Dreamweaver Marketing Associates News and Views: September 2012

Tuesday, September 25, 2012

Rigoletto Opens Opera Season

For Immediate Release September 24, 2012

Contact: Debra L. Bell, Director of Marketing and Communications
Office: (412) 281-0912 ext 214 or dbell@pittsburghopera.org

Pittsburgh Opera opens 2012-13 season with Rigoletto

What: Giuseppe Verdi’s opera Rigoletto

Where: Benedum Center for the Performing Arts
7th Street and Penn Avenue, Downtown Pittsburgh

When: Saturday, October 6, 8:00 PM Tuesday, October 9, 7:00 PM
Friday, October 12, 8:00 PM Sunday, October 14, 2:00 PM

Run Time: 2 hours, 30 minutes, including 2 intermissions

Language: Sung in Italian with English titles projected above the stage

Tickets: Start at $10 for all performances.
Call 412-456-6666 for more information or visit www.pittsburghopera.org

Related Events: FREE Meet the Artists and Brown Bag Concert.

Pittsburgh, PA…Pittsburgh Opera brings a handsome production of Verdi’s Rigoletto to the Benedum stage to begin the 2012-13 opera season of classics. The tragic tale of the court jester bent on revenge features Pittsburgh favorite Mark Delavan (Falstaff, 2009; Tosca, 2012) in the title role, with Lyubov Petrova (Ariadne auf Naxos, 2006) as Gilda and Michael Wade Lee in his Pittsburgh Opera debut as the Duke of Mantua. Rigoletto’s dramatic twists and turns and its well-known tunes such as “La donna è mobile,” “Si, vendetta” and “Questa o quella” make this opera a perpetual favorite. It’s said that immediately after Rigoletto’s premiere in 1851, “La donna è mobile” was sung and whistled in the streets, making it an instant classic.

Opening on the grandeur of the Duke’s of Mantua’s court and ending with tragic death outside a seedy inn, Verdi’s masterful Rigoletto is the story of a father’s love for his daughter, a curse, rage, revenge, and ultimately, tragedy. The impressive cast features a debut by Raymond Aceto as the assassin Sparafucile, a return for former Resident Artist Adam Fry (Tosca, 2012; The Abduction from the Seraglio, 2012), and also showcases seven Pittsburgh Opera Resident Artists in supporting roles: Juan José de León as
Matteo Borsa; Jasmine Muhammad as Countess Ceprano; Kyle Oliver as Marullo; Joseph Barron as Monterone; Nicole Rodin as Giovanna; Meredith Lustig as the Page, and Samantha Korbey as Maddalena. Music Director Antony Walker returns to conduct, fresh from critically-acclaimed performances of Bellini’s La sonnambula (The Sleepwalker) at Washington Concert Opera; Linda Brovsky (L’elisir d’amore, 1998) returns as stage director.

Tickets to Rigoletto start at $10, with all performances at the Benedum Center for the Performing Arts, 7th Street and Penn Avenue, Downtown Pittsburgh. For additional information or to purchase tickets call 412-456-6666 or visit www.pittsburghopera.org.

Facts about the opera
Rigoletto underwent many revisions during arguments with censors who thought the royal antagonist’s amoral character too closely resembled a real French monarch (Francis I, lampooned by Victor Hugo in Le roi s’amuse). Verdi and librettist Piave finally settled on a duke from the extinct Gonzaga noble family in Mantua, so that no living officials could be offended.

At the premiere of Rigoletto, Verdi had to roughly shove his anxious, overly-humped Rigoletto (Felice Varesi) out onto the stage, so that he appeared to tumble on his first entrance. The audience thought it was intentional, and applauded.

The story, in brief
Rigoletto, a jester in the Duke of Mantua’s court, is suspected of keeping a mistress. When the nobleman Monterone denounces the Duke for seducing his daughter, Rigoletto ridicules him, and he curses both the Duke and his jester. At home, Rigoletto reminisces about his late wife with his daughter, Gilda, whom he keeps hidden. Nevertheless, the Duke gains entry, claims to be a student, and declares his love to Gilda, but runs away when the courtiers stop Rigoletto outside his house. They blindfold him while they abduct Gilda, and, hearing her cries, Rigoletto rushes into the house. Realizing she is gone, he remembers Monterone's curse.

Mark Delavan

At court, the Duke is distraught over Gilda’s disappearance until the courtiers reveal that she is in his bedchamber, and he rushes to the conquest. Rigoletto comes in looking for Gilda, and reveals to the courtiers that she is not his mistress, but his daughter. A disheveled Gilda appears and Rigoletto vows revenge.

At night, at the assassin Sparafucile’s inn, Rigoletto and Gilda watch as the Duke flirts with the assassin's sister and accomplice, Maddalena. Rigoletto sends Gilda away to prepare for escape, and pays Sparafucile to murder the Duke. As a storm rages, Gilda returns to hear Maddalena persuade her brother not to kill the Duke, but kill the next visitor instead. Resolving to sacrifice herself for the Duke, Gilda enters and is stabbed. Rigoletto comes back to claim the Duke’s body and gloats over the sack Sparafucile gives him, only to hear his supposed victim singing in the distance. Frantically opening the sack, he finds Gilda, who dies asking forgiveness. Monterone's curse is fulfilled.

Rigoletto opens Saturday, October 6 and continues October 9, 12, and 14, 2012. Tickets start at $10. Call 412-456-6666 or visitwww.pittsburghopera.org .

The Pittsburgh Opera 2012-2013 season is generously sponsored by PNC Foundation.

Tickets and Group Discounts
Tickets for all performances of Rigoletto start at $10. Group discounts are available. For tickets, call (412) 456-6666 or visit www.pittsburghopera.org. For discounted group tickets (6 or more), contact Randy Adams at 412-281-0912, x 213.

Pittsburgh Opera’s 2012-2013 season continues a 74-year tradition of excellence in opera. As part of the Company’s continued efforts to make opera accessible to all members of the community, single tickets for the 2012-2013 season again start at just $10, with subscriptions starting at just $43 for four operas.
2012-2013 Season
Rigoletto October 6, 9, 12, 14, 2012
Don Giovanni November 3, 6, 9, 11, 2012
Il matrimonio segreto January 26, 29; February 1, 3, 2013
Cabaret 2013 February 22, 23, 24, 26, 2013
Madama Butterfly March 16, 19; 22, 24, 2013
La cenerentola April 27, 30; May 3, 5, 2013

Single tickets for as little as $10
Season subscriptions for as little as $43
For ticket information visit our website www.pittsburghopera.org or call (412) 281-0912
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Posted on behalf of Dreamweaver Marketing Associates. Joyce Kane is the owner of Cybertary Pittsburgh, a Virtual Administrative support company, providing virtual office support, personal and executive assistance, creative design services and light bookkeeping. Cybertary works with businesses and busy individuals to help them work 'on' their business rather than 'in' their business. www.Cybertary.com/Pittsburgh

GLEE's Matthew Morrison Opens PNC Pops Season

For Immediate Release
Sept. 21, 2012

‘GLEE’ STAR MATTHEW MORRISON OPENS PSO’S 2012-2013 PNC POPS SEASON
Guest Conductor Lucas Richman leads PSO in performances of Broadway, movie music

PITTSBURGH – Matthew Morrison, star of the hit TV show Glee will headline the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra’s (PSO) opening weekend of the 2012-2013 PNC Pops season at Heinz Hall.
The concerts begin at 2:30 and 8 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 29, and 2:30 and 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 30. Tickets, ranging from $20 to $108, can be purchased by calling the Heinz Hall box office at 412.392.4900, or visiting www.pittsburghsymphony.org.

Lucas Richman, music director of the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra, will lead the PSO.
Morrison, who has been nominated for Tony, Emmy and two Golden Globe Awards, will perform favorite hits from his forthcoming album of Broadway standards, as well as other songs.

The program will include such popular hits as “Mambo” from West Side Story, “Luck Be a Lady” from Guys and Dolls, “On the Street Where You Live” from My Fair Lady, “As Long as She Needs Me” from Oliver, “Send in the Clowns” from A Little Night Music, “Younger Than Springtime” from South Pacific, “Ease on Down the Road” from The Wiz, and the title song from Singin’ in the Rain.

The PSO would like to recognize and thank PNC for its 2012-2013 title sponsorship of PNC Pops. Fairmont Pittsburgh is the official hotel of the PSO.

Matthew Morrison studied musical theater, vocal performance and dance at New York University’s renowned Tisch School of the Arts. His big Broadway break came when he was cast as heartthrob Link Larkin in the hit Hairspray. He was later nominated for a Tony Award for his role in The Light in the Piazza, and received a Drama Desk Nomination for Outstanding Actor in a Musical for 10 Million Miles. He also starred in the Tony-winning revival of South Pacific at Lincoln Center Theater in New York. Morrison currently stars in season four of Glee, Fox’s hit musical comedy series from Ryan Murphy. Morrison stars as Will Schuester, an optimistic high school teacher, who tries to refuel his own passion while re-inventing the high school’s glee club and challenging a group of outcasts to realize their star potential. Morrison also starred in the 2012 Lionsgate film, What to Expect When You’re Expecting, alongside Cameron Diaz, Jennifer Lopez, Elizabeth Banks, Chace Crawford, Chris Rock, Joe Manganiello and Dennis Quaid. Morrison hosted and narrated the PBS special entitled, Oscar Hammerstein II - Out of My Dreams, focusing on the Broadway producer’s life and career, in March 2012.

Sunday, September 23, 2012

For Sale: Opportunity Franchising Event

NEWS RELEASE
September 09, 2012

Contact Information:
Linda Handley, Founder
Phone: 412.475.9010
E-mail:info@buildingbridgesforbusiness.com

Building Bridges for Business anticipates another sold-out crowd at For Sale: Opportunity franchising event on October 9

PITTSBURGH – Building Bridges for Business – a not-for-profit organization aimed at empowering and educating Pittsburgh’s small business owners – is expecting another sold-out event on October 9 between 4:30pm and 8:00 pm EST at the Fairmont Hotel in downtown Pittsburgh. They are hosting For Sale: Opportunity, intended to connect established franchisors, funding on the spot with a new loan program, 401k funding experts, finding space for the business, and potential franchisees and business owners.

“Franchises have long been an important component in the structure of American business,” said Linda Handley, founder, Building Bridges for Business. “Four out of five franchises succeed where as one out of five small businesses succeed after five years.” Franchises provide over 9.8 million jobs with a payroll of over $229 billion according to the International Franchise Association, IFA.

At the event, built around networking opportunities for small business owners and entrepreneurs, Rich Fitzgerald, Executive, Allegheny County, will deliver a message on the current state of locally owned small businesses. “Rich’s passion for small business development and sustainability in Allegheny County has been unprecedented,” stated Amanda Wodzenski President of Building Bridges. “We’re excited to hear him speak and know he will provide regional small business owners with insights, information and resources from a governmental perspective.”

In addition to providing franchises with an established presence in the Pittsburgh region with growth opportunities, the event will also target new opportunities for franchises outside of the Pittsburgh market and potential local franchisees. “We are hopeful this will be an opportunity for new franchises to partner with local entrepreneurs and drive new business to our region and tri-state area,” Handley said. “It is apparent that Pittsburgh is experiencing significant economic growth, and this event will serve as a wonderful opportunity for national franchises to partner with local business leaders.”

Previous Building Bridges for Business events include Small Business Works, held at the Kingsley Center in Pittsburgh’s East End in 2011 and 2012, Young Entrepreneurs held at GOOGLE Pittsburgh, and Welcome to Oz, held at downtown Pittsburgh’s Fairmont Hotel in October 2011 and featuring Dr. Winslow Sargeant, Obama’s chief of advocacy, U.S. Small Business Administration. All of the organization’s previous events have sold out.

Partners for For Sale: Opportunity include, the Allegheny County Executive’s Office, the City of Pittsburgh, the Center for Women’s Entrepreneurship at Chatham University and the Small Business Development Center at Duquesne University. Major sponsors are Positively Pittsburgh Live, Brunnhuber and Associates, Comcast Business Class, Enterprise Rent-A-Car, Staples, Giant Eagle, Pittsburgh Business Times and Pittsburgh Venture Capital Association. Interested participants can register for the event on Building Bridges for Business’ website (www.buildingbridgesforbusiness.org). To learn more, follow Building Bridges for Business (@bridges4biz) on Twitter or contact Building Bridges for Business via e-mail at info@buildingbridgesforbusiness.org.

ABOUT BUILDING BRIDGES FOR BUSINESS Based in Pittsburgh, Pa., Building Bridges for Business 501(c) 3 aims at empowering and educating the region’s small business leaders by providing resources to start, manage, grow and promote their businesses. Since its inception in November 2010, the organization has hosted sold out events, featuring prominent keynote speakers, such as Dr. Winslow Sargeant, who is President Obama's adviser from the Small Business Administration. In addition to live events, Building Bridges for Business launched COFFEE WITH a trademarked Film Series and Pittsburgh's first-ever small business TweetChat.

Olivia Newton John to Perform with PSO

For Immediate Release
Sept. 14, 2012

‘GREASE’ STAR OLIVIA NEWTON-JOHN TO PERFORM WITH PITTSBURGH SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA AT HEINZ HALL

Tickets go on sale Monday, Sept. 17; concert is Saturday, Dec. 8

PITTSBURGH – Olivia Newton-John, star of the hit movie Grease, and multiple Grammy Award winner, will join the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra (PSO) at Heinz Hall in December, performing many of her hit songs that have made her one of the world’s most popular entertainers for decades.

The concert will begin at 8 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 8. Tickets, ranging from $35 to $125, go on sale at 9 a.m., Monday, Sept. 17, and can be purchased by calling the Heinz Hall box office at 412.392.4900, or visitingwww.pittsburghsymphony.org.

With a career spanning more than four decades Olivia Newton-John remains a vibrant and creative actress, author, singer, philanthropist and humanitarian who is adored by fans across the world. Born in Cambridge, England, in 1948, she moved to Melbourne, Australia with her family when she was five. By 15, she had formed an all-girl group called Sol Four. Later that year, she won a talent contest on the popular TV show, Sing Sing Sing, which earned her a trip to London. By 1963, she was appearing on local daytime TV shows and weekly pop music programs in Australia. She cut her first single for Decca Records in 1966, a version of Jackie DeShannon’s Till You Say You’ll Be Mine. In 1971, she recorded a cover of Bob Dylan’s If Not For You, co-produced by John Farrar, who she continues to collaborate with today.

Her U.S. album debut, Let Me Be There, produced her first top 10 single of the same name, with her being honored by the Academy Of Country Music as Most Promising Female Vocalist and a Grammy Award as Best Country Vocalist. With more than 100 million albums sold, Olivia’s successes include four Grammy Awards, numerous Country Music, American Music and People’s Choice Awards, ten No. 1 hits including Physical, which topped the charts for ten consecutive weeks, and over 15 top 10 singles. In September 2008, Billboard Magazine listed Physical at No. 6 on their Top 100 Songs Of All Time list and in 2010 listed it as “The Sexiest Song of All Time.”

In 1978, her co-starring role with John Travolta in Grease catapulted Olivia into super-stardom. This film’s best-selling soundtrack featured the duets You’re The One That I Want and Summer Nights with Travolta, as well as her mega-hit, Hopelessly Devoted To You. To date, Grease remains the most successful movie musical in history. Her other feature film credits include Toomorrow, Xanadu, Two Of A Kind, It’s My Party and Sordid Lives. In 2010, Newton-John also appeared as herself in two episodes of the hit TV series, Glee, adding another Top 100 hit to her credits with a new version of “Physical” sung with Jane Lynch. In October 2010, Olivia starred in the breast cancer docudrama 1 A Minute, and the Canadian film, Score: A Hockey Musical. Her latest film, A Few Best Men, was released in January 2012, garnering her some of the best reviews of her film career. The soundtrack to A Few Best Men, features dance remixes of classic hits such as “Sugar Sugar” and “Daydream Believer” recorded by Olivia and remixed by some of the hottest club remixers in the world. In addition the soundtrack reunites her with her longtime producer and songwriter, John Farrar, on the single, “Weightless.” She is currently working on a new dance remix CD featuring some of her classic hits, as well new songs, and is set for release this year.

She was bestowed an O.B.E. (Order Of The British Empire) by Queen Elizabeth in 1979, has held many humanitarian causes close to her heart, particularly since the birth of her daughter Chloe in 1986. Olivia served as Goodwill Ambassador to the United Nations Environment Program and in 1991, the Colette Chuda Environmental Fund/CHEC (Children’s Health Environmental Coalition) was founded after the tragic death of Chloe’s best friend from a rare childhood cancer, with Olivia serving as National Spokesperson for 10 years. Her devotion and shared commitment to CHEC’s mission and goals enabled the organization to receive worldwide attention and support. For more information, visit www.HealthyChild.org.

Olivia released her first book, LivWise: Easy Recipes For A Healthy, Happy Life (Murdoch Books) in Australia in 2011. In LivWise, Olivia explains her belief in the importance of eating a healthy diet in order to maintain wellness and balance. It will be released in the USA and United Kingdom in 2012.

In 2010, Olivia was also honored with the prestigious Medal of the Order of Australia from Governor General Quentin Bryce. In addition to starring in films and on TV, and writing books and music, she continues to spend time in the recording studio. Her healing CD, Grace and Gratitude: Renewed (2010), which she co-wrote and produced with Amy Sky, debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard Magazine “New Age” chart. In addition, Billboard celebrated Olivia’s new music by saying, “Newton-John is soulfully committed to every word she sings, and fans will be taken by the plush arrangements, melodic warmth, and of course, the artist’s regal vocals.”

Her charmed life has not been without its share of upset. In the 1990s, Olivia successfully overcame her own battle with breast cancer, which inspired her self-penned and produced album, GAIA, her most personal album reflecting upon her experiences with cancer. She used these experiences to gain greater self-awareness and became a positive inspiration to millions of people battling cancer. As a breast cancer survivor, Olivia has become increasingly well known and respected for talking openly about her battle with breast cancer and for promoting public awareness of the importance of early detection. Her personal triumph over cancer led her to announce her partnership with Austin Health and the creation of the Olivia Newton-John Cancer and Wellness Centre (ONJCWC) on the Austin Campus in her hometown, Melbourne, Australia.
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Contact: James Barthen, Vice President of Public Affairs
Phone: 412.392.4835 | email: jbarthen@pittsburghsymphony.org

Contact: Ramesh Santanam, Director of Media Relations
Phone: 412.392.4827 | email: rsantanam@pittsburghsymphony.org

Mason Bates Wins Heinz Award

For Immediate Release
Sept. 12, 2012
PSO CONGRATULATES COMPOSER OF THE YEAR MASON BATES FOR RECEIVING PRESTIGIOUS HEINZ AWARD

PITTSBURGH – The Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra (PSO) congratulates its Composer of the Year, Mason Bates, on being named one of the five recipients of the Heinz Awards. Teresa Heinz and the Heinz Family Foundation on Wednesday announced that Bates, 35, will receive an unrestricted cash prize of $250,000 as the winner of the Heinz Award in the category of Arts and Humanities.

Mason Bates

Bates is the Music Alive Composer-in-Residence with the PSO. Music Alive is a national residency program of the League of American Orchestras and New Music USA. He is one of the youngest-ever recipients of a Heinz Award.

Bates’ music fuses innovative orchestral writing, imaginative narrative forms, the harmonies of jazz and the rhythms of techno. His symphonic music has been the first to receive widespread acceptance for its expanded palette of electronic sounds, and is championed by leading conductors such as Michael Tilson Thomas, Leonard Slatkin, and John Adams. He has become a visible advocate for bringing new music to new spaces, whether through institutional partnerships or through his classical/DJ project Mercury Soul, which has transformed spaces ranging from commercial clubs to Frank Gehry-designed concert halls into exciting, hybrid musical events drawing more than a thousand people.

Bates’ work will be celebrated in four weekends of BNY Mellon Grand Classics concerts, including one world premiere and three first performances by the PSO. The Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra also will present Bates’ classical/DJ project, Mercury Soul, on Friday, April 5, 2013, at STATIC, 1650 Smallman St., in the Strip District, featuring PSO musicians.

Launched in 2001-2002, the PSO created the Composer of the Year program to provide audiences with an unprecedented opportunity to encounter music of living composers, and establish a relationship with the composers through the experience of hearing multiple works and learning about the works through pre-concert talks and chats with the composer. Past participants are Steven Stucky, Joan Tower, John Adams, Richard Danielpour, John Corigliano, Christopher Theofanidis, Jennifer Higdon, Christopher Rouse, Michael Hersch, Krzysztof Penderecki and Rodion Shchedrin. The 2012-2013 BNY Mellon Grand Classics season marks the 12th year of the Composer of the Year program, which is partially funded by the National Endowment for the Arts.

The Heinz Awards will be presented at a ceremony Oct. 11 in Pittsburgh. Established by Teresa Heinz in 1993 to honor the memory of her late husband, U.S. Senator John Heinz, the Heinz Awards celebrate the accomplishments and spirit of the Senator by recognizing the extraordinary achievements of individuals in the areas of greatest importance to him. The awards, administered by the Heinz Family Foundation, annually recognize individuals for their contributions in the areas of Arts and Humanities, Environment, Human Condition, Public Policy, and Technology, the Economy and Employment.

Photo Credit: Mike Minehan
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Contact: James Barthen, Vice President of Public Affairs
Phone: 412.392.4835 | email: jbarthen@pittsburghsymphony.org

Contact: Ramesh Santanam, Director of Media Relations
Phone: 412.392.4827 | email: rsantanam@pittsburghsymphony.org

PSO Performs Music of Michael Jackson

For Immediate Release
Sept. 14, 2013
PSO PERFORMS MUSIC OF ‘THE KING OF POP’ AT HEINZ HALL IN NOVEMBER

Tickets for ‘The Music of Michael Jackson’ go on sale Monday, Sept. 17; concert Nov. 27

PITTSBURGH – The Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra (PSO) will bring the music of “The King of Pop” to Heinz Hall in a concert of fabulous music spanning 40 years of Michael Jackson's influential and celebrated career.

The concert, “The Music of Michael Jackson,” will begin at 7:30 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 27. Tickets, ranging from $25 to $85, go on sale at 9 a.m., Monday, Sept. 17. They can be purchased by calling the Heinz Hall box office at 412.392.4900, or visiting www.pittsburghsymphony.org.

From his early years with the Jackson 5 to his mega-hit album, Thriller, and beyond, Michael Jackson stormed the music industry with hit after hit. “The Music of Michael Jackson” takes concertgoers through each era of this storied performer, from ABC, I'll Be There and Got To Be There through Beat It, Thriller, Rock With You, The Way You Make Me Feel and many more hits.

Inaugural Pittsburgh Fashion Week

PGH FASHION WEEK 2012
Sept 24th - Sept 30th

The inaugural Pittsburgh Fashion Week occurs at the perfect time to highlight fall fashions and accessories available at the plethora of local boutiques, specialty stores, department stores, and consignment and off-price stores. While embracing and encompassing the breadth of fashion available in Pittsburgh, the event will set a new standard in terms of high-quality, New York-style runway shows complete with VIP seating, credentialed media access, and upscale promotional and after-parties that will attract thousands.

Pittsburgh Fashion Week is a cultural and social event that will grow each year, giving experts one more reason to name the city "America's Most Livable." While the city's championship sports teams, unique cultural amenities, and wonderful people have put Pittsburgh on the map, Pittsburgh Fashion Week will help make sure we stay there.

The event's official Web site, www.pittsburghfashionweek.com, is where the public can sign up to volunteer, glean sponsorship information, view a schedule of events, register to attend, and see day-to-day coverage of fashion week highlights.

For More Info:

www.pittsburghfashionweek.com
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR & FOUNDER
MIYOSHI ANDERSON
PHONE:412.918.6742
EMAIL:miyoshi@pittsburghfashionweek.com

DIRECTOR OF BUSINESS AFFAIRS
DOTTIE KICHTA
PHONE:412.918.6733
EMAIL:dottie.kichta@pittsburghfashionweek.com

Mary Poppins Sweeps Into Pittsburgh at the Benedum

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (Updated/Revised information)
Today's date: September 17, 2012
Contact: Diana Roth, 412-471-8717, roth@trustarts.org

Disney and Cameron MacIntosh present MARY POPPINS
Tuesday, October 16 through Sunday, October 21, 2012, Benedum Center

Pittsburgh, PA (UPDATED/REVISED): Producers Thomas Schumacher of Disney Theatrical Productions and Cameron Mackintosh are pleased to announce full casting for Pittsburgh’s return engagement of MARY POPPINS. Over 54,000 Pittsburghers attended the high-flying spectacle in 2011 and PNC Broadway Across America-Pittsburgh is happy to welcome MARY POPPINS back to the Benedum Center for one week only: Tuesday, October 16 through Sunday, October 21, 2012. Opening night is Tuesday, October 16, at 7:30 p.m.

MARY POPPINS will play at the Benedum Center, Pittsburgh, PA, Tuesday through Thursday evenings at 7:30 p.m.; Friday at 8:00 p.m.; Saturday at 1:00 & 8:00 p.m.; and Sunday at 1:00 and 6:30 p.m.

Tickets start as low as $20 and are on sale now at the Box Office at Theater Square, 655 Penn Avenue, by phone at (412) 456-4800 or online at www.TrustArts.org. For group ticket sales (10 or more), please call 412-471-6930. Special VIP ($125) Ticket Packages are available at select performances, and include premium seating and a complimentary souvenir program. For a subscription to the series, please call (412) 456-1390.

PNC Broadway Across America –Pittsburgh is a presentation of The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, Pittsburgh Symphony and Broadway Across America.

With four productions currently running on three continents, MARY POPPINS is one of the biggest stage musical successes to emerge from London or New York in recent years. Worldwide to date, the show has grossed over $731 million and welcomed more than 10 million guests. The musical is the winner of 44 major theatre awards around the globe, including Tony®, Olivier, Helpmann and Evening Standard awards.

The entire original creative team has reunited to bring this magical story of the world’s most famous nanny to audiences around North America. The MARY POPPINS North American Tour began performances on March 25, 2009 and has played to more than two and a half million delighted theatergoers in over 40 cities to date.

Madeline Trumble

Con O'Shea Creal

Madeline Trumble will star as “Mary Poppins” while Con O’Shea Creal will assume the role of “Bert.”

Trumble is making her return to the national tour of Mary Poppins after recently appearing in the Broadway company of Disney’s Newsies-The Musical. She has also been seen in stage productions at the MUNY in St. Louis and Berkley Repertory Theatre.

Trumble will appear alongside Con O’Shea Creal, who plays the affable chimney sweep, “Bert.” Creal recently performed with the Broadway and national touring companies of Irving Berlin’s White Christmas. Originally from Lincoln, Nebraska, Creal has also appeared in regional productions of Singin’ in the Rain, 42nd Street, Annie Get Your Gun, A Christmas Carol, and Urinetown.

Joining Trumble and Creal will be Michael Dean Morgan as “George Banks”, Elizabeth Broadhurst as “Winifred Banks”, Tregoney Shepherd as “Mrs. Brill”, Blake Segal as “Robertson Ay”, Karen Murphy as “Miss Andrew” and “The Bird Woman”, and Ryan Hilliard as “Admiral Boom.” Performances in the role of “Jane Banks” will be alternated between Madison Ann Mullahey and Julianna Rigoglioso. Performances in the role of “Michael Banks” will be alternated between Eli Tokash and Zachary Mackiewicz.

Rounding out the cast are Danielle Benton, Elizabeth Ann Berg, Callan Bergmann, Lindsey Bliven, Jonathan Burke, Ben Cherry, Kerry Conte, Emily Cramer, Andrew Eckert, Jordan Grubb, Leeds Hill, Kenway Kua, Matt Meigs, Sean Montgomery, James Patterson, Tonya Thompson, Paige Williams, Minami Yusui, Elizabeth Earley, Annie Petersmeyer, Stephen Roberts, and Curtis Schroeger.
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Friday, September 21, 2012

Northland Public Library Announces October Programs & Events

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: September 19, 2012
ATTACHMENT

Contact: Donna Rau
412-366-8100, x108
raud@einetwork.net

NORTHLAND PUBLIC LIBRARY PROGRAMS & EVENTS FOR OCTOBER, 2012

FALL BOOK SALE BLOWOUT
Our annual Fall Book Sale Blowout will be held on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, October 5-7, in the meeting rooms on the lower level of the library. Thousands of items, including books, DVDs, and CDs, will be available at deep discount prices. The sale will end on Sunday with our popular $5 bag sale. Get a reusable tote to fill to the brim, and pay just $5! Here is the complete Book Sale Schedule:

Friday, October 5 9:00am to 9:00pm
Saturday, October 6 9:00am to 5:00pm
Sunday, October 7 1:00pm to 5:00pm $5 Bag Day

LEGAL ADVICE FOR SINGLE WOMEN: PLANNING FOR PEACE OF MIND
Single women – divorced, widowed, never married – often have questions and concerns about current financial matters and decisions to make that affect their future plans and those of their loved ones. Wills, estate planning, property ownership, continuing care for children, elderly parents, future care for pets…these are just a few of the issues that many single women need to consider. Knowing where to begin is the first step in gaining peace of mind for the future.
Attorney Claire Johnson Saenz will address these concerns and help you sort and prioritize the areas that are unique to your situation. The focus of Saenz’s law practice is estate planning and administration. She will allow time for your questions after her presentation on Thursday, October 11 at 7:00pm. Please register for this free program by calling 412-366-8100, extension 113 or online through the Library’s website.

HUNTER-TRAPPER SAFETY
Northland Library will host the PA Game Commission Hunter-Trapper Safety Program on Sunday, October 14 from 1 to 5 p.m. To register for the class, go to the PA Game Commission website…www.pgc.state.pa.us and click on Education.

GETTING THE MOST OUT OF VALUE LINE
Value Line is one of the best-known sources of investment information about companies. Weekly updates on almost 1700 companies and their industries provide historical data and estimates of future prospects and commentary on the economy and financial markets.
BetterInvesting , a national, non-profit educational organization returns to Northland Library on Monday, October 15 at 7:00 to help you explore ways to interpret Value Line’s information and find companies that meet your investment goals. You will also learn how to access the free information on the Value Line website. Please register for this free program by calling 412-366-8100, extension 113 or online through the Library’s website.
BetterInvesting’s mission is to provide a program of sound investment information to create successful lifetime investors. The organization does not sell, promote or recommend specific investments but rather teaches the principles that lead to a secure future.

INDIAN COOKING CLASS
Our favorite Indian cooking chef, Ann Manchella returns on Monday, October 22 at 7:00pm to demonstrate the preparation of Dal Palak (or Lentils with Spinach.) This is a simple, yet high-protein dish, served with rice or roti (Indian flat bread.) Tasty samples are served after the demonstration.
Registration for this free cooking class is required. Reserve your place by calling 412-366-8100, extension 113 or online through the Library’s website.

BORROWING LIBRARY EBOOKS FOR A KINDLE DEVICE
This informative program will demonstrate the procedures for downloading library eBooks to your Kindle reader. We’ll take you through the process step-by-step and answer all your questions after the demonstration on Wednesday, October 24 at 7:00pm. You do not to bring your reader. Please register for this free class by calling 412-366-8100, extension 113 or through the Library’s website.

DON’T TOSS MY MEMORIES IN THE TRASH:
A STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE TO HELPING SENIORS DOWNSIZE, ORGANIZE AND MOVE.
Vickie Dellaquila, a professional organizer, has written a book titled “Don’t Toss My Memories in the Trash: A Step-by-Step Guide to Helping Seniors Downsize, Organize and Move. She’ll be at Northland Library on Thursday, October 25 at 7:00pm to share her valuable tips on downsizing, organizing and moving in an organized, efficient and caring manner. Moving is about memories, emotions and life-stages as well as the act of transferring possessions from one place to another. Vickie’s compassionate approach gives seniors and family members the necessary tools to ensure a smooth and satisfying move experience. You may register for this free workshop by calling 412-366-8100, extension 113 or through the Library’s website.
Vickie’s book will be available for those who wish to purchase it and she will allow time for questions from the audience after her presentation.

SAVVY SOCIAL SECURITY PLANNING
We couldn’t accommodate all of the people who wanted to attend a previous program on Social Security, so we’re offering a “repeat performance” on Monday, October 29 at 7:00pm!
A new generation is getting ready to collect Social Security. Find out what you need to know to make the most of your retirement benefits. There are many questions people have about Social Security: should I coordinate benefits with a spouse, how much will I receive, should I postpone collecting Social Security if I’m still employed?
Mark Ambrose of S&T Bank will present a helpful program to show you how to plan for your Social Security payments. He will allow time for questions and answers. Please register for this free program by calling 412-366-8100, extension 113 or through the Library’s website.

ONGOING SERIES & DISCUSSIONS FOR OCTOBER 2012

FILM SERIES AT NORTHLAND – No reservations required for these free presentations..

FOREIGN FILM –A Separation, a drama from Iran Wednesday, October 10, 2pm
Winner for best foreign language film at the academy Awards, this film provides an excellent look into the disintegration of a marriage when parental concerns and family allegiance present serious differences. Light refreshments served.

TRAVEL FILM – Budapest, Vienna, and Prague Wednesday, October 17, 2pm
This month, we will host an Oktoberfest of stunning photography and interesting stories when John and Frances Gaylor return to Northland to share their experiences of traveling the picturesque land of Central Europe.

CLASSIC FILM – Mr. Smith Goes To Washington Wednesday, October 24, 2:00pm
With the national election on the horizon, our movie for October is Mr. Smith Goes To Washington, the classic 1939 film about one man’s effect on American politics, starring Jimmy Stewart and Jean Arthur. The film was nominated for 11 Academy Awards and was added by the Library of Congress to the National Film Registry of “significant films.

BOOK DISCUSSIONS – No registration required for these free discussion events.
TUESDAY NIGHT BOOK DISCUSSION – Tuesday, October 2 , 7:00pm Meets the first Tuesday of each month
The River of Doubt: Theodore Roosevelt’s Darkest Journey by Candice Millard
After his humiliating election defeat in 1912, Roosevelt set his sights on the most punishing physical challenge he could find--the first descent of an unmapped, rapids-choked tributary of the Amazon.

SECOND FRIDAY BOOK GROUP – Friday, October 12, 11:30am Meets the second Friday of each month
The Sense of an Ending by Julian Barnes
Winner of the Man Booker prize, this month’s selection is a short but compelling novel on aging, memory and regret as the main character is confronted with occasions from his past that he had conveniently put to rest.
Bring a brown bag lunch; the library provides a beverage. Our discussion begins at noon.

MYSTERY LOVERS BOOK GROUP – Thursday, October 18, 7:00pm Meets the third Thursday of each month
Call for the Dead by John le Carre
George Smiley, the most famous of recurring characters is introduced in this first novel written by John le Carre.

SERIOUS READERS GROUP – Saturday, October 27, 11:00am Meets the fourth Saturday of each month
Discuss those books which have often formed the outline of the political and economic philosophies of the United States. For upcoming titles and more information: 724-935-4339.

CONVERSATION SALONS- No registration required
CONVERSATION SALONS – Friday, October 12, 2:00pm and Wednesday, October 24, 1:00pm
Informal discussion on timely topics such as politics, medicine science, current events, movies, education- anything that is on your mind! Share your opinions and hear what others have to say.

MISCELLANEOUS – No registration required
NORTHLAND KNITTERS – Wednesday, October 10, 7:00pm and Friday, October 19, 1:00pm
Enjoy conversation, knitting and dessert. For knitters of all skills to share techniques, ideas and to swap patterns.

AMATEUR ASTRONOMY CLUB – Thursday, October 25, 7:00pm Meets the fourth Thursday of each month
Enthusiasts of all things astronomy are welcome to join.

CHILDREN’S/YOUNG ADULT/FAMILY PROGRAMS
HALLOWEEN HAUNTINGS
Stories, songs and a craft for the whole family! Children are welcome to try out their Halloween costumes before the big night at this special Halloween Haunting on Sunday, October 28 from 2:00pm to 3:00pm. No registration is needed for this free program. (Note to parents: Ghost stories told in a dark room may be a bit much for preschool children.)

CALLING ALL TODDLERS
Are you the parents of a baby or toddler? Ready for some playdate fun? Then join us at our very special “after-library-hours” Playful Parenting Workshop Series.
Relax and play, socialize with other parents, and have a chance to meet and ask questions one-on-one with our visiting experts in Child Development, Nutrition, Speech & Hearing, Music & Movement and Emergent Literacy. Parents and their children can play and chat on Friday evenings from 6:30pm to 8:00pm on October 12, 19, 26 and November 2.
Registration is required and space is limited for these free evenings of information and fun. You may sign up for this four-week series at the Children’s Reference Desk, or by phone at 412-366-8100 ext. 123.

STORYTIMES FOR BABIES, TODDLERS AND PRESCHOOLERS
Our storytime sessions for young children continue this month through mid-November. No registration is required to attend.

Picture Book Storytime Tuesdays from September 25 to November 13 at 10:00am or 1:00pm
Preschoolers ages 3 to 5 years of age can have fun with picture books, songs, and action rhymes.

Mother Goose Storytime Wednesdays from September 26 to November 14 at 10:00am
Nursery rhymes, songs, tickles and bounces for babies and toddlers with a parent, grandparent
or caregiver.

Kangaroo Storytime Wednesdays from September 26 to November 14 at 11:00am
Nursery rhymes, stories, songs and romps for toddlers 24 months through 3 years with a parent,
grandparent or caregiver.

FUNDRAISERS

NORTHLAND GOES PRETZEL CRAZY!
Pretzels dressed for all tastes and occasions are this month’s Bread for Books feature. Sweetly dipped and dizzily drizzled, crunchy and nutty with a fruity twist, or on a blanket of marshmallows, you’ll find great treats for everyone at our special sale in the library on Friday October 5 from 9:00am to 5:00pm and Saturday, October 6 from 9:00am to 5:00pm. You can visit the sale table in the lower lobby for snazzy pretzels to take home right away, then, check out the selection online: www.pretzelcrazy.com where you will find even more treats for yourself, gift giving, or special occasions. Pretzel Crazy will donate 20% of all in-library table sales, and when ordering online, enter “NORTHLAND” as the promotional code for the Library to receive 20% of your total purchase on orders through the entire month of October!

Andre Reyes Joins Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre School Faculty

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Meghan McNamara
412-454-9117
mmcnamara@pittsburghballet.org

Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre School Welcomes Andre Reyes to 2012-2013 Faculty

PITTSBURGH, PA (September 2012) – Marking the start of the 2012-2013 school year, Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre School Directors Marjorie Grundvig and Dennis Marshall have announced the addition of Andre Reyes as the school’s newest full-time faculty member.

Reyes brings more than 30 years of professional ballet and teaching experience to PBT School, where he will instruct students of the Pre-Professional Program in a variety of classes, including Pas de Deux, Men’s Technique and others.

“I’m really proud to be part of such an experienced team,” said Reyes, who danced for several years with School Director Dennis Marshall and remembers watching PBT Artistic Director Terrence S. Orr and Ballet Mistress Marianna Tcherkassky perform when he was a student at American Ballet Theatre.

A San Francisco Bay Area native, Reyes received his early dance training from his parents Benjamin Reyes and Josefa Villanueva at Santa Clara Ballet School before continuing on to Joffrey Ballet, American Ballet Theatre, School of American Ballet and San Francisco Ballet School. Reyes, a longtime favorite of Bay Area audiences, performed as a principal dancer with San Francisco Ballet from 1980 to 1993 and Pacific Northwest Ballet from 1994 to 1996.

It was during his time as a principal dancer at San Francisco Ballet that Reyes first met PBT School Director Dennis Marshall, then a fellow principal with the company.

“Andre was an amazingly exciting dancer,” Marshall said. “He’s very versatile whether he’s working with classical or contemporary choreography, staging or creating works. He was a phenomenal dancer, and he’s a phenomenal teacher.”

Prior to joining PBT School, Reyes taught since 2007 on the faculty of the Boston Ballet School. Reyes has been a guest lecturer for Stanford University, University of Santa Clara, San Francisco State University, Boston College, Harvard, as well as the American College Dance Festival Association. During his career, he worked with world-renowned choreographers Glen Tetley, Jiri Kylian, Michael Smuin, Eliot Feld, James Kudelka, and David Bintley, and danced in a number of special invitation and international gala performances.

Joining Reyes in Pittsburgh are his wife, Cynthia Drayer, a former San Francisco Ballet principal who served as a guest ballet teacher during PBT’s 2012 Intensive Summer Program, as well as his daughter Rowan, a new full-time high school student in PBT School’s Pre-Professional Program.

Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre School
Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre School is the official training institution of Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre and has an enrollment of more than 900 students, including the Children’s, Student, Pre-Professional and Open Divisions. The Children’s Division gives young students an introduction to ballet and prepares them for advancement to the Student Division. Dancers in the Student Division work to refine their technique and dancers in the Pre- Professional Program prepare for professional careers in classical ballet. Many students perform in an annual School Spring Performance at the Byham Theater, and some students are chosen by Artistic Director Terrence S. Orr to perform with Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre at the Benedum Center. Each year, PBT School students can audition for The Nutcracker, and in 2011 more than 150 were cast in a
variety of roles.

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Pgh Jazz Orchestra to Perform at Cabaret at Theater Square

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Today's date: September 19, 2012
Contact: 412-471-6078

Pittsburgh Jazz Orchestra to perform on Tuesday, October 2, at 8:00 p.m., Cabaret at Theater Square

Presented by The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust and BNY Mellon JazzLive Series.

Pittsburgh, Pa: The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust and BNY Mellon JazzLive series present the Pittsburgh Jazz Orchestra “On the Road” at the Cabaret at Theater Square, 655 Penn Avenue, downtown Pittsburgh, on Tuesday, October 2. at 8:00 p.m. Tickets ($20) are on sale at the Theater Square Box Office, 655 Penn Avenue, by phone at 412-456-6666, and online at trustarts.org. Bank of New York Mellon, the New Pittsburgh Courier, and Pittsburgh Jazz Society are sponsors the JazzLive series.

This season, the Pittsburgh Jazz Orchestra will be "on the road," performing at a variety of venues around the Pittsburgh area. The Pittsburgh Jazz Orchestra, led by Artistic Director, Sean Jones, will be comprised of a slightly different configuration than the usual big band. Jones says, “this season it’s time for PJO to spread its wings and share America’s indigenous art form throughout the region.” The band will also perform original compositions by Associate Artistic Director, Mike Tomaro.

Sean Jones

Janis Burley Wilson, Vice President and Director of Jazz Programs with the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, comments, “The Cultural Trust has become the largest supporter of local jazz musicians in the region through our weekly JazzLive series, as well as special engagements and educational programs. We are thrilled that the PJO decided to make their first stop “on the road” at the Cabaret Theater”.

In addition to performing in the Cabaret, the PJO have developed a musical component, with artist educator, Alison Babusci, for the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust’s PNC Grow Up Great Arts Program. The activities are geared towards preschoolers, and will serve the students that attend the downtown Pittsburgh daycare centers. Complete with multicolored kazoos, the children will “Jam” with the band on Tuesday, October 9 in the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust Education Center, 805-807 Liberty Avenue, and again for a special Holiday Junior Jam Session.

Founded in 1984, The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust is a non-profit arts organization whose mission is the cultural and economic revitalization of a 14-block arts and entertainment/residential neighborhood called the Cultural District. Over a period of 25 years, the Trust has restored historic theaters, constructed new performance venues, commissioned public art projects/galleries and developed unique urban parks and riverfront recreation spaces. The Cultural Trust is recognized across America as a unique model of how public-private partnerships can reinvent a city with authenticity, innovation and creativity. www.Trustarts.org

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Akram Khan: Vertical Road

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Today's date: September 20, 2012
Contact: Diana Roth, (412) 471-8717, roth@trustarts.org
Electronic artwork is available: www.Trustarts.org Press Room.

Pittsburgh Dance Council presents Akram Khan: Vertical Road
Saturday, October 20, 2012, 8pm, Byham Theater

Pittsburgh, PA: The Pittsburgh Dance Council, a division of the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, will present Akram Khan: Vertical Road on Saturday, October 20, 2012, at 8:00 p.m., at the Byham Theater. Akram Khan is celebrated for his unique ability to incorporate diversity into his productions, and Vertical Road is no exception.

Featuring dancers from all corners of the earth, this production explores the duality of physical and spiritual struggles. The story being told begins with the main dancer, Salah El Brogy separated from the other dancers by an elegant screen. His shadow’s frantic motion sets the stage for the emotional tale that lies ahead. The Vertical Road is a reference to the spiritual path that we all must travel in life.

Pat Ashworth of The Stage wrote that Khan’s piece was, “hugely inspiring and profoundly disturbing, terrible and beautiful at the same time.” Quite a reflection of the world we live in. This work is inspired by Sufi traditions, and Persian poet and philosopher Rumi. The dance is accompanied by natural melodies and heart-pulsing rhythms written by Nitin Sawhney to guide you through a path of enlightenment. After the premier on September 16, 2010 at the Curve Theatre in Leicester the Vertical Road received Best New Work in 2010 at the Melbourne Festival and continues to captivate audiences around the globe. This work, and Khan’s others are enjoyable for their intercultural motifs. His dances are designed to tell a story that is universal to the human race.

Photo by Richard Haughton

Akram Khan, a British-born Bangladesh choreographer, is one of the highest acclaimed of his generation. Since the age of seven Khan has been studying dance, particularly kathak, one of the eight forms of traditional Indian dance. In 2000 he founded the Akram Khan Company in order to choreograph artistic narratives that break cultural boundaries. His innovative ideas are expressed through a combination of modern dance and kathak. In this style he has created a great deal of works and collaborations that have gained some prestigious awards. In this company’s short history they have received: the Olivier Awards for Best New Dance Production (2012, DESH), South Bank Sky Arts Award for Dance (2011, Gnosis), The Age Critics’ Award for Best New Work (2010, Vertical Road) at the Melbourne Arts Festival and the Helpmann Award for Best Choreography and Best Male Dancer (2007, zero degrees) in Sydney.

Tickets ($19-$48) may be purchased at the Box Office at Theater Square, online at www.trustarts.org, or by calling (412) 456-6666. For group discounted tickets, call (412) 471-6930. For subscriptions to this series, call (412) 456-1390. Pittsburgh Dance Council media partner is 90.5 WESA.

Each year the Pittsburgh Dance Council, a division of The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, showcases a world-class season of dance. As the largest presenter of international performances in the city, the Dance Council continues to help make our Cultural District one of the country’s leading arts and entertainment centers.

The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust is a non-profit organization whose mission is the cultural and economic development of Pittsburgh’s 14-block Cultural District through public and private support. The Trust presents and encourages diverse performing and visual arts programs within the District, and is an impetus for additional development in downtown Pittsburgh. www.Trustarts.org

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