of Pittsburgh's best voices. Join me at the Bitz Factory in the Strip District for a musical melody with the Opera. This is a free event and you can find the Song shop Schedule here.

Read more about the Song Shop formerly Brown Bag experience on Day 385.

2. Pittsburgh Jazz Orchestra Holiday Concert -Pittsburgh Playhouse-December 21, 2023

Point Park Playhouse Presents brings a variety of international and local talent to the intimate Pittsburgh Playhouse theatre. This is the forth year  for the Pittsburgh Jazz Orchestra Holiday Concert at the Playhouse. This year Ann Hampton Callaway brings her blended jazz and pop style to the show.  Join me for some head bobbing and toe tapping at The Pittsburgh Jazz Holiday Concert  and purchase tickets here

Read more about Playhouse Presents experience on Day 409.

3. Pittsburgh Ballet Nutcracker-December 8 to December 28, 2023 and

Pittsburgh Orchestra Pops-December 15 to December 23, 2023

 The Pittsburgh Ballet's Nutcracker and The Pittsburgh Symphony Holiday Pops have become Holiday traditions for many. These both are world class companies that bring home the Christmas spirit  with two masterful shows. 

The Nutcracker, with Tchaikovsky’s famous musical score, contains snow, sugar plum fairies, dancing toys, ballet leaps, jumps and spins and more. You will also enjoy spotting the Pittsburgh references in the show: bridges, Kaufman’s clock, Pirate and Penguin dolls, and Steelers Terrible Towels. Join me for a magical night of dance and music and purchase tickets here.

The Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra fills Heinz Hall with beloved holiday music.  There is also a sing along, dancing and Santa. You will not want to miss taking a picture in front of a gigantic adorned tree in the lobby. Join me for a sing a long with the Pops and purchase tickets here

Read more about the Nutcracker and Holiday Pops experiences on Day 90 and  Day 257

Bring In the New Year-First Night 2024

First Night Pittsburgh is the perfect way to bring all that Christmas and Holiday cheer into the new year. There is free entertainment, music in the streets,  a ball drop, fireworks and more. Join me  in the Pittsburgh best 2024 First Night Pittsburgh celebration and get VIP tickets here and free schedule events here

Read more about the First Night experience on Day 359

Look, I found Elf 

These are some of my favorite ways to celebrate the season in Pittsburgh. You may have others but no matter how you celebrate, it’s always the people around the tree and table that matter the most. 

When my son is home, I am instantly filled with Christmas cheer and like Elf, you will find me singing out loud for  all  to hear. I am filled with happiness as I explore the Pittsburgh holiday lights, shows and music with the one's I love.

Have a Happy Holiday and  Wonderful 2024

 

 

 

 

Wednesday, November 1, 2023

Day 409- Playhouse Presents-Noche Flamenca-Spanish Flamenco- an Explosion of Passion

 

The Pittsburgh Playhouse Presents (PP) brings a variety of internationally renowned dance and music performances to Pittsburgh. Managing Director, Kiersha Lalama, explains that, “Pittsburgh Playhouse remains steadfast to transform lives through art that captives, enriches, enlightens and entertains.” Noche Flamenca, the first show in the Playhouse Presents series, does just that. The show has the pulse of traditional Spanish flamenco dance, adds a modern twist and explodes with passion.

Refection

When I think of flamenco dance, I invasion a tall handsome man wearing fitted black pants staring into the eyes of a women in a red ruffled dress as they both rapid fire their feet. This company gave us that and so much more. 

The first half was a dance inspired by the paintings of  Francsico de Goya, a Spanish artiest that used art to send a message about the political injustices in 18th and 19th century Spain. Two men and two women told a story. They opened with claps, then taps on desks, and finally rhythms generated by their staccato steps. The rhythms alone were spellbinding then add in the expressions, the guitar, rhythm box and singer, and you are engaged in something so different. It's a show that transports you to Spain and dancing that radiates passion on steroids.  

The song, although I understood none of the Spanish, was intriguing with what seemed to be a Middle Eastern influence.  The second half included some traditional flamenco together with the percussion of castanets. 

La Puerta Luminsoa (Two People Looking into a Luminous Room) by Soledad Barrio contained relentless speedy foot tapping as her arms softly moved with the grace of a ballet. Her passion reached deep into her soul  and to me, she hit the pinnacle of this dance form. 

(For more on Noche Flamenca go to soledadbarrioandnocheflamenca.com or see the  tour schedule).


I will definitely keep this series in my toolbox for finding new experiences.The Pittsburgh Playhouse Presents is another place to explore international talent in Pittsburgh. The playhouse with it's three theaters is an intimate beautiful venue and the shows will not break your piggy bank. For more about the series and upcoming shows visit Playhouse Presents.    

 Other sources

https://www.metmuseum.org/toah/hd/goya/hd_goya.htm

https://playhouse.pointpark.edu/shows-events/playhouse-presents/index

 https://www.soledadbarrioandnocheflamenca.com/

https://www.soledadbarrioandnocheflamenca.com/touring

Friday, October 27, 2023

Day 408-Pittsburgh Zoo (Special Event) Asian Lanterns-Vibrant Trip Around the World

 

The Pittsburgh Zoo is home to many exotic animals from all over the world. The The Asian Lantern Festival  takes you around the world using hundreds of cloth illuminated sculptures throughout the zoo. These works of art line the serpentine pathways taking patrons to the wildlife of the mountains, African savanna, jungle and the sea in vivid shades of reds, yellows, purples, and more. It’s a colorful vibrant trip around the world.

Reflection

The ride up to the zoo entrance on the mountainous escalator  drops you into another world like Dorothy landing in Oz, but this time it’s China. The gigantic pagoda is the focal point. It is surrounded by The Monkey King (from a famous 16 century Chinese novel), a blinking ornate bust (representing the Chinese Opera) and a Phoenix Corridor (Chinese legendary bird). The corridor connects to over 10 figures of a Chinese Dynasty. Everything pops with color against the night sky and many lanterns have moving parts that bounce, twinkle or wave to heighten the ahh factor.

White leopards start the journey

The white leopards in the mountains start the journey. My favorite was an installation of over 20 animals: zebras, elephants, giraffes, impalas, and lions from South Africa. They were located across the only real animal that came to greet us, a baby giraffe.

The sea section is complete with a shiny swimming blue whale. A tunnel of fish makes you feel as if you are diving in a coral reef.

There were so many sculptures that your head spins as you go from an animal to a bird, flower, tree or giant cobra. That’s right, a big red snake about the length of 10 people.  There is a photo opt at every bend. Your phone is snapping to the right, left, up and down.  

They thought of everything for this around the world experience. Music from Chinese instruments, Chinese acrobatics, traditional dance and pounding drums also entertain.  There are interactive games, lighted rainbow swings, and stepping pads that generate pulsating colors on a towering elephant.

 The Zoo’s Asian Lantern Festival not only takes you around the world but transports you to another world of vibrant color and entertainment.

Towering Elephant changes color by stepping pads

(The Asian Lantern Festival runs through October 29, 2023. The next event is Sip and Swirl  on November 11, 2023.  The Zoo Lights, a Christmas display, runs from November 24 through December 30, 2023. These special events help support the Zoo.  For tickets and more information on these events go to Zoo Events )

Other Sources

https://www.pittsburghzoo.org/event-category-events/

https://www.pittsburghzoo.org/event-sip-swirl/ 

https://www.pittsburghzoo.org/zoo-lights/


Friday, October 20, 2023

Day 407 Pittsburgh Opera Opens its 85th Season with A (Block Buster) Barber of Seville, Despite Some Unnecessary Modern Additions.

Rossini’s The Barber of Seville is an energized Italian comedic opera. The music will be recognizable  even to opera newbies thanks to Looney Tune's pairing, “Figaro! Figaro! Figaro! Figaro!” with the antics of Bugs Bunny as Elmer Fudd’s Barber. Pittsburgh Opera's The Barber of Seville, despite some unnecessary modern additions, is a block buster that will have you tapping your toes and laughing out loud.

Sunday, September 24, 2023

Day 406- Wholey's Celebrates its 111th Anniversary by teaming up with Mancini’s Bakery to share a Whale of Sandwich with Pittsburgh

 


Wholey's Fish Market  and Mancini's Bakery are two business that have been woven into the tapestry of Pittsburgh for over 100 years. Ask anyone raised here, and they are likely to have a story about going to the Strip District for a Wholey’s fish sandwich or savoring a loaf of freshly baked Mancini’s Italian bread.  It makes perfect sense that these two would team up to celebrate Wholey’s 111th Anniversary with a whale of a sandwich, 111-pounds of fish on a 200 pound bun, and then share it with Pittsburgh.

Sunday, September 10, 2023

Day 405-The Benedum Sparkles at The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust’s Chandelier Event

 


 
The Benedum Center for Preforming Arts  greets patrons with an ornate concave ceiling adorned with paintings, gold trim and four crystal chandeliers in the lobby. There are  ninety more throughout the venue. The granddaddy, a 20 feet tall by 12 feet wide, chandelier hangs high above the audience.

 Once a year everything sparkles at this home to some of the biggest shows and brightest stars (pun intended) when  the lights are lowered for cleaning. Friends of the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust are invited to an eye level view of the brilliance, stand on the stage and a history tour during the “ The Chandelier Event.”

Sunday, September 3, 2023

Day 404-Climb Aboard a Train, Bike or Caboose for A History Tour in Titusville, Pennsylvania

 


The Titusville  area, about 2 hours from Pittsburgh, will take you back to the start of the US petroleum industry in 1860’s. The  Oil Creek & Titusville Railroad rides through the oil country, now Oil Creek State Park.  You can bike the trail along the train tracks through the park then stay overnight in a real caboose car at the Caboose Motel. This is a place to climb aboard a history tour of where the oil rush started in America.

Monday, July 24, 2023

Day 404-Carnegie Science Center Skywatch-An Evening Under the Stars and Date with the Cosmos

 

High powered telescope aimed at the the moon

 Skywatch at the Carnegie Science Center offers evening stargazing a few times a year. A planetarium tour of the Pittsburgh sky is paired with a visit to the observation deck to view the night sky though high-powered telescopes.  With the help of the experts, you can make a date to explore the cosmoses and enjoy the beautiful Pittsburgh skyline. It’s an evening under the stars.

Wednesday, July 19, 2023

Day 403- Body Glove Inflatable Paddle Board - Ocean Adventure

 


About 18 years ago I tried a stand-up paddle board (SUP) at Lake Placid. My friend, whose middle name should be Mr. Outdoors had one before they were a thing.  I guess all those dance classes paid off because I stood right up on the board. I was hooked and took off exploring the lake.