Day 419- Pittsburgh Playhouse- Fall Fest- Boo’s Halloween, A Party for the Kid in Us All

 

Pittsburgh Playhouse, home of Point Park University, is a gem of entertainment for the entire family. Their programs include Community and Special Events, Conservatory Dance and variety of shows with Playhouse Presents. The Fall Fest kicked off the season with Boo’s Halloween Party, a musical mash up show written by alumnus Ahmad Simmons and Lazlo Graves. It’s a party that brings out the kid in us all.  

Transformed street into a carnival

 Refection

In my quest for new things I discovered that Pittsburgh Playhouse offers interesting dance (Day 409), music (Day 360) and theatre (Day 393). With three different size venues, the Playhouse seems to have something for everyone.

Games drew out the youthful spirit 

The Fall Fest community event transformed the street in front of the theatre into a carnival of games and crafts.  Although the games were perfect for kids, they drew out the youthful spirit in me and my 80 something  year old mother.  We tossed balls at candy corn, threw bags at monsters and golfed through pumpkins.  There were also plenty of photo opportunities to savor the moment. 

Plenty of Photo Ops

Boo’s Halloween House Party will have you singing and tapping your toes to a mash up of familiar songs with a ghoulish twist. The show opens with “Get this Party started (On Halloween Night)” as  “Boo’s coming out.”  There is a cast of constant dancers and a familiar crew of singing Halloween characters; a vampire, witch, werewolf, mad scientist and of course the ghost who lost his boo.

The wolf enters howling because he is “Hungry Like a Wolf.”  The witch will get ya “One Way of Another.” They all come together to dance “The Time Warp” from the Rocky Horror Picture Show.

Everyone did the Time Warp with the cast 

This show is like a Disney movie that is for kids but not really.  Everyone did the “time warp” with the performers that are spot on with their vocals and dance moves. This event casts it’s spell on us bringing out our desire to play like a child.    

(For more community events and shows at Pittsburgh Playhouse go to https://playhouse.pointpark.edu/)

Spiritual Reflection

Let the Children come to Me, and do not forbid them:for of such is the kingdom of heaven. (Matthew 19:14)

Other Sources

https://playhouse.pointpark.edu/

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

https://playhouse.pointpark.edu/shows-events/community-features/index

https://playhouse.pointpark.edu/shows-events/conservatory-dance/index

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

 

 

 

 

 

Day 418 Liberty Magic-A Brew of Tricks and the Treat of Seeing Magicians From all Over The World -Miguel Muñoz

 

Liberty Magic is Pittsburgh’s intimate venue dedicated solely to the sleight of hand. Now in its sixth season, it continues to bring a brew of tricks and the treat of  the world’s best magicians to the city.  Miguel Muñoz comes all the way from Madrid Spain to open this season with his new show that asks you to contemplate, “What is Magic for You?”

Pre-show magic in lobby

Reflection

 Liberty Magic showcases a diverse collection of the best masters of this art form. I have seen several shows (Day 328, 343 ). Each magician had a unique approach to their bag of tricks. The common thread in them all was the “wow” factor augmented by the fact that you are so close to the action.There are only 4 rows and 70 seats in this venue.

Miguel Muñoz won many awards akin to the “Olympics of Magic” and I can see why. He makes things appear and disappear, always finds the card and even somehow rearranges them. He intertwines stories and masterful juggling throughout the show which adds mystery and a lot of humor.

This performance will make you repeatedly ask, “How did he do that?”

 Munoz ends with juggling that is hypnotic.  He held my gaze, pulling me into his action like a magnet. I contemplated his  question, “What is Magic for You?”  It’s the feeling of  wonder sparked by experiencing the impossible.  That is just what you get from this  show and at Liberty Magic.   

Skeleton Key VIP post-show meet and great with artist 

 (Miguel Muñoz's "What is Magic for You?" runs until November 3, 2024.  You can also get the Skeleton Key VIP experience with exclusive seating and post-show meet and greet with the artist. For tickets and more about this magical season go to trustarts.org.)

Other Sources

Trustarts.org

Liberty Magic Series

Day 417- Stomp, an Amazing Collage of Rhythms- A Universal Language

 

 

Stomp's 30 anniversary tour takes Rat- a- Tat -Tat to the next level. This show invents ways to make everything and anything an instrument. Since the beginning of time, man has used things to create a beat and music. This show without a spoken word, produces a universal language with an amazing collage of rhythms.   

Reflection.

Stomp has made eight tours in Pittsburgh. In 2017 I called this show a non-stop rhythmic experience (see Day 207). It had all that but this time, I noticed the way Stomp brought everyone together no matter what their background. The audience was a kaleidoscope of ages and races that  laughed, clapped and whoop and hollered throughout the show.  A beat is so basic but can transcend all obstacles to entertain. There are brooms swishing, hands clapping, body beating, pipes bouncing and more that keeps us all moving with the beat.

Pantomime adds some comic relief. The audience laughed when a Waldo-like character was just one step behind, one bounce late or got the short end of the stick (literally.)

The performers use percussion and simultaneously, stomp, jump, twist and use aerobatics as they move across the stage.  They are in constant motion.  It’s an amazing feat of athleticism. I thought, “how is this possible when I cannot pat my head and rub my stomach at the same time!”

Stomp astonishes by creating rhythms with inner-tubes, shopping carts and kitchen sinks. Yes, I said kitchen sinks.  The granddaddy of them all, drumming on garbage cans and clashing of lids, is saved for the end- a crescendo that bursts with energy like the rhythms at a rock concert.

Stomp is a show made from anything and everything that transcends all languages to unite. We are all moved by the sounds like the beat of our hearts which  is something innate in us all.

 (For tickets to Stomp and more on the PNC Broadway Series go to Trustarts.org)

Spiritual reflection

Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity! Palms 133:1

 Other source

Trustarts.org

Stomp Tour

Day 416-Pittsburgh Opera Opens the 24-25 Season with Tosca, A Passionate Musical Explosion of Love and Deceit.

 

Puccini’s Tosca is one of those classic operas that blast emotions of love and hate though masterful music and song.  This opera sung in Italian, was one of the first operas that I experienced. Afterwards I was hooked on this art form. It is perfect opera for newbies. It has all the elements that one might expect from an opera, emotions on steroids, an extravagant set, period costumes and arias that explode with passion. It gives you that “opera experience.”

Gives you the "opera experience" -emotions on steroids,extravagant set, period costumes and arias that explode with passion. 

Reflection

The story in three Acts is easy to follow. Painter Mario Cavardossi and actress/singer Foria Tosca are lovers. Cavardossi helps an escaped political prisoner, Casare Angelotti, hide in the church. The villain, the chief of police, Scarpia, takes Cavardossi into custody for aiding and abetting. Tosca pleads with Scarpia for her lover’s life and the devil like Scarpia makes his move on her. There is love, deceit, tragedy and a little twist at the end.

I know that I oversimplified it but the story is not that important because the star is the lovely music music music. Pittsburgh Opera performed Tosca in 2017 (see Day 239.) This it was just a wonderful as I remembered. We get to peek at the some of the talented new resident artists and to experience the powerhouse professional cast (meet the cast.)

Scarpia (Kyle Albertson) is the perfect guy you love to hate

In Act 1 the score is lighthearted and bounces. The strong tenor, Joathan Burton as Carvardossi  and powerful soprano, Ana Maria Marinez flirt playfully in front of the Madonna.  They are in love and Carvardossi proclaims that he melts into her brown eyes. I was absorbed by the overflowing passion in the aria as if I was his brown eyed girl.   

Act II is the juicy part. The baritone, Kyle Albertson is the perfect sadistic Scarpia. He is as bad as they come. He enjoys taunting Tosca with the treat of torturing Carvardossi in order to get her to succumb to his desires. Martinez unleashes her voice, filling the theatre as she pleads for her lovers life.  She is a powerhouse even singing on her knees.

Act II is the juicy part. 

There is a lot of wonderful music without song in this opera. It is a marvellous tragic opera with all the bells and whistles of what makes opera so fun. Pittsburgh Opera did it again by bringing a beautifully sung musical explosion of passion with Tosca.

For tickets to Tosca (October 5,8, 11, 13, 2024) and to explore the Pittsburgh Opera 24-25 season go to https://pittsburghopera.org. 

(Photos by David Bachman Photography for Pittsburgh Opera)

Other sources

https://pittsburghopera.org

https://pittsburghopera.org/season/tosca

https://anamariamartinez.com/

https://jburtontenor.com/

https://www.kylealbertson.com/

 

Day 415- The Grandest Waterfall- Niagara Falls – Natural Power Viewed from New York

 

I am a waterfall enthusiast (see Day 414). Recently, I ended my quest for the flow with Niagara Falls, the grandest of them all.  The roaring water falling at 25 miles an hour can be viewed up close from Niagara State Park in New York. The hydro-power and beauty from the park connect you with the power of nature. 

View of American Falls and Rainbow Bridge to Canada

Refection   

Niagara Falls draws over 8 million visitors a year from all over the world. You hear a symphony of diverse languages at the falls.  I am always surprised when someone from Pittsburgh confides that they have never seen this gem. It’s only approximately 3.5 hours by car from Pittsburgh.  Although a more commercial experience awaits those that venture to the Canadian side, I prefer the natural encounter with  the falls from the New York park. 

Admission to Niagara State Park is free but parking is $10.00 on weekdays or $15.00 weekend. Niagara is really three falls; the American, Bridal Veil and the Horseshoe. You can stand near the top of each as 700,000 gallons per second cascade over the cliff  and crash on the rocks below.

Top of American Falls from park lookout on Luna Island  

Walk along the North Shore Trail for an appreciation of the river’s speed. The water produces white caps as it flows over the stepped downward incline increasing its tempo until it crescendos over the Bridal Falls. You are so close to the crest of the Bridal and American Falls on Luna Island. It is magical when the sun rays hit the water just right to form a vibrant rainbow. 

The Horseshoe Falls are best viewed on Goat Island near Terrapin Point or from the Top of the Falls Restaurant. Again, you are just a few are feet away as the water pounds over the rocks. You can  feel the vibration of its hydro power. It is capable of generating enough electricity to supply 1/4  off  the power used in New York and Ontario, Canada.

If you do not want to walk to the viewing sites, you can  ride the hop on and off the Trolley to various points of interest for only $3.00.

 Luna island view of Cave of Winds

 The Maid of the Mist attraction is a must.  According to my 80-year-old mom, “That was the best thing that I ever did!” Needless to say, we had to take the ride twice. You are sure to get wet at the Cave of the Winds but the excitement generated from feeling as if you are inside the falls is worth it.  Both are natural “thrill rides” that out rank any amusement park ride. If you are pressed for time, go to the Observation Tower, a 250 foot high overlook, to view all three falls. It’s also a favorite photo opt spot. 

Niagara is American, Bridal Veil and Horseshoe falls

 There so much history to this area and stories about the indigenous inhabitants, the Tesla and Westinghouse first power plant in 1885, the underground rail road, and those who took the plunge over (illegal by the way). The passion of the falls has made it also a destination for lovers and movies. There are several companies that provide tours but the park also offers free tours on the weekends.  

Light show every evening, Fireworks at 10 pm

A rainbow of colours illuminates the falls at night and should not be missed. The park’s parking lots are free after 9 pm. Fireworks start at 10:00 pm every night in the summer. Standing below the observation deck is a great place to view the explosion of lights of the falls.

Maid of Mist feels like you're going into the falls

Niagara Falls is a gem of nature and the natural approach is how I prefer to enjoy it. The experience of sitting and listening to the magnificent power of the falls is magnified when you get up close to it all in Niagara State Park. 

So close to the the water as it drops

Some tips

If you stay overnight, Rainbow Boulevard is closest to the park. Some hotels on the boulevard  are within walking distance to the falls. Most charge a daily rate to park your car, so be sure to factor that into the cost of the hotel.   

For dinning, venture 7 miles north of Niagara to Lewiston. There are many excellent restaurants. Casa Antica  is my pick  for authentic Italian cuisine.  Make sure to try the rice balls.

Niagara Falls is a wonder of nature.  I am awestruck by the volume of water and it's size every time I visit. It's the largest by volume and width in the US.  For this waterfall lover, Niagara Falls is one of the grandest of all. 

Sun can catch the mist for a magical rainbow

Spiritual Source

But let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-falling stream. Amos 5:24

Other Sources

Day 414 Watkins Glen Stairway to Waterfall Heaven

Niagra Falls State Park

Eat at the Top of the Falls

Village of Lewiston

https://www.niagarafallsstatepark.com/niagara-falls-state-park

https://www.niagarafallsstatepark.com/attractions-and-tours/park-programming

https://www.niagarafallsstatepark.com/attractions-and-tours/cave-of-the-winds

  

Day 414- Watkins Glen, NY-Stairway to (Waterfall) Heaven

 

Watkins Glen State Park, New York and the surrounding area is a haven, or should I say heaven, for waterfall enthusiasts. The New York Finger Lakes offer  many wine trails, hiking, camping and boating but it’s the roar of the rushing water that drew me to this region. Watkins Glen State Park is located  about 5 hours from Pittsburgh at the tip of Seneca Lake. It boasts of 16 waterfalls accessible on the famous 2 mile Gorge Trail. Steps carved out of the canyon rock take you beside and under these flowing beauties. It is a stairway to waterfall heaven.

Steps to Cavern Cascade 

Reflection

There is something exciting about the power of rushing water or relaxing about the trickling sound of dripping water. The Gorge Trail is like being in a fairy tale forest.  You careen through tunnels carved in the earth, climb alongside the view of cliffs created by centuries of water, pass over waterfalls on bridges and stand behind the falls.  

There are about 800+ steps from the bottom to the summit. The spectacular views keep you so distracted that your feet just keep moving.  There are plenty of places to rest and 3 different entrances so you can plan to see it in sections. A shuttle that runs between entrances for a small fee enabling you to climb up and then ride down. 

Careen through tunnels carved in the earth

Rainbow Falls

The 2-mile hike is so worth the effort. From the start, Cavern Cascade takes you  behind the  falls. Then you move though an impressive spiral tunnel carved out of the rock which opens into a world of breathtaking fluid motion.  The impressive 60 foot Central Cascade falls and Rainbow falls, which is named for its color when the light is just right, drain into several smooth swirling round pools. It is place where you feel connected to nature and calmed by flowing water.

When surveyed, no one from the youngest to the oldest seemed to regret taking the hiking plunge on the Gorge Trail.   It really is a stairway to waterfall heaven.

More Waterfall Viewing and Tips

You can park at any of the three Gorge Trail entrances for $10.00. Once paid you can move between the lots for free. The trail is much better in the morning before the crowds. On a hot day, hike early and then take a dip in the gigantic Watkins Glen State Park pool which is free.  You can also drive around  Seneca Lake and sip wine at one of the numerous wineries on the Seneca Wine Trail. 

Try lunch at Ryan William Vineyard

Many choose to camp but there are places to stay in Watkins Glen and more hotels about 30 minutes away in Ithaca, NY. We opted for a rustic, one cut above camping, stay at the historic, 4 generation family run Seneca Lodge  nestled in the park. It is an easy walk to the park pool and the south entrance of the Gorge Trail from the Lodge. This avoids any parking fee. 

Seneca Lodge offers cabins, and some hotel rooms. Ours did not have television and was a great way to unplug.   It’s been in business since “Mr. B" brought sports car racing  and National Field Archery tournaments to the area in 1948. There is a full service restaurant and the tavern room is worth a trip to see racing car memorabilia and the tournament arrows shot into the walls.

If you have time take a trip to  Ithaca, NY  to explore more waterfalls and parks: Robert Treman State Park, Buttermilk Falls State Park and Taughannock Falls State Park. 

Taughannock Falls viewed from outlook

Don’t miss Taughannock falls which is 33 feet higher than Niagara Falls. You can view it from a scenic  outlook. Some prefer to take a flat 1 mile hike to the bottom of the falls. Ithaca Falls, located in the heart of the town also is worth a look.

Watkins Glen and the surrounding area is a place to go to enjoy the flow (pun intended). This area is a waterfall mecca but it's more like heaven for waterfall chasers like me. 

Ithaca Falls 

 Other Sources

 https://www.explorewatkinsglen.com/

https://parks.ny.gov/parks/watkinsglen/maps.aspx

https://senecalodge.com/

https://senecalakewine.com/

https://www.theglen.com/calendar/

 https://parks.ny.gov/parks/taughannockfalls

https://www.visitithaca.com/things-to-do/outdoor-recreation/waterfalls/

 

 

Day 413- Pittsburgh CLO- Music Man-It’s a Hit Parade of Romance, Music, Comedy and Choreography

 

 Pittsburgh CLO brings this oldie but goodie rat- a- tat- tat tapping musical to Pittsburgh with a fantastic crew of Broadway performers (Charles Esten as Harold Hill and Nikki Renee Daniels as Marian Paroo) and local talent. When Harold Hill, a travailing con artist, arrives in a small Iowa town, he brings excitement with his promise to create a boy’s marching band.  His plan to take their money and run is altered when he unexpectedly falls for the town’s spinster music teacher, Marian Paroo.  It’s a hit parade of romance, fun music and a show sprinkled with comedy and fantastic choreography.

Rumour spreading town biddies add humour

Reflection

The Music Man is set in 1912 but opens on a railway car with the song Rock Island  that seems to take on a hip hop beat in sync with the clicks and clacks of the train.  The show keeps the band banging with Esten’s sharp speedy melody Trouble and the rumour spreading town biddies’ rapid firing song Pikalittle.  A barbershop quartet adds periodic harmonies to the show.  Daniels soars with her smooth operatic sound in Goodnight, My Someone, My White Night and Till There was You.

 

The show keeps a band like pace with fantastic choreography. There is high stepping, jumping, and twirling.  Partners are lifted in the air and dancers perform on tables. Even the children in the show do not miss a beat.

Show keeps the band like  pace with the choreography

The Music Man has that classic musical theme: “boy meets girl, falls in love and lives happily ever after.”  This show is also a testament to the power of positivism. Hill lavishes complements on the towns people, a reminder that focusing on the positive can produce confidence and hope in a community. It’s a hit parade of musical joy.

(Photos: Kgtuney Photography)

Spiritual Reflection

Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing. 1 Thessalonians 5:11

CLO upcoming events

The Music Man runs until July 14, 2024

Shirley Jones Gala Celebration -September 21, 2024 

Mel Brook's Young Frankenstein July 19-September 1, 2024

Seussical - July 30-August 4, 2024

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Movie https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rroZXCYbqmc

 

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. 

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.    

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.”  

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.