Saturday, October 24, 2015

Day 145 Scare House II


This is the scary season, so last night,  I had  take- out Chinese food,  watched a scary movie, and then  I was off to a haunted house. Not a real one like in (Day 103-Whaley House), but a dramatic “scare” experience –ScareHouse. Because I am chicken by nature,  I have never been a fan of scary movies or the haunted houses  that pop up  everywhere for Halloween  but since last  year it was  so much fun (see Day 78), I thought that I would be brave and give a it try again.

Wednesday, October 21, 2015

Day 144 Cabaret Theater /Altar Boyz

Altar Boyz is  a  musical comedy, which is perfect for an intimate theater like the Cabaret Theater. I smiled from ear to ear during the entire show because it was just  pure nonstop singing and dancing fun! You don’t have to be a Catholic to enjoy the spreading of “ the love of Jesus with funk.” Move over boy bands, this group had Mark, Matthew, Luke, Juan and Abraham (the Jew). (Review)

Juan , Luke, Abraham, Mark, Matthew
Reflection
I am not sure why October has been so devoted to cultural experiences like  the symphony, opera, and now musical theater.I am in heaven (no pun intended) when I am experiencing any musical theater. All the arts lift the spirit (again no pun intended) but musical theater has a special part in my soul (pun?)  since performing was one of my passions in high school and college. I was even voted senior  “Most Dramatic” in the year book!

Saturday, October 17, 2015

Day 143 Pittsburgh Opera, Nabucco


I have seen a few operas and each were  spectacular, larger than life productions but Nabucco was my first  Italian opera. It was composed by Verdi at the age of 28 years.  Opera is the perfect way to “Get some culture” as recommended by my blog inspiration, “Everything I Need to Know I Learned From a Little Golden Book.”


Refection
I knew nothing about the subject of this opera but I wanted to hear an Italian one, thinking that my sporadic Italian lessons would help me understand the singing.  It did not- but  with the help of the subtitles across the top of the stage, the summary in the program, and the dramatic facial expressions of the actors, it was not hard to follow the story.  I was surprised that it was the biblical story of the Babylonian conqueror and exile of the  Israelites from  Jerusalem. The story was loosely based on the Bible book of Jeremiah.

Monday, October 12, 2015

Day 142 Pittsburgh Symphony POPS, "Sinatra and Beyond"/Tony Desare


 The Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra POPS  is a great way to experience a first class symphony  orchestra with a twist. Last year, I was floored by the sound of Chris Botti’s smooth trumpet  surrounded by the full orchestra (See Day 101). This season kicked off  with “Sinatra and Beyond,” with Tony DeSare singing some Sinatra and  a lot more.  Experiencing the POPS is a great way to continue to “make music a part of (my) life” as recommended by my blog inspiration  book, “Everything I Need to Know I Learned From a Little Golden Book

Wednesday, October 7, 2015

Day 141 Phipps Party in the Tropics


Phipps Conservatory   is mysterious and beautiful at night ( see Day 138 ) and  I recently explored a  public evening   event  where you could enjoy  the beauty, eat, drink, and dance. My blog inspiration book, Everything I Need to Know I Learned From a Little Golden Book  reminds us to “Dress up and go dancing…”  and that  is just what I did  at the Party in the Tropics at the Phipps Conservatory.

Friday, October 2, 2015

Day 140 Gallery Crawl

Architectural show

I love to walk on a warm autumn night and I love art so a Gallery Crawl is the perfect combination of both things. The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust sponsors them a few times a year. Even though I was  sidetracked by my Burgatory milk shake (see Day 139), I managed to catch the last few hours of the  latest  Gallery Crawl  last weekend.
Liberty Ave dance party



Reflection
The city comes alive during a Gallery Crawl.  There were so many people in the city enjoying this free event.  A map directs you to various exhibit destinations. The restaurants  had specials, and there was entertainment throughout.  Part  of  Liberty  Avenue was transformed into a pulsating light flashing  Indi DJ street dance party-what fun!  (Bhangra Dance Group/DJ Rekha)