Sunday, December 30, 2018

Day 316-Elf the Musical-Sing Out Loud for All to Hear



It’s a tradition in our house to watch the movie Elf  every Holiday Season. The musical, based on the comedic movie, tells the story of Buddy who was raised by Santa  after he slipped into Santa’s bag one Christmas Eve. Buddy towers over Santa’s elves and does not have the knack for building toys; but Buddy is full of Christmas spirit. He ventures to NYC in search of his real dad, finds love and spreads his infectious cheer throughout the city.

Tuesday, December 25, 2018

Day 315- A Magical Cirque Christmas- Gracefully Sparkled and Amazed- Kindling the Spirit of Christmas




A Magical Cirque Christmas, from the producers of the Broadway hit The Illusionistrecently brought their new holiday spectacular  to Pittsburgh. Performers from around the world showcased their talents in this modern circus that was accompanied by live holiday music. This show kindled the spirit and excitement of Christmas with amazing acts,  acrobatic beauty, comedy and illusions. It was a night that sparkled and amazed.

Sunday, December 23, 2018

Day 214- Hershey Felder as Irving Berlin- Meet the Man behind a Lifelong Love of Song and America

In Hershey Felder as Irving Berlin, Felder transforms into this American composer, telling his life story and playing his songs. Berlin has a long list of legendary compositions with a resume of 18 Broadway shows, 16 featured films, 232 top 10 hits and 10 number one hits.  This  was a night to meet the man behind the music- a  man who loved music and America, a man with a philosophy that “if you can sing you will never give up” in life.     

Saturday, December 15, 2018

Day 313 Phipps Conservatory “Let it Glow”- Relax and Share the Wonder of the Season


The weeks surrounding  the Holiday Season often involve that panic rush feeling "to get it all done.” We forget as my blog inspiration book, “Everything I Learned About Christmas, I Learned From A Little Golden Book”, reminds us that Christmas should be a “time of wonder, a time like no other time of the year.”   At Phipps Conservatory,  the beauty brings back the wonder of the season as you navigate through the 8 rooms of nature infused with lights, Christmas trees and  poinsettias,  as well as 6 permanent  botanical  gardens.

It is so magical that I have decided to make experiencing the winter wonderland at the Phipps an empty nest tradition. It is even better to share this magic with friends and family making memories and even getting that perfect Holiday card picture.

Thursday, December 13, 2018

Day 312 A Musical Christmas Carol-Pittsburgh CLO-Refreshing Reminder Tis the Season for Family, Love and Second Chances




Everyone knows the Charles Dickens story “A Christmas Carol”. It is a traditional Christmas tale of hope, redemption and second chances. This production  adds  all the  familiar Christmas carols  to this beloved story  with characters Scrooge, Bob Cratchit and Tiny Tim. A Musical Christmas Carol  is a reprieve from the commercial holiday and brings Christmas into focus as a time where it is better to give than to receive – a season  for family and love for mankind.   

Thursday, December 6, 2018

Day 311 Hilaree Nelson-Adventurer- Explorer-Live Outside the Box




Hilaree Nelson is one of the first Women to summit Mt Everest and its neighbor peak, Lhotse, in a single 24 hour  period. As part of the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust lecture series, this adventurer recently brought her  National Geographic Live Tour, The Point of No Return, to Pittsburgh. She shared her adventure of leading a team of elite climbers on a grueling climb to the summit of Bruma's Hkakobo Razi (a remote peak in the Asian country of Myanmar). Her amazing story of determination and passion for the climb was an inspiration to never quit and “live outside the box”.


Wednesday, December 5, 2018

December Preview of Events

Elf the Musical -December 26 to Dec 30, 2018-Heinz Hall



It’s a tradition in our house to watch the movie Elf  every Holiday Season. The musical based on the comedic movie, tells the story of Buddy who was raised by Santa  after he slipped into Santa’s bag one Christmas Eve. Buddy towers over Santa’s elves and does not have the knack for building toys but Buddy is full of Christmas spirit. He ventures to NYC in search of his real dad, finds love and spreads his infectious cheer through the city.

.
Join me  from December 26 to 30, 2018 at Heinz Hall and believe just like Buddy, that the “best way to spread Christmas Cheer is singing loud for all to hear”. For tickets trustarts.org.

Blog post here

Sunday, December 2, 2018

310 Sweat-Pittsburgh Public Theater-Riveting, Powerful, so Real




Sweat is a 2017 Pulitzer Prize winning play about the struggles of the Olstead’s Steel Tubing workers in Reading, Pennsylvania. This play dives into the lives of close friends from 2000 to 2008 as they face the consequences of a changing economy. It’s a powerful story on how our livelihood is the thread that holds together identities, relationships and survival. Sweat is a riveting experience that exposes what happens when that thread is cut.    

Friday, November 23, 2018

Day 309 Fiddler on The Roof- Family, Love, Faith, Traditions


Fiddler on the Roof, which opened in 1964 winning 8 Tony awards, is one of those iconic musicals that many of us have either experienced on the stage (since it’s a favorite high school production) or at the movies (classic 1971 film). It tells the story of Tevye, the father of five daughters, that tries to maintain his family’s Jewish religious and cultural traditions as his world and his community changes in 1905 Russia. It’s a play packed with masterful songs  that  celebrates family, love, faith, and the traditions that give a sense of belonging and stability during life changes and even hardships.


Monday, November 12, 2018

Day 308 Pittsburgh Jazz Orchestra Wrapped Up The International Festival of Firsts with Liberation- A Jazz Explosion




On November 11, 2018, Pittsburgh International Festival of Firsts  (Day 300) wrapped up 8 weeks of never before seen shows from around with world with  LiberationThis show featured The Pittsburgh Jazz Orchestra (PJO) together with trumpet player Sean Jones. PJO brought together an assembly of Pittsburgh’s best jazz artists for a celebration of jazz and to premier a new commissioned composition. This show was a jazz explosion and a dedication to all artists.  

Saturday, November 10, 2018

Day 307 Hansel & Gretel-Pittsburgh Opera-Tap Into Your Childhood




The opera, Hansel &Gretel, is based on the fairy tale by Brothers Grimm.  We all know the story of the siblings who become lost in an enchanted forest, encounter the gingerbread house and  must fend off the witch  who turns children into gingerbread before she eats them. This Opera by Engelbart Humperdinck (not the singer) was  originally written in the 1800’s in German but Pittsburgh Opera performed it in English. It was an evening to kick back and tap into your childhood as you enjoyed this playful night of music. 

Day 306-Beethoven on Period Instruments-Chatham Baroque- Early Classical Chamber Music



My blog inspiration book, Everything I Need to Know I Learned from a Little Golden Book recommends that we “Take in some culture once in a while”.  That is just what  you get with the Chatham Baroque Concert Series  that showcases music of the Middle Ages, Renaissance, Baroque, and Early Classical periods (roughly 1200 to 1800).  

The concert, Beethoven: the music for piano and cello was a rare opportunity to hear Beethoven’s music on the period instruments of his time with guests Dutch cellist Jasp ter Linden and historical fortepiano expert David Breitman. It was a night back in time with music played the way  that it was done in the 1700-1800’s!

Sunday, November 4, 2018

Day 305-Espaece-International Festival of First-Unique Canvas


For the last 7 weeks the International Festival of Firsts  has  brought  never before seen shows spanning the globe to Pittsburgh. This festival celebrates  the idea that "there is more that unites than divides us".

Espaece  was a US premiere work of origin from France created by theater director Aurélien Bory. Spatial awareness was his canvas  for  this visual art. Using acrobatic dancers, actors, an opera singer, a flexible wall and more, he created a unique stage experience that focused on man's placement in a space.

Saturday, November 3, 2018

November Preview of Events

(This November I mixed in some of  Pittsburgh's most  unique shows to add fuel to my passion for new experiences. I hope that you will continue to join me on this journey of  "newness". )


Sweat-Pittsburgh Public Theater-Nov 8- Dec 9, 2018 at O’Rielly Theater




Sweat is a 2017 Pulitzer Prize winning play about the struggles of the Olstead’s Steel Tubing workers in Reading, Pennsylvania. This play dives into the lives of nine close friends in 2000 to 2008 as they face the consequences of the troubled economy. 


Join me for Sweat, a powerful drama, which runs from  Nov 8 through Dec 9th at the O’Rielly Theater. For tickets go to ppt.org

(Blog post here)


Sunday, October 28, 2018

Day 304-Pittsburgh Ballet 2018-19 Season- Mozart in Motion-Mozart Collides with Classical and Contemporary Ballet- The Best of Both Worlds

“Sechs Tanze” *

The Pittsburgh Ballet Theater kicked off the 2018-19 season with Mozart in Motion, three separate dances  by  contemporary choreographers George Balanchine and Jiří Kylián accompanied by familiar Mozart compositions played by the PBT Orchestra. This is an opportunity to listen to the symphony and enjoy a unique collision of both classical and contemporary ballet, added comedy, wit, and even some fencing! It’s the best of both worlds.

Saturday, October 20, 2018

Day 303-Anastasia-PNC Broadway in Pittsburgh-A Visual and Musical Traveling Extravaganza



The new musical Anastasiatells the legend of the Russian princess who was rumored to have survived the revolution. We follow a strong and resilient Anya who finds love during her search for her true identity and family. This  show with ornate costumes and video mapping traveled through pre and post revolutionary Russia to Paris in the 1920’s. Anastasia is a visual and musical extravaganza taking us on a twenty year scenic journey.

Friday, October 19, 2018

Day 302- Tago: Korean Drum II- Pittsburgh International Festival of First-Culturally Diverse Rhythms




As part of the Pittsburgh International Festival of Firsts,  Tago: Korean Drums II energized the city with its  US  world premiere show of  traditional Korean drums with an  infusion of  martial arts and dance. This Festival  invigorates Pittsburgh with never before seen shows from 30 international companies and artists  that represent 20 different countries. Tago means "lighting up the world with beating drums". This  was a show that  bridged two worlds with a night of culturally diverse rhythms.

Thursday, October 11, 2018

Day 301 PPT's Pride and Prejudice - Unconventional Version- a "Dramatic Parody" at the O'Rielly Theater

Sisters from right to left, Lydia, Lizzy and Jane*

"Pride and Prejudice" is a classic Jane Austen romantic novel that most of us  read  at some point in our school history. Although written in 1800’s it still remains a popular English novel and  has  been adapted into numerous plays, movies and even a TV series. Pittsburgh Public Theater’s production of Pride and Prejudice by Kate Hamill  is quite unconventional. This version managed to keep a recognizable thread of the iconic story but injected exaggerated humor akin to a Monty Python parody of this classic. If you are expecting the traditional story then you might be disappointed with this “dramatic parody” but if you can keep an open mind, you will get the best of both worlds- superb acting and fast paced zany humor.  

Wednesday, September 26, 2018

Day 300- International Festival of First- Cirque Eloize:Hotel -All Just Passing Through






Cirque Eloize:Hotel  made its world premier in Pittsburgh and kicked off the Pittsburgh International Festival of Firsts. Since 1993, the Canadian company, Cirque Eloizehas preformed  a modern circus  that merges  live music, acrobatics and dance. I have never been a big fan of traditional circuses but   Cirque Eloise: Hotel is a contemporary circus and a theatrical creation using these art forms to tell a story of lives passing through this grand 1920’s  hotel. (see preview here)

Friday, September 21, 2018

Day 299 The Play that Goes Wrong- Broadway in Pittsburgh - Classic Physical Comedy- Combustion of Set and of Laughter




The Play That Goes Wrong  is a Tony Award winning Broadway comedy about  the Cornley University Drama Society’s attempt to put on a 1920’s murder mystery production when obviously- everything that could go wrong, does go wrong.   As a lover of the theater and a former high school and college actor/thespian, I know firsthand the trials encountered during show production. In The Play that Goes Wrong, everything on  the set seems to combust and so does the audience with laughter in this classic physical comedy.


Monday, September 17, 2018

Day 298 Men are From Mars Women are From Venus Live!- Girls Night or Date Night -A Night full of Laughs




 In the 90’s I laughed my way through  John Gray’s New York Times # 1 Best selling book, Men are from Mars- Women Are from Venus. This book brilliantly characterized the male vs female perspective on dating, marriage, and intimacy. It was a hysterical read because it all seemed  “so true”. This one man part theatrical and part stand-up Off- Broadway show is based on the book. It is the perfect  lighthearted date night or girls night out.  It’s even a night full of laughs for the guy who is dragged to the show!
Searching to understand 

Thursday, September 6, 2018

October/September Events


Mozart in Motion-Pittsburgh Ballet-October 26 Through 28, 2018-Benedum Center


The Pittsburgh Ballet kicks of the 2018-19 season with three different dances  accompanied by Mozart’s compositions played by the PBT Orchestra. These  works by  contemporary choreographers George Balanchine and Jiří Kylián  should be an interesting collision of classical and contemporary ballet with some added comedy, wit, and even some fencing! 
  
Join me for  Mozart in Motion for a sampling of classical music and some contemporary ballet on October 26- October 28,2018 at the Benedum Center. For tickets pts.org.
 * Photo by Duane Rieder
Blog post here

Pandas 3D  --Rangos Giant Cinema at Carnegie Science Center


Pandas are adorable and in  3D,  on this giant screen, their cute factor should be off the charts!  This 3D film  follows these captive- born pandas' journey back into the wild.  I can’t wait  to visit the Sichuan mountains and enjoy these beautiful animals with this 4K digital technology.

Join me for another immersive nature adventure  with Pandas 3D at the Rangos Giant Cinema. For tickets and times In October and December go to carnegiesciencecenter.org. 

Blog Post to Follow

Anastasia-PNC Broadway in Pittsburgh- Benedum -October 16- October 21, 2018


The new musical Anastasia,  tells the legend of the Russian princess Anastasia who was rumored to have survived the revolution. This  story travels through Russia, pre and post revolution, to Paris in the 1920’s. We follow  a strong and resilient Anya who finds love during her search for her true identity and family. 

Join me on October 16 through October 21, 2018 for this traveling adventure, Anastasia at the Benedum. For tickets go toTrustarts.org.

Blog Post linked here

Sky Watch-Carnegie Science Center-Oct 20th, Nov 23, 2018 



SkyWatch is an exploration of the plants and stars with a virtual tour of the night sky in the Buhl Planetarium paired with a visit to the  the observatory to observe the night sky though the Meade LX200 Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope. Maybe I will even see “men on Mars  or  women on Venus”. Silliness aside, you can spot Saturn’s rings and the lunar surface through this powered - up telescope with expert stargazers to guide you.

Join me on October 20th  or November 23, 2018 and explore the night ski at the Carnegie Science Center at 8pm or 10pm. (It’s $2.00 for members /$4.00 for non-members).

Blog Post to Follow

Tago:Korean Drum II-Festival of First-Byham October 18, 2018



The International Festival of First (see Day 300) brings artists from all over the world to Pittsburgh.  As Part of this Festival, Tago:Korean Drum II will  perform  traditional Korean drums with a mixture of martial arts.  “Tago” which means “lighting up the world by beating drums” should be an energetic rhythmic new experience. (see video here


Join me on October 18, 2018 for this cultural rhythmic experience at the Byham. For tickets go to trustarts.org. For more information on the Festival of First see schedule here.

Blog Post linked here

Pittsburgh Gallery Crawl (Sep 21, 2018) Kicking off the International Festival of Firsts (Sep 21 -Nov 11, 2018) Manifold-September 21, 2018


Pittsburgh will be buzzing on September 21, 2018 for the Gallery Crawl that kicks of the International Festival of Firsts (Sep 21 -November 11, 2018) . The Festival,that only occurs once every 4 years, will bring over 30 artist from 20 different countries to Pittsburgh for inventive and unique programs. Now that is a world wind of new experiences to try!

The Gallery Crawl will introduce some of these shows from 5:30 pm to 10:00 pm.   Manifold is something not to miss. It is  visual mapping by Filip Roca on the Benedum Center fade with original music by Chinese composer,Wang Lu. A 30 member orchestra will play during the free show on Friday at 8:15 pm and 10:00 pm.

Join me for  the Gallery Crawl and kick off  the diverse preview of events in the International Festival of First on Sep 21, 2018.



Saturday, September 1, 2018

Day 297-Aladdin-PNC Broadway Pittsburgh-A Fun Colorful Magic Carpet Ride






One of my blog inspiration books, Everything I Need to Know I Learned From a (Disney) Little Golden Book  reminds us that, "All you need is a little magic in your life!". Disney's Aladdin  which kicks off the PNC Broadway in Pittsburgh series brings magic to the stage with a  jazzy musical score, an explosion of color, energetic dance and a genie that takes us all on a fun magic carpet ride.

Monday, August 27, 2018

Day 296 Party at the Pier-Celebration of Pittsburgh Riverfronts- Benefit for Riverlife-"Riviera Dolce"




Pittsburgh, a city that boarders three rivers (the Allegheny, Monongahela and Ohio) was recently ranked the 2nd most livable city in the United States. Riverlife is a non profit organization that  facilitates the enjoyment of these rivers by helping to make them "cleaner, safe, and more fun". This blog encourages the exploration of  new experiences in  Pittsburgh and Riverlife  makes this city more enjoyable and livable by promoting  projects that enhance  one of our best assets, our rivers. This organization defiantly gets my support!

Party at the Pier is an  annual  event where 100% of the proceeds support Riverlife. This year, The Rivers Casino's ballroom was transformed into a little part of  Italy’s Amafi Coast  for "Riviera Dolce", in celebration of Pittsburgh's riverfronts. 

Wednesday, August 15, 2018

Day 296 Try a Day at Kennywood Park-Rides- Memories-A “Super-cali -fragi-listic” Day



At an amusement park you hear the crackling and rumbling roar of roller coasters, piped organ music of the Merry-go- round and a prevalent  hum of screams and laughter.  One of my blog inspiration books, Everything I Need to Know I Learned From a (Disney) Little Golden Book reminds us that life can be a “super-cali-fragi-listic new day !”.  That is just what you can get at an amusement park that screams of fun or fear- depending on your age and the ride- but fear is part of the fun! Kennywood Park with 6 coasters and more, not only gives you  a riding thrill but also a nostalgic stroll as it elicits memories for many Pittsburghers from their childhood, teen years, and times with their children.

Monday, August 13, 2018

Day 295-Visit the Zoo-Summer Safari (food music cocktails)-A Magical Party in the Wild


One of my blog inspiration books, Everything I Need to Know I Learned from a (Disney) Little Golden Book, reminds us that the “world is full of magical places”.  When my son was a toddler the  Pittsburgh Zoo was a  magical place where we  could have a weekly  encounter with elephants, lions, bears, and turtles (these were my son’s favorite animals ). A zoo visit educates, entertains, and reminds us that we share this word with many other unique species.

Unfortunately, we sometimes forget to explore the animal kingdom as we once did when our children become adults and leave the family nest.  The Pittsburgh Zoo’s annual benefit event, Summer Safari, is an adult party that brings you back to experiencing the magic of  a lion’s roar, wobble of the penguins, and the vibrant shades of blues, yellows and pinks of the ocean world.  You can do all this while you hold a cocktail, sample delicious dishes from over 28 business, and listen to  live entertainment! 

Saturday, August 11, 2018

Day 294 Pittsburgh CLO -Thoroughly Modern Millie-Jazzy Tapping and Vaudeville Laughing




  Thoroughly Modern Millie  transports  you to  the NYC jazz age of the 1920’s where skirts were shorter, hair was bobbed, flappers were dancing  the Charleston, and  everyone was living it up during prohibition. This musical has a  nostalgic vibe with wonderfully choreographed  jazzy tap numbers and  a vaudeville comedy thread. Although the overall story is a bit simple, it's a feel good musical with a fantastic cast that will have you laughing and enjoying  the energetic  rhythms of high speed stepping.

Friday, August 3, 2018

Day 293 Wine & Art Crawl- Explore A Childhood Local Area-Revitalized Bellevue Borough: A Mixture of Old and New



Pittsburgh is unique with its cluster of boroughs surrounding the city, many of which have transformed into hubs for new businesses giving these areas a stronger pulse. I grew up near a little town called Bellevue which is just 5 miles north of Pittsburgh.  I have not explored my childhood neighborhood in over 10 years.  Bellevue recently hosted  an annual  Wine and Art Crawlclosing  the main street, Lincoln Ave, for wine tasting, food, music and art.  I discovered a main street that was revitalized  with new businesses but also one that retained the historical establishments  of my past, resulting in a blended charm.

Tuesday, July 24, 2018

Day 292 Underwater Adventure-Dive and Snorkel --Lauderdale- By- the -Sea



I am more of a land dweller enjoying the ocean from my comfy chair on the beach.  The mystery of the underwater ocean world with its’ burst of color from the variety of fish and coral carries some intrigue.    My intrigue however, has only led me to stand safely on the ground peering into an aquarium. During my recent venture to the quaint area of  Lauderdale- by- the -Sea  (see Days - 289, 290),  I thought that it was time to “dive in” to an underwater adventure of this area’s off coast  coral  reefs  and a nearby ship wreck (SS Copenhagen) .

Friday, July 20, 2018

Day 291- Pittsburgh CLO Brigadoon- A Classic Musical with A Ballet/Opera Flair - Find Love, Find Paradise



Brigadoon is a classic musical about two American gentlemen on vacation in Scotland who discover a mythical Scottish village that appears only for a day every 100 years!  During their exploration, Tommy finds love but love in this mysterious world has a price. I remember watching the movie Briagdoon as a child  and being mesmerized by Gene Kelly’s dancing and the dreamlike scenes of  the Scottish Highlands.  This CLO production should be an adventurous tale of dance and song about finding love and finding paradise. 



Thursday, July 12, 2018

Day 290 A Florida Off Season Summer Excursion-Lauderdale by the Sea (LBTS)/Perfect Mature Playground



You would think that a southern Florida vacation would be unbearable making you feel like a dripping candle in the sun.  My recent  discovery  of  a quaint area to relax, Lauderdale by the Sea, and a  boutique hotel located  on the beach, The Plunge Beach Hotel, changed my perspective. LBTS, just 7 miles north of Fort Lauderdale, is a perfect mature playground where you can relax, eat well, and  snorkel or dive on it’s off  shore coral reefs  and a  nearby ship wreck (SS Copenhagen). The town square invites you to rest in a rainbow colored Adirondack chair and is lined with charming restaurants that do not disappoint the taste buds. Everything in this playground is within walking distance in a 2.5 mile stretch! 

Friday, June 22, 2018

Day 289-Lauderdale by the Sea at the Plunge Beach Hotel- Gems to “Plunge” into a Beach Getaway



As the summer commences there is nothing better than a quick  beach  getaway that does not break your  piggy bank.  From Pittsburgh there are reasonable and sometimes down right cheap flights to Fort Lauderdale.  When I think of Fort Lauderdale, I have flashbacks of my college crazy spring break days but  I recently discovered a quaint area to relax, Lauderdale by the Sea, just 7 miles north of Fort Lauderdale and a great boutique hotel located  on the beach, The Plunge Beach Hotel. This is a great combo that lets you  literally “Plunge” into it all!

Thursday, June 21, 2018

Day 288 Immersive Encounter-The Clearing-Stay Curious-Bricolage Theater




In this quest for new things I came across Bricolage Theater which is synonymous with adventures theater (see Days 256- Midnight Radio and 279- WordPlay). The Clearing is a personal immersive theater experience where you are part of the story. My Blog inspiration book, Everything I Need to Know I Learned From a Little Golden Book" recommends that we “Stay Curious” so I was ready to explore my first  immersive encounter (IE)  and venture into The Clearing!