'Burgh Vivant

13/12/2025

Michael Buzzelli says, "Andrew Paul kept much of the direction the same from the previous year. The production moved from the Henry Heymann Theatre last year to the smaller space at the Carnegie Stage, yet the show retained the same frenetic energy. The space is more intimate. The audience is closer to the action. The action felt heightened, intense."

Read his full review of Kinetic Theatre's "A Sherlock Carol" right here.

https://burghvivant.org/2025/12/13/christmas-spirits-return-a-review-of-a-sherlock-carol/

12/12/2025

Michael Buzzelli says, "Delana Flowers is captivating when she’s singing, whether it’s Washington’s standards or traditional Christmas songs; it’s glorious."

Read his full review of Pittsburgh Playwrights Theatre Company's "Dinah Washington Christmas Program" right here:

https://burghvivant.org/2025/12/12/a-blues-christmas-a-review-of-the-dinah-washington-christmas-program

12/12/2025

The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust announces

A New Era for the Dollar Bank Three Rivers Arts Festival
and Grand Opening of Arts Landing in the Cultural District

Call for Artists for 2026 is now open through January 31, 2026;
Festival will span two weekends, June 5-7 & 11-14

The 2026 Dollar Bank Three Rivers Arts Festival will mark the grand opening of Arts Landing—the transformative outdoor civic space in Pittsburgh’s Cultural District, envisioned and operated by the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, that will serve as the iconic Festival’s long-term home.

Visitors and artists will discover a vibrant new festival atmosphere at Arts Landing, featuring a great lawn and permanent stage, beautiful landscaping and lighting, newly unveiled public art, a play area for families, public restrooms, and more. The Festival’s full lineup of local, national, and international performing and visual artists will be announced in the spring of 2026.

Along with the new location, the Cultural Trust has updated the schedule for the 2026 Festival. The free event will run for seven days, June 5–7 (Friday-Sunday) and 11–14 (Thursday-Sunday), spanning two weekends with a short midweek pause. The updated schedule welcomes visitors on historically popular festival days while providing logistical solutions in the downtown site.

“The Dollar Bank Three Rivers Arts Festival is the perfect event to introduce Arts Landing to Pittsburgh,” says Kendra Whitlock Ingram, President & CEO of the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust. “Arts Landing is all about bringing people together—for art, music, and everyday recreation. Our grand opening marks a big step forward for the Cultural District and we can’t wait to welcome the community.”

Call for Artists

Artists are encouraged to submit applications now to participate in the historic 67th edition of the Dollar Bank Three Rivers Arts Festival. The deadline to apply is Saturday, January 31, 2026. Application categories include the Artist Market, Emerging Artist Scholarship Application, Juried Visual Art Exhibition, and Performing Arts. Learn more and apply now at TrustArts.org/TRAFapply.

About Arts Landing

Construction at Arts Landing has progressed on time and on budget since groundbreaking in April 2025. A soft opening will be held in April 2026 before the new civic space opens to the public during the NFL Draft. Final landscaping additions are scheduled for April and May before the grand opening of Arts Landing at the 2026 Dollar Bank Three Rivers Arts Festival. Learn more at TrustArts.org/ArtsLanding.

The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust

11/12/2025

This is worth sharing...

https://www.onstageblog.com/editorials/2025/12/11/community-theatre-chooses-friends-instead-of-actual-directors?fbclid=IwY2xjawOoEIFleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETF4am8yUmM2QjU2MWcwQWhwc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHj1vgxjiOtEez0Uis02nmjyvmTcIJD5MVOgP1KAgLAC7C225gygQg2C5An5z_aem_OhsGzp8kJpnkVZR5CNfkCA

I’ve watched great shows fall apart because the director was picked out of loyalty instead of ability. Community theatre can do better. And it’s not a hard fix.

10/12/2025

Winterfest Returns with Family-Friendly Fun & Other January Events

For the fifth year in a row, The Frick Pittsburgh’s Winterfest, a celebration of the snowy season, returns on Jan. 17 and 18, 2026. Families can beat the post-holiday blues and experience the magic of the new year with wholesome, free and low-cost programs, including an exploration of Clayton, live performances, warm beverages and more. Winterfest is sponsored by UPMC Health Plan.

For the first time, following Winterfest on Jan. 18, families are encouraged to stay and relax with an immersive indoor Winter Sound Bath Concert led by accomplished sound healer and musician Brooke Smokelin. This paid program is the perfect addition to an exciting Winterfest schedule.

Winterfest

Jan. 17 & 18, 2026, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. each day

Live Music

Jan. 17, 10:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
South Hills Children’s Choir sings songs of light and longing. Free and open to all.

Jan. 18, 1:00 – 3:00 p.m.
Jazz pianist Royce Hearn plays smooth, soulful sounds – presented by Embertainment. Free and open to all.

Clayton Open House

Jan. 17 & 18, 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Visitors are invited to explore the first floor of Clayton, the historic home of Henry Clay Frick and the last of its kind in Pittsburgh. Visitors will deepen their experience with hands-on activities. $5 non-member; Free for members. Tickets can be purchased the day of the event at the Grable Visitor Center.


Hot Wheels: Glass Blowing with Pittsburgh Glass Center

Jan. 17 & 18, 12:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Pittsburgh Glass Center artists will conduct glass blowing demonstrations, answer questions and talk about the art and science of glassmaking. Free and open to all. Weather permitting.

Art & History Activities

Jan. 17 & 18, 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Add to a collaborative mural and make a snowman puppet and a winter landscape. Visitors can also test their deduction skills at the History Mystery Table to figure out the use of different Gilded Age tools. Free and open to all


Hot Chocolate Bar

Jan. 17 & 18, 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Beat the winter cold and warm up with a cup of hot chocolate while supplies last. Free and open to all.


Greenhouse & Grounds

Jan. 17 & 18, 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Add a winter wish to the Frick’s interactive ribbon sculpture along the trellis outside the Car and Carriage Museum. Free and open to all.

Through a special scavenger hunt, explore the Frick’s grounds to find all the hidden snowmen. Once complete, claim a prize at the Grable Visitor Center. Free and open to all.


While wandering around the walking path, scan QR codes stationed throughout the Frick campus and listen to history come to life with the Duquesne Soundwalk. Free and open to all.


Explore the Frick’s active historic greenhouse and check out Pittsburgh-based artist Atticus Adams’ installation, Catching Sunbeams from the Porch Swing of Wisteria Castle. Free and open to all.


Dining at the Café at the Frick

Jan. 17 & 18, 9:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Enjoy picturesque views of the Frick’s festive grounds while savoring seasonal foods and warm drinks.


Shopping at the Frick Museum Store

Jan. 17 & 18, 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Shop a curated selection of books, accessories, décor, and more.


The Frick Museums

Jan. 17 & 18, 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

At The Frick Art Museum, experience the Frick’s collection of fine and decorative arts, including French eighteenth-century and early Italian Renaissance paintings, Baroque bronzes and Chinese porcelains. At the Car and Carriage Museum, learn about Pittsburgh’s role in the developing automobile industry. Free and open to all

More information about Winterfest can be found at thefrickpittsburgh.org/winterfest.

The Frick Pittsburgh Museums and Gardens

10/12/2025

Pittsburgh Cultural Trust Presents:

Friday, January 30
Greer Cabaret Theater • 8 pm

For the sentimental, Tim Murray is Witches is a heart-filled tribute to the LGBTQIA community that celebrates discovering our own magic and chosen family covens. ❤

For the pop culture girlies, these original comedic songs and stand-up run the gambit from Hocus Pocus to The Craft and more with the most iconic sorceresses throughout herstory. 🧹✨

For the completely uninitiated, picture Bo Burnham but painted green and doing drag. Duh. 💁‍♀️

After enjoying its completely sold-out run at the beginning of 2025, Murray was last seen gracing the screen alongside none other than the wickedly talented Cynthia Erivo in this year's Tony Awards. Other features have included DragCon, the Trixie Mattel-produced sketch comedy "Wish You Were Q***r" and as a regular on Bowen Yang's Las Culturistas podcast but this is your only chance to experience Tim Murray live! Just call us obsessulated. 🫧

Get Tickets: https://trustarts.org/production/104240/tim-murray-is-witches

The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust

10/12/2025

Michael Buzzelli says, "Bevin Baker, who sang two incredible songs, the Counting Crows’ “Long December” and Tori Amos’s “Icicle,” was worth the price of admission."

Read his full review of Vigilance Theater Group's "Spooky Christmas" right here:

https://burghvivant.org/2025/12/09/long-december-and-theres-a-reason-to-believe-a-review-of-vigilance-theaters-spooky-holiday/

10/12/2025

Join us for our last performance of 2025!

Celebrate the season of joy with friends and family at our annual winter event, Holidays and Hops!

This Friday, December 12 at 7:30pm at Attack Theatre Studios

This family-friendly event has something for everyone: craft beer, thanks to a partnership with Trace Brewing; a cheerful 35-minute performance, “Holiday Unwrapped;” and games and activities sure to bring joy to all ages.

The best way to celebrate the season is together—with laughter, fresh stories, and dance. So, whether you’re sipping a local brew or spinning into a snowball dance-off, join Attack Theatre for a night where connection takes center stage.

Get Tickets Today: https://www.attacktheatre.com/hops

Attack Theatre

Photo: Brian Cohen

08/12/2025

THE TIMELESS CHRISTMAS CLASSIC.

"IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE"
Starring James Stewart and Donna Reed

December 12 & 13, 7:30PM

December 14, 2PM

A man contemplating su***de is visited by an angel, who shares what his home town would have been like if he had never existed.

The Strand is delighted to bring back what most consider to be THE quintessential Christmas movie, even though it wasn’t released with that in mind. In fact, upon its initial release in late 1946, "It’s a Wonderful Life" was considered to be a flop! It wasn’t even meant to be released at Christmastime, but was rushed into distribution when Technicolor was unable to deliver prints of RKO’s scheduled release of "Sinbad, The Sailor".

Of course, since then, the film became a cherished holiday tradition in the U.S. Due to a clerical error at NTA’s copyright office, the copyright wasn’t renewed when it expired in 1974. The film became public domain, meaning anyone who could obtain a print could broadcast it without paying royalties. Local stations aired it dozens of times between Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. In the 1990’s, after a series of court battles, NTA’s successor, Republic Pictures, re-acquired the rights to the film because they owned the source material (“The Greatest Gift”) and the film’s score, which were still copyrighted.

Order Tickets: https://web.ovationtix.com/trs/pr/929500

The Strand Theater

08/12/2025

Lonnie the Theater Lady says, "Joyce Miller’s mostly good-natured Sister Mary Hubert delights with her delivery of some humorous (out of character) streetwise comments. Her unmistakable, winsome vocals charm in every musical number."

Read her full review of The Old Schoolhouse Players' "Nuncrackers" right here.

https://burghvivant.org/2025/12/08/here-we-go-a-waffle-ling-a-review-of-nuncrackers/

08/12/2025

The Academy at Westmoreland Cultural Trust Announces 2 SPECTACULAR Holiday Dance Workshops with Former Radio City Rockette Jennifer Rias!

The Academy at Westmoreland Cultural Trust will present two spectacular Holiday Dance Workshops led by former Radio City Rockette Jennifer Rias, in collaboration with Seton Hill University and The Broadway Edge. Designed as a one of a kind holiday experience, these exclusive small group workshops offer dancers ages 7 through adult a rare opportunity to train closely with a world class professional who has performed in the iconic Radio City Christmas Spectacular.

This festive dance experience begins with a 2.5-hour immersive workshop inside the professional studios at Seton Hill University’s Performing Arts Center, where participants take a 90-minute precision dance class and learn choreography inspired by the beloved Christmas Spectacular. After class, dancers will journey next door to the historic Palace Theatre, where they will step onto the stage for an exclusive onstage filming of their combination, capturing the magic of the season in an unforgettable setting.
The experience concludes with a moderated Q and A with Jennifer Rias, an autograph and photo opportunity, and a complimentary “Rockette Red” lipstick for every participant, creating a joyful and memorable holiday moment for dancers and families alike.

Workshops are offered for Ages 7 to 13 (10:00am to 12:30pm) and Ages 14 to Adult (1:30pm to 4:00pm). Class sizes remain intentionally small to ensure personalized instruction, meaningful feedback, and a high quality learning environment.

About Jennifer Rias:
Jenn was in the Original Broadway Companies of The Cher Show, Escape to Margaritaville, War Paint and Aladdin and made her Broadway debut in Rock of Ages. She was a World Famous Radio City Rockette and is featured on the Radio City Christmas Spectacular 75th Anniversary DVD.

Tuition for this full holiday dance experience is 75 dollars per dancer, with several discount opportunities available.

Registration Links
Ages 7 to 13 Workshop:
https://westmorelandculturaltrust.org/events/rockette-masterclass-1/
Ages 14 to Adult Workshop:
https://westmorelandculturaltrust.org/events/rockette-masterclass-2/

Westmoreland Cultural Trust

08/12/2025

Please join Pittsburgh Festival Opera for our 2025 Season Highlight!

Pittsburgh Concert Opera Debut of La Gioconda
Sunday, December 14 | 4:00 pm

Carnegie Music Hall
4400 Forbes Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15213

Alice Chung was a Mildred Miller International Voice Competition winner in 2021. She attended the Academy of Vocal Arts in Philadelphia. This is her debut in the role of Laura.

There will be an opera talk before the performance starting at 2:45 pm with WQED-FM artistic director Jim Cunningham. Maestro Christopher Franklin, Marianne Cornetti, and chorus master Andy Whitfield will all be guests for this pre-performance opera talk!

For Tickets and more Information:
https://pittsburghfestivalopera.org/upcoming/2025-season/la-gioconda/

Pittsburgh Festival Opera