Monday, March 24, 2014

Rock's Bell Earns Honor


Rock's Bell receives PSAC-West Player of the Week honor

LOCK HAVEN, Pa. – Slippery Rock University junior catcher/designated hitter Alex Bell was named Monday as the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference-Western Division baseball “Player of the Week” for the week ending March 16, 2014.

Bell batted .625 and had a .688 slugging percentage with 10 hits, including a double, in 16 at bats in four games played last week.

A Pittsburgh native and Upper St. Clair High School graduate, Bell also walked five times to record a .727 on base average, collected nine RBIs and scored seven runs.

Bell currently leads The Rock’s everyday players in hitting with a .442 average as well as in runs batted in with 20.

A first-year member of The Rock program after playing two seasons at Division I St. Bonaventure University, Bell is one of two SRU players who have hit a home run this spring and ranks fourth on the team in doubles with three.

Bell was the second Rock player to earn a PSAC-West Player of the Week honor this spring. Junior outfielder Adam Urbania earned the honor March 3.

The Rock take a 10-4 win-loss record into a pair of games scheduled for Tuesday at Jack Russell Memorial Stadium in Clearwater, Fla.


Bob McComas
Sports Information Director
Slippery Rock University
1 Morrow Way - Room 201 Old Main
Slippery Rock, Pa. 16057
Office: 724.738.2777
Fax: 724.738.4761
Cell: 724.421.5658
Email: robert.mccomas@sru.edu
www.sru.edu

A ROCK SOLID Education

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

Patinkin Performs with the PSO

For Immediate Release
March 17, 2014


ACTOR, SINGER MANDY PATINKIN TO PERFORM WITH PITTSBURGH SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA AT HEINZ HALL

PITTSBURGH—Before he was an Emmy-winning TV star, Mandy Patinkin was already a Tony-winning Broadway legend. The acclaimed actor, singer and storyteller will appear on the Heinz Hall stage with the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra on Saturday, April 5 at 8 p.m. in his most electrifying role — concert performer.

Known for his Broadway roles in “Evita” and “Sunday in the Park with George” and beloved for his characters from film and television, such as Inigo Montoya in “The Princess Bride” and Saul Berenson in “Homeland,” the Tony and Emmy Award-winning performer joins your Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra to present an unforgettable evening of popular song and Broadway classics.

The first part of the evening will feature the Pittsburgh Symphony, led by Assistant Conductor Fawzi Haimor, only. Patinkin will join the orchestra in the second half, under the direction of veteran Broadway conductor and arranger Eric Stern.

Tickets, ranging in price from $35 to $115, are on sale now and can be purchased from the Heinz Hall box office at 412-392-4900 or pittsburghsymphony.org.

Mandy Patinkin (Brigitte LaCombe)
In his 1980 Broadway debut, Mandy Patinkin won a Tony Award for his role as Che in Andrew Lloyd Webber's Evita and was nominated in 1984 for his starring role as George in the Pulitzer Prize-winning musical, Sunday in the Park with George. In 1991, he returned to Broadway in the Tony Award-winning musical The Secret Garden and, in 1997, played a sold-out engagement of his one-man show, Mandy Patinkin in Concert, with all profits benefiting five charitable organizations. Patinkin’s other solo concerts — Dress Casual, Celebrating Sondheim and Mamaloshen — have been presented both on- and off-Broadway.

In 2009, he celebrated the 20th anniversary of performing his solo concerts with a two-week run of all of his concerts in rep at New York’s Public Theater, the very space he began his concert career. Patinkin continued the celebration with a critically acclaimed two-week run of Mandy Patinkin in Concert in London’s West End at the Duke of York’s Theatre. His feature film credits include “Wish I Was Here” (upcoming), “The Wind Rises” (upcoming), “Everybody’s Hero,” “The Choking Man,” “Pinero,” “The Adventures of Elmo In Grouchland,” “Lulu on the Bridge,” “Men with Guns,” “The Princess Bride,” “Yentl” (1984 Golden Globe nomination), “The Music of Chance,” “Daniel,” “Ragtime,” “Impromptu,” “The Doctor,” “Alien Nation,” “Dick Tracy,” “The House on Carroll Street,” “True Colors,” “Maxie” and “Squanto: Indian Warrior.” Patinkin won a 1995 Emmy Award (as well as a Golden Globe nomination) for his performance in the CBS series Chicago Hope and starred in the CBS series Criminal Minds as FBI profiler Jason Gideon and in the Showtime Original Series Dead Like Me as the reaper Rube Sofer. Patinkin returned to TV in the Emmy and Golden Globe Award-winning Showtime Original Series Homeland as CIA Division Chief Saul Berenson. In 1989, Patinkin began his concert career at Joseph Papp's Public Theater. This coincided with the release of his first solo album, entitled Mandy Patinkin. Since then he has toured extensively, appearing to sold-out audiences across the United States, Canada, London and Australia, performing songs from writers including Stephen Sondheim, Rodgers and Hammerstein, Irving Berlin, Randy Newman, Adam Guettel and Harry Chapin, among others. Patinkin resides in New York City with his wife, actress and writer Kathryn Grody.

Fawzi Haimor is in his second season in the position of assistant conductor of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra. Prior to his Pittsburgh appointment, he was the assistant conductor of the Alabama Symphony for two seasons. In Pittsburgh, he conducts a variety of concerts including subscription, pops, education and outreach. Haimor also has worked with the Jacksonville Symphony, Kansas City Symphony, Amman Symphony in the Middle East and, in Europe, Orquestra Sinfonico do Porto. He has also served as a cover conductor to esteemed conductors including Manfred Honeck, Leonard Slatkin, Gianandrea Noseda, Rafael Frühbeck de Burgos and Yan Pascal Tortelier. In the current season, his guest engagements include the Erie Chamber Orchestra and a return to Alabama and Jacksonville Symphony Orchestras, as a guest artist. Passionate about the education of young musicians, Haimor was the first music director of the newly formed Alabama Symphony Youth Orchestra where he was involved in the development of a brand new premier level youth orchestra for the state of Alabama. He was also the founder and first music director of the Davis Summer Symphony, an organization geared towards the education and outreach of classical music to residents of the Davis, California community. He has subsequently been invited to guest conduct youth ensembles across the United States. He is also a committed advocate of contemporary music and has performed works by composers such as Kevin Puts, Bela Fleck, Mohammed Fairouz and Avner Dorman. Born in Chicago in 1983, Haimor was raised in the Middle East and the San Francisco Bay Area. He began playing the violin at the age of 4 and completed his training at the Jacobs School of Music in Indiana University. He has earned bachelor’s degrees in both music and neurobiology, physiology, and behavior, and a master’s degree in conducting from the University of California-Davis before completing his second master’s in instrumental conducting from Indiana University.

Eric Stern is a veteran Broadway conductor and arranger with more than 15 Broadway musicals and 30 albums to his credit. He has worked with a fascinating list of people including Stephen Sondheim, Harold Prince, Elaine Stritch, Tyne Daly, Sarah Jessica Parker, Jule Styne, Mickey Rooney, Marla Maples, Cy Coleman and countless others. Outside the theatre, Stern has built a reputation as a concert and broadcast conductor. He has led many of the country's major orchestras including The Boston Pops, The Chicago Symphony and The Cleveland Orchestra. He conducted a long list of ground-breaking recordings for the Nonesuch label, including a string of albums with Dawn Upshaw, Mandy Patinkin and Audra MacDonald. His albums include the highly successful Leonard Bernstein's New York and three complete Gershwin musicals: Lady Be Good, Pardon My English and Oh, Kay! Stern has concertized and recorded with such varied artists as Thomas Hampson, Betty Buckley, Jessye Norman, Debra Voigt, Fred Hersh, Dianne Reeves and Richard Stoltzman. Stern has been a frequent guest conductor for the BBC's national Orchestra of Wales. He has established himself as an authentic interpreter of American concert music, specializing in the works of Bernstein, Gershwin and Copland. In Europe, he has conducted gala performances of Porgy and Bess and Bernstein’s Mass as well as many programs of American film music.

Heinz Hall for the Performing Arts is owned and operated by Pittsburgh Symphony, Inc., a non-profit organization, and is the year-round home of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra. The cornerstone of Pittsburgh’s Cultural District, Heinz Hall also hosts many other events that do not feature its world-renowned orchestra, including Broadway shows, comedians, speakers and much more. For a full calendar of upcoming non-symphony events at the hall, visit heinzhall.org.

Editors Please Note:

Saturday, April 5
Heinz Hall for the Performing Arts
PITTSBURGH SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
FAWZI HAIMOR, conductor
ERIC STERN, conductor
MANDY PATINKIN, vocalist
First half orchestra only:

Leonard Bernstein (adpt. Peress)               Overture to West Side Story

Frederick Loewe (arr. Bennett)                 Selections for Orchestra from My Fair Lady
Klaus Badelt (arr. Ricketts)                       Medley from Pirates of the Caribbean
Second half featuring Mandy Patinkin:
Tateh’s Theme
It’s Not Easy Bein’ Green
On the Atchison, Topeka and the Santa Fe
Mr. Arthur’s Place
           Bohemian Rhapsody
Doodle Doo Doo Medley
           Somewhere Over the Rainbow
           Rock-a-Bye Your Baby
Anyone Can Whistle
           Children and Art (piano)
Sunday
Rock Island
Ya Got Trouble
           The Band Played on Medley
           Soliloquy
###

Contact: Louise Sciannameo, Vice President of Public Affairs
Phone: 412.392.4866 | email: lsciannameo@pittsburghsymphony.org
Contact: Joyce DeFrancesco, Director of Media Relations
Phone: 412.392.4827 | email: jdefrancesco@pittsburghsymphony.org

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

Cleveland Play House Presents Clybourne Park

CLEVELAND PLAY HOUSE BRINGS TO THE STAGE
CLYBOURNE PARK
ONLY PLAY TO WIN THE PULITZER PRIZE, OLIVIER, AND TONY AWARD
MARCH 21 – APRIL 13
Press Opening: Wednesday, March 26


CLEVELAND, OH (Mar. 10, 2014) - Only one play in history has received the Pulitzer Prize for Drama, Broadway’s Tony Award for Best Play, and London’s Olivier Award for Best New Play. Securing the “Triple Crown” of theatre has made Bruce Norris’ Clybourne Park one of the most acclaimed American plays in recent memory, earning accolades from such diverse critics as Entertainment Weekly (“indisputably, uproariously funny”) to The New Yorker (“superb, elegantly written and hilarious”). Cleveland Play House is proud to present this wickedly funny and fiercely provocative play from March 21 – April 13 in the Allen Theatre at Playhouse Square.

Tackling the timely issues of race and real estate with biting humor, Clybourne Park covers subjects particularly relevant and important to Cleveland today. The play is Norris’ modern answer to Lorraine Hansberry’s A Raisin in the Sun and takes place in the same fictional neighborhood the Younger family moves at the end of that classic play.

The first act of Clybourne Park is set in 1959 where a white couple has unknowingly sold their home to a black family, causing an uproar in their all-white neighborhood. Act Two fast forwards 50 years to 2009 when a young white couple buys the same house with plans to rebuild and gentrify their piece of the predominantly black, but changing, neighborhood. Although taking place 50 years apart, both acts devolve from conversations rooted in political correctness to emotion-fueled debates hilariously highlighting the way we talk – or don’t talk – about hot-button subjects.

“The award-winning Clybourne Park is a dangerous and thrilling play that will have audiences gasping and laughing in equal measure,” states CPH Artistic Director Laura Kepley. “As thoughtful as it is challenging, we believe the play will inspire invigorating discussions about change, opportunity and the future of our local and global neighborhoods.  CPH will host post-show discussions after every performance, moderated by CPH artistic staff and a member of the cast.”

Clybourne Park contains strong language and mature themes.

Clybourne Park Cast
Kristen Adele (Francine/Lena), Bernard Bygott (Kenneth), Jessica Kitchens(Betsey/Lindsay), Christian Pedersen (Karl/Steve), Jim Poulos (Jim/Tom), Remi Sandri (Russ/Dan), Roya Shanks (Bev/Kathy), Daniel Morgan Shelley (Albert/Kevin)

Clybourne Park Creative Team
Bruce Norris (Playwright), Mark Cuddy (Director), G.W. Mercier (Scenic and Costume Designer), Ann G. Wrightson (Lighting Designer), Lindsay Jones (Sound Designer),John Godbout (Stage Manager) and Tom Humes (Assistant Stage Manager).

This production of Clybourne Park is a co-production with Geva Theatre Center in Rochester, New York.
Clybourne Park Special Events  

Tech Tuesday: Clybourne Park                                                                                    
March 17, 2014 @ 7:00pm - 8:30pm
This is a special presentation, taking place on a Monday. Hear from the director, then sit in on a technical rehearsal ("tech") to see how set, lights, sound, costumes and actors all come together as opening night nears! RSVP required.

Behind-the-Scenes: Creating a World                                                                                
March 15, 2014 @ 12:30pm – 2:00pm                                                                                          
To put 50 years of one home's history on stage, the creative team of Clybourne Park - and every CPH show - must perform theatrical alchemy: turn words on a page into a complete and seamless world on the stage. We'll take a deep dive into the research and resources required for a director and designers to make this magic happen.

 Season Extra: Beneatha’s Place
April 7, 2014 @ 7:00pm - 9:00pm
Noted writer-director Kwame Kwei-Armah’s play responds to his perception that Clybourne Park perpetuates “the connotation… that whites build and blacks destroy.” Join theClybourne cast for a special reading of this play and TalkBack.

TalkBack: Breath and Imagination
Audiences will want to talk about what they’ve seen in Clybourne Park and CPH will host a TalkBack in the theatre immediately following every performance.

 Ticket Information
 Clybourne Park will take place March 21 – April 13, 2014 in the Allen Theatre at PlayhouseSquare.  Tickets range in price from $45-$72 each.  Students under the age of 25 with a valid ID will be offered a special $15 ticket price.  Tickets are also just $25 for anyone under age 35, sponsored by Scene Magazine.  To order single tickets please call 216-241-6000 or visit www.clevelandplayhouse.com.  Groups of 10+ save up to 40% off single ticket prices; call 216-400-7027.

 Founded in 1915, Cleveland Play House is America’s first professional regional theatre. Throughout its rich history, Cleveland Play House has remained dedicated to its mission to inspire, stimulate and entertain diverse audiences in Northeast Ohio by producing plays and theatre education programs of the highest professional standards. It has produced more than 100 world and/or American premieres, and over its long history more than 12 million people have attended over 1,300 CPH productions. Cleveland Play House looks toward its centennial while performing in three state-of-the art venues at PlayhouseSquare in downtown Cleveland.

 The Ohio Arts Council helped fund Cleveland Play House with state tax dollars to encourage economic growth, educational excellence and cultural enrichment for all Ohioans.  We also thank the residents of Cuyahoga County for supporting Cleveland Play House through Cuyahoga Arts & Culture.


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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

PSO Spotlights American Composers

For Immediate Release
March 13, 2014

AMERICAN COMPOSERS IN THE SPOTLIGHT DURING PITTSBURGH SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA BNY MELLON GRAND CLASSICS PERFORMANCE

PITTSBURGH—Salute the red, white and blue with the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra during the BNY Mellon Grand Classics “American Fanfare” weekend on March 28-30 at Heinz Hall.

With conductor Michael Stern, the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra will be the centerpiece of a program featuring some of the most beloved works of American composers, including “Appalachian Spring” by Aaron Copland and George Gershwin's “An American in Paris,” among others.

Each BNY Mellon Grand Classics concert is part of the Explore & Engage program, which includes pre-concert talks, exhibits, display boards and interactive activities that illuminate the music, composers and the time in which they created. This weekend, Resident Conductor Lawrence Loh will conduct a pre-concert talk one hour before each performance.

The concert begins at 8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and 2:30 p.m. on Sunday. Tickets, ranging in price from $25.75 to $105.75, can be purchased by calling the Heinz Hall box office at 412-392-4900 or by visiting pittsburghsymphony.org.

The Pittsburgh Symphony would like to recognize and thank BNY Mellon for its 2013-2014 title sponsorship of BNY Mellon Grand Classics. Fairmont Pittsburgh is the official hotel of the Pittsburgh Symphony. Delta Air Lines is the official airline of the Pittsburgh Symphony.


Conductor Michael Stern is in his eighth season as music director of the Kansas City Symphony, hailed for its remarkable artistic growth and development since his tenure began. Stern and the orchestra, joined by an amazing collection of guest artists, have performed to critical acclaim and sold-out audiences in their new world-class performance home, Helzberg Hall at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts. Stern also is the founding artistic director and principal conductor of IRIS Orchestra in Germantown, Tennessee. This unique group, now in its second decade, has been widely praised for its virtuosity and programming, and has produced a string of recordings and acclaimed commissioned new works by American composers. Other positions include a tenure as the chief conductor of Germany’s Saarbrücken Radio Symphony Orchestra (the first American chief conductor in the orchestra’s history) and as permanent guest conductor of the orchestre National de Lyon in France, a position which he held for five years, and a stint as the principal guest conductor of the Orchestre National de Lille, France. Stern received his music degree from The Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia, where his major teacher was the noted conductor and scholar Max Rudolf. He is a 1981 graduate of Harvard University, where he earned a degree in American history.

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

PICT Season Opens with Blithe Spirit

Contact: Michelle Belan
Marketing & Communications Director
412.561.6000 x203
mbelan@picttheatre.org
www.picttheatre.org












PICT Theatre opens 2014 season with Blithe Spirit
 PICT Artistic & Executive Director Alan Stanford to direct ghostly comedy
First professional production of Blithe Spirit in Pittsburgh since 1971


Pittsburgh, PA – March 11, 2014. PICT Theatre’s Artistic and Executive Director Alan Stanford has selected a bold assortment of classic plays for PICT’s 18th season, Something Wicked This Way Comes. Each play contains its own version of wickedness, with the Noel Coward classic Blithe Spirit opening the season May 3rd (May 1 and 2 previews.)

Alan selected Blithe Spirit to launch the season with humor and broad appeal. “Noel Coward’s humor and wit is as engaging today as ever, and a comedy from this era might help relieve the withdrawal symptoms for the fans of Downton Abbey.”

About the Plays
Blithe Spirit: Not since 1971, when Helen Wayne Rauh played Madame Arcati for The Playhouse has Pittsburgh seen a professional production of Noel Coward’s classic comedy Blithe Spirit. Perhaps more remarkably, Mrs. Rauh played the very same role in 1945! Written to entertain London’s beleaguered audiences during World War II, this comedy tells the story of Charles Condomine, a novelist who hosts a séance with the quirky clairvoyant Madame Arcati in order to gather material for a book. Much to Charles’ surprise, Madame Arcati not only successfully makes contact with his first wife, Elvira, but now Elvira won’t leave him alone – and his second wife, Ruth, is none too pleased!

Mary Rawson has been cast to play the quirky Madame Arcati, the clairvoyant who unwittingly brings back the dead in Blithe Spirit. Mary earned a Performer of the Year nod from the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette for her portrayal of Violet Watson in August: Osage County. In addition to her many acting credits, she teaches at Point Park University, and is perhaps most famous for playing Cousin Mary Owl on "Mister Rogers' Neighborhood." Mary will return to the PICT stage to play Miss Havisham in December’s Great Expectations.

Dan Rodden, sometimes described as “Don Knotts meets Cary Grant,” will make his Pittsburgh premiere as Charles Condomine, a role he played for the New American Theatre (Rockford) under the direction of Richard Raether. Other selected credits include Richard Hannay in The 39 Steps (Nebraska Repertory Theatre); Felix Unger inThe Odd Couple (Drury Lane Oakbrook Theatre), and Benedick inMuch Ado About Nothing (The Shakespeare Project of Chicago).

Daina Michelle Griffith will play second wife Ruth Condomine. She was one of Pittsburgh’s busiest actresses in 2013, starring in 7 mainstage productions for Quantum, The REP, No Name Players, barebones and Off the Wall, and earning a nod from the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette as Performer of the Year for her efforts. Most recently she appeared inCompany for Pittsburgh Public Theater. She was last seen on the PICT stage in the world premiere of Martin Giles’ Beautiful Dreamers in 2010.

Vera Varlamov returns to PICT to play the ghostly Elvira, having played Rachelka/Marianna in the Pittsburgh premiere of Our Class in April of 2013. Vera earned a nod as a breakout performer by the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette for her performances in Chekhov’s Three Sisters, as well as playing two roles in two short plays for Funny Chekhov during PICT’s Chekhov Celebration in 2012.

James FitzGerald, who is one of two featured artists for the PICT 2014 season, will play Dr. Bradman, an invited guest to the séance. James most recently appeared on the PICT stage as Mr. Dumby in Lady Windermere’s Fan. James is a stalwart member of the PICT team, having appeared with the company since 2008. He has performed 16 seasons with the Chicago Shakespeare Theater as well as other Chicago-area theatres, and is the recipient of two of Chicago’s Joseph Jefferson Awards. He will be appearing in all but one play during the PICT 2014 season.

 Karen Baum will play Edith, the hapless maid in the Condomine household. Karen is also a featured artist for PICT during the 2014 season. She will appear in all but two plays in the PICT season and only because those two plays have no female roles. Two of her best-remembered performances would be Cordelia in King Lear and the maid in Boston Marriage. Last season with PICT, she played Woman 4, Nurse 1 and Young Girl in the Pittsburgh premiere of Don Juan Comes Back from the War.

 Lissa Brennan will play Mrs. Bradman. She returns to PICT after strongly featuring in Don Juan Comes Back from the War in 2013 as Woman 1, Nurse 2, Nun 1 and Prostitute 1. Previous PICT performances include Annie in In the Next Room or the vibrator play(2012) and as a member of the chorus in Salome. Lissa has also performed with barebones, Quantum and Bricolage as well as her own company Dog & Pony Show.

Johnmichael Bohach, who also designed The Crucifer of Blood set in 2013, is the scenic designer for Blithe Spirit. Joan Markert, who designed costumes for The Crucifer of Blood andLady Windermere’s Fan. will design the costumes. Christopher Popowich will design lighting and Angela Baughman will design sound.

NEW AT PICT THEATRE IN 2014
PICT has introduced a 2:00 pm Wednesday matinee in the final week of the run of each show to help accommodate people with alternate work schedules, retirees, college students and student groups. PICT has often provided ASL (American Sign Language) interpretation at one performance in each production. Beginning this season, the Saturday 2PM matinee for each show will include ASL interpretation to accommodate the hearing impaired. Subscriptions and single tickets are available for both.

THE REST OF THE SEASON

Waiting for Godot by Samuel Beckett
Aoife Spillane-Hinks will return to PICT to direct Samuel Beckett’s Waiting for Godot in June, with Martin Giles as Vladimir/Didi and James FitzGerald as Lucky. Although PICT produced BeckettFest in 2006, the company offered only a staged reading of Waiting for Godot. In October of that same year, Alan Stanford starred as Pozzo in the Gate Theatre Dublin’s touring production at the Byham. Waiting for Godot is considered by many to be one of most influential plays ever written.
 Woman and Scarecrow by Marina Carr
Alan Stanford will direct this beautiful dramatic comedy by one of Ireland’s most notable female playwrights. The woman of the title, played by Nike Doukas, is surrounded by colorful characters including her husband (James FitzGerald), her Auntie (Sharon Brady), and her strange companion, Scarecrow (Karen Baum).

Observe the Sons of Ulster Marching Towards the Somme by Frank McGuinness
The Great War is imminent when a group of boys from Ulster begin training in the British army, preparing for the Battle of the Somme. Frank McGuinness’ lyrical play captures the fierce friendship and loyalty among men who must face the wickedness and wastefulness of war. Matt Torney, who previously directed The Crucifer of Blood for PICT in 2013, returns to direct.

Macbeth by William Shakespeare
Double, double toil and trouble: the witches of Macbeth are just in time for Halloween in PICT’s October production directed by Alan Stanford. Stay tuned for our casting release in April.
 Great Expectations by Charles Dickens, adapted by Hugh Leonard
Hugh Leonard wrote this adaptation specifically for Alan Stanford to produce at the Gate Theatre Dublin, where it met with critical and commercial success. Mary Rawson will play Miss Havisham, and further exciting casting news will be available shortly.

MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE SEASON IS AVAILABLE ON THE FOLLOWING FACT SHEET OR AT THE WEBSITE, picttheatre.org

 TO ORDER TICKETS:
Subscriptions available now. Single tickets on sale April 1, 2014.
By phone at 412-561-6000.  Online at picttheatre.org. Email to tickethelp@picttheatre.org
 PICT Theatre (also known as Pittsburgh Irish and Classical Theatre) was founded in 1996 to diversify the region’s theatrical offerings by providing Pittsburgh and Western Pennsylvania audiences with high-quality, text-driven, affordable productions of classical theatre and the works of classical and contemporary Irish playwrights and to significantly improve employment opportunities for local talent in all facets of theatrical presentation and production. PICT is a Small Professional Theatre (SPT) affiliated with Actors’ Equity Association, and a constituent member of Theatre Communications Group (TCG) and the Greater Pittsburgh Arts Council. PICT is the Professional Theatre in Residence at the University of Pittsburgh, and performs in The Charity Randall and Henry Heymann Theatres from April through December in cooperation with the University of Pittsburgh – Department of Theatre Arts.


PICT THEATRE’S 2014 SEASON QUICK FACT SHEET

Blithe Spirit by Noel Coward
Directed by Alan Stanford
The Charity Randall Theatre
May 1 – May 17, 2014
NEW THIS YEAR: WEDNESDAY 2PM MATINEE- May 14, 2014
(10 a.m. Student Matinee on Tuesday, May 13)
(2 p.m. matinee on Saturday, May 17 includes an American Sign Language interpretation.)

Waiting for Godot by Samuel Beckett
Directed by Aoife Spillane-Hinks
The Charity Randall Theatre
June 4 – June 21, 2014
NEW THIS YEAR: WEDNESDAY 2PM MATINEE- June 18, 2014
(10 a.m. Student Matinee on Wednesday, June 4)
(2 p.m. matinee on Saturday, June 21 includes an American Sign Language interpretation.)
 Woman and Scarecrow by Marina Carr
Directed by Alan Stanford
The Henry Heymann Theatre
July 10 – August 2, 2014
NEW THIS YEAR: WEDNESDAY 2PM MATINEE- July 30, 2014
(2 p.m. matinee on Saturday, August 2 includes an American Sign Language interpretation.)

Observe the Sons of Ulster Marching Towards the Somme by Frank McGuinness
Directed by Matt Torney
The Charity Randall Theatre
September 4 – September 20, 2014
NEW THIS YEAR: WEDNESDAY 2PM MATINEE- September 17, 2014
(10 a.m. Student Matinee on Tuesday, September 16)
(2 p.m. matinee on Saturday, September 20 includes an American Sign Language interpretation.)

Macbeth by William Shakespeare
Directed by Alan Stanford
The Charity Randall Theatre
October 8 – 25, 2014
NEW THIS YEAR: WEDNESDAY 2PM MATINEE- October 22, 2014
(10 a.m. student matinees on Tuesday, October 8 and Tuesday, October 21)
(2 p.m. matinee on Saturday, October 25 includes an American Sign Language interpretation.)

Great Expectations by Charles Dickens (Adapted for the stage by Hugh Leonard)
Directed by Alan Stanford
The Charity Randall Theatre
December 3-20, 2014
NEW THIS YEAR: WEDNESDAY 2PM MATINEE- December 17, 2014
(10 a.m. student matinees on Tuesday, December 3 and Tuesday, December 16)
(2 p.m. matinee on Saturday, December 20 includes an American Sign Language interpretation.)
           
Subscriptions- full and flex plans available $288-$188*
Single Tickets
Senior Tickets (60+)
(Limited “grab bag” seating at $25; not available at all shows) $48-$38*
$44*
$25*
Military and Youth Tickets:
Military Adult
Military Children (ages 18 and under)
Patrons ages 19-30
Children ages 18 and under
$24*
$5*
$20*
$10*
* Prices do not include handling fees.
Email tickethelp@picttheatre.org to become an E-Subscriber or for online purchasing options, or contact PICT at 412-561-6000 x.207.
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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

YWCA Names Women Leadership Award Recipients

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                  

CONTACT:    
Laura Harwin
YWCA Greater Pittsburgh
412-255-1279

YWCA Greater Pittsburgh Names 2014 Tribute to Women Leadership Award Recipients
Awards Luncheon scheduled for Thursday, May 29






PITTSBURGH, PA (March 12, 2014):  The YWCA Greater Pittsburgh has named the recipients of the 2014 Tribute to Women Leadership Awards. They include:

Allerton Lifetime Achievement Award: Mary Kay Poppenberg, Executive Director, The Janetta Foundation
Business & Professional Services: Lisa Kuzma, Senior Program Officer, Richard King Mellon Foundation
Civic & Community Service: Lucille Prater-Holliday, Founder, Black Women’s Empowerment Institute
Education: MJ Tocci, Posthumous, Co-Founder & Former Director, Heinz Negotiation Academy for Women at Carnegie Mellon University
Health & Human Services: Kimberlee S. Evert, President & CEO, Planned Parenthood of Western Pennsylvania
Science & Technology: Shakita Trigg, Project Manager, FedEx Ground
Young Leader: La’Tasha Mayes, Founder and Executive Director, New Voices Pittsburgh

Awards will be presented at the 32nd annual Tribute to Women Leadership Awards Luncheon on Thursday, May 29, at the Westin Hotel, 1000 Penn Avenue, downtown. Peggy Finnegan, co-anchor for WPXI Channel 11 News at 5 and 6 p.m., will serve as Mistress of Ceremonies during the luncheon.

The YWCA Greater Pittsburgh launched the Tribute to Women Leadership Awards in 1983 to affirm its mission to empower women and girls to reach their personal and professional goals. Since then, the YWCA has honored the accomplishments of more than 200 exceptional women, saluting them for helping to shape the direction of our region and improve the lives of others.

Proceeds from the event help create positive changes in the lives of thousands of Pittsburgh area women and families served by the YWCA.  For more information about Tribute to Women or to purchase advance tickets, go to www.ywcapgh.org. Sponsorship opportunities are also available.

The YWCA Greater Pittsburgh strengthens our community by creating and advancing opportunities for all women to seek equality and self-sufficiency.  For more information about the YWCA’s programs and services, visit www.ywcapgh.org or call 412-391-5100.

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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

Ring of Fire Cast Announced

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Aja Jones
412-281-3973 ext. 224
ajones@pittsburghCLO.org
Images: Press Room
User: pressroom Pswd: pittstadium

After a long winter, this cast is sure to
heat up the CLO Cabaret this spring!


Meet the cast of Ring of Fire
Pittsburgh, PA • March 12, 2014 – Pittsburgh CLO is proud to announce the cast for the rousing musical hit Ring of Fire, which will run May 22 through August 17 at the CLO Cabaret. Tickets start at $34.75 and are available at CLOCabaret.com, by calling 412-456-6666 or visiting the Box Office at Theater Square.

Cast (In Alphabetical Order)

Jay Hitt is a gifted singer/songwriter and accomplished guitarist who last appeared at the CLO Cabaret in Always…Patsy Cline.  He was voted Best Acoustic Musician by the readers of Pittsburgh City Papertwice.  His song, “Tracy Loves Ray” was named Best Song in the Canadian Narrative Music Contest, where he also received an Honorable Mention for “Through The Window.”  Mr. Hitt is the recipient of Best Song awards on Broadjam.com, Songwriter Universe and Songoftheyear.com. With the release of his seventh CD, “Greetings from the Wilderness,” Mr. Hitt continues to “honor his gifts, work at his craft, respect his audience and achieve excellence,” as one reviewer put it.

Paul Koudouris is a graduate of Point Park University’s Conservatory Theatre Program making his Pittsburgh CLO debut.  Regional Theatre: RENT (Roger), All Shook Up (Chad), Chess (Anatoly),Oklahoma! (Curly) and A Night with Janis Joplin (Guitarist/Singer).  Mr. Koudouris has also released an original pop/folk music album which can be found at www.paulkmusic.com.

Mitch Marois just completed his BFA in Musical Theatre at Carnegie Mellon University.  As a member of Theatre Plastique he appeared in Saints!, winning Best Musical at the 2013 New York Fringe Festival.  A native of St. Petersburg, Florida, Mr. Marois has appeared in productions of 4 Saints in 3 Acts, Romeo and Juliet, You Can’t Take it With You and The Wild Party (Lippa) while at CMU.  He also choreographed and assisted on productions of The Drowsy Chaperone, Urinetown! The Musical, Mozart’s La Finta Giardiniera, Once on This Island, The Wild Party and various dance concerts.

Jon Rohlf is a Musical Theatre graduate from Point Park University where he last performed as "Band Leader" in Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson.  Other Point Park credits include “Huck” in Huck Finn and “Floyd” in Dark of the Moon. Other roles include "Antony" in Sweeney Todd and “Kyle" in Legally Blonde The Musical among others.

Nicole Stefonek is a Wisconsin native who holds a BFA in musical theater performance from St. Mary’s University of Winona, MN.  After graduating and performing extensively throughout the Minneapolis/St. Paul area, she moved to New York City where she wrote and performed for numerous Off-Broadway and cabaret venues.  Favorite productions include: The Jamal Lullabies (P.S.122 NYC), What the Folk?!(The Duplex Cabaret), Tony n’ Tina’s Wedding (Minneapolis), The Rocky Horror Show (Minneapolis) andSide Show (St.Paul).

Erika Strasburg is a Carnegie Mellon University graduate making her Pittsburgh CLO Cabaret debut. Other Pittsburgh credits include A Musical Christmas Carol and Pittsburgh CLO’s Gallery of Heroesprogram, Quantum Theatre and City Theatre Company.

Santino Tomasetti is a graduate of the American Musical and Dramatic Academy.  Credits include “Holiday Songbook” at Lincoln Center (writer) and Vietnam at 50 for the New York Historical Society.  Mr. Tomasetti is joining Pittsburgh CLO for the first time.

The Creative Team

Guy Stroman (Director & Choreographer) directed and choreographed Forever Plaid for the inaugural production of the CLO Cabaret.  He also directed and choreographed that show for the fifth anniversary of the theater, as well as Plaid Tidings in 2007 and 2013.  He has directed numerous productions of plays and musicals around the country and in New York, including: Driving Miss Daisy andThe Glass Menagerie, both starring Sandy Duncan, The King and I, starring Lou Diamond Phillips (Best Director Award), Twelfth Night, Loot (Best Production Award), 1776 (Best Director Award), Man of La Mancha (Audience Favorite Award), and Shakespeare’s R&J, to name a few.  Mr. Stroman originated the role of Frankie in the original Forever Plaid in New York, London’s West End, and Los Angeles, where he won the L.A. Drama Critics Award for Best Actor.

Chris “Red” Blisset (Music Director) is joining Pittsburgh CLO for the first time. Other credits include:Stand By Your Man (two national tours – Actor, MD), Ring of Fire (Director, MD, Actor, all over the country), Pump Boys and Dinettes (Director, MD, Actor, all over), Cotton Patch Gospel, The Full Monty, Twelfth Night, Keep on the Sunny Side, Smoke on the Mountain, Plaid Tidings, Honky-Tonk Highwayand Civil War (Actor/Musical Director/Director in various projects). He can be seen coast-to-coast and on YouTube doing stand-up comedy.  He comes from New York City where he is developing the new musicalBasquiat.
The Story

“WALK THE LINE" IN AN EXPERIENCE SURE TO LIFT YOUR HEART & STIR YOUR SOUL!
Ring of Fire is a journey into the heart of America, courtesy of one of our most beloved musical poets--Johnny Cash. In Ring of Fire, a remarkable cast of performers and musicians will pay homage to his music with the strength, humor and honesty that made Cash one of the greatest songwriters and most revered storytellers in American music. Ring of Fire features over 30 of the music legend's songs such as “Country Boy,” “A Thing Called Love,” “Five Feet High and Rising,” “Daddy Sang Bass,” “I Walk the Line,” “I've Been Everywhere,” “The Man in Black” and his final hit, “Hurt.”

Performance Schedule for Ring of Fire
Wednesdays   7:30pm
Thursdays      1:00pm* & 7:30pm * Thursday matinees – 6/26, 7/31, 8/14
Fridays           7:30pm
Saturdays       2:00pm & 7:30pm
Sundays          2:00pm

Tickets
Tickets start at $34.75 and are available online at CLOCabaret.com, by calling 412-456-6666 or at the Box Office at Theater Square. Groups of 10 or more can call the Group Sales Hotline at 412-325-1582 to learn more about special discounts, priority seating and corporate discounts. VisitpittsburghCLO.org for more information.

2014 CLO Cabaret Series
Ring of Fire will join the world premiere of Judge Jackie Justice and the hilarious return of Dixie’s Tupperware Party to complete the 2014 Cabaret Series.  Three-Show Cabaret Series Subscriptions are on sale now and can be purchased for $100 (a 25% savings!) by calling 412-281-2822.  Individual tickets for Dixie’s Tupperware Party will be on sale at a later date.

Pittsburgh CLO media members may access photos and other show materials by visiting the Press Room at pittsburghCLO.org. When prompted, simply enter “pressroom” as the username and “pittstadium” as the password.
# # #

Since 1946, the Pittsburgh CLO has been the driving force behind live musical theater in Pittsburgh and the entire Southwestern Pennsylvania region. Under the direction of Van Kaplan since 1997, this not-for-profit arts organization appreciates the support of nearly 200,000 patrons each year and produces a subscription series, educational programs, national tours and develops and invests in new works, including 18 Broadway shows (24 Tony Awards®) featuring the current productions of Cinderella, Kinky Boots and Matilda. Its dedication to the musical theater art form extends to include such programs as the CLO Academy, the CLO Mini Stars, the Gene Kelly Awards, the Richard Rodgers Award the National High School Musical Theater Awards, the Construction Center for the Arts and the CLO Cabaret.

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

Electronics Recycling

Computer and Electronics Recycling Fundraiser Event
for
Spectrum Charter School



Spectrum Charter School is a Non-Profit Organization

Founding Member of Green Building Alliance Pittsburgh
Green Schools Academy

 Where: Spectrum Charter School, Inc.
                              4369 Northern Pike
                              Monroeville, PA 15146

                 When:  Saturday, April, 12, 2014

                 Time:    9 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Will Accept:
Desktops, Laptops, Tablets, Servers, Hard Drives
Keyboards, Mice, Power Supplies, Motherboards/Circuit Boards, Cables, Speakers, CD, DVD, Tape and Floppy Drivers, Backup Systems, Memory Drives, Computer Fans, and Tape Backups
Routers, Switches, Wireless Routers, Access Points, Bridges, Firewalls, Cabling, Modems, and KVM Switches
Phones, Ink, Toner, AC Adapters, Projectors, Overhead Displays
Consumer electronics (Gaming Systems, Wire, Christmas Lights, Cable Boxes, Radios, VCR and DVD Players, Typewriters, MP3 Players, iPods, iPads, Desktop Printers, and Dot Max Printers)
Monitors (LCD and CRT)

Onsite Data Destruction for hard drives will be provided upon request for a $10 fee

Televisions will NOT be accepted

If your donation will be more than 30 items you may schedule a pick-up with Commonwealth Computer Recycling prior to the event at 724-858-1087.

Cannot make it on April 12th?
Spectrum Charter School will accept donations BEFORE the event during the hours of 7:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Questions? Call 412-374-8130

Sponsored by
TeamLogicIT of Monroeville and Commonwealth Computer Recycling

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

Saturday, March 22, 2014

PSO Recording Wins Award

For Immediate Release
March 5, 2014


PITTSBURGH SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA’S “STRAUSS” RECORDING NAMED A GRAMOPHONE EDITOR’S CHOICE FOR MARCH

PITTSBURGH—Gramophone magazine picked “Strauss,” the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra’s recent recording of Strauss tone poems on Reference Recordings Fresh! label, as one of its “Editor’s Choice” recordings for March 2014.

Reviewer Ivan March said of the recording, “This is one of the outstanding Strauss CDs of the year; the quality of playing and recording makes it very recommendable indeed.” He also credited Music Director Manfred Honeck for his interpretations, “which vividly bring out the music’s emotional and pictorial detail.”

The CD was released in November 2013 and has received numerous positive reviews. A second release in the collaboration with Reference Recordings will be released in July and features work by Dvoøák and Janáèek.  “Strauss” was recorded and mastered by the team at Soundmirror, whose outstanding orchestral, solo, opera and chamber recordings have received more than 70 Grammy nominations and awards. FRESH! is part of Reference Recordings’ mission to encourage artists and give them a strong platform for promotion and sales nationally and internationally.

Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra recordings are made possible by a generous grant from BNY Mellon.

For more than 116 years, the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra has been known for its artistic excellence. The Pittsburgh Symphony has a rich history of the world’s finest conductors and musicians. This tradition was furthered in fall 2008, when Austrian conductor Manfred Honeck became music director of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra. With a long and distinguished history of touring both domestically and overseas since 1900, the Pittsburgh Symphony is critically acclaimed as one of the world’s greatest orchestras. They have made more than 35 international tours, and recently returned from their 2013 European Festivals Tour, where enthralled audiences filled the PSO’s concerts in Grafenegg, Berlin, Bucharest, Paris, Düsseldorf,Frankfurt, Lucerne and Bonn.

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Contact: Louise Sciannameo, Vice President of Public Affairs
Phone: 412.392.4866 | email: lsciannameo@pittsburghsymphony.org
Contact: Joyce DeFrancesco, Director of Media Relations
Phone: 412.392.4827 | email: jdefrancesco@pittsburghsymphony.org

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

Friday, March 21, 2014

Aspinwall Toastmasters Win 3 Awards in Speech Competition

Media Contact:
Erin P. Dyer
412-361-1000
erindyer@dyerfirm.com
For Immediate Release


Aspinwall Toastmasters Club Takes Home 3 Awards at Recent Speech Competition


Aspinwall (O’Hara Twp.), PA, March 6, 2014 - Aspinwall Toastmasters participated in the Area’s local speech competition and took three of the four available awards! Competition begins with club contests and winners continue competing through the Area, Division, and District levels. The two competitions held recently were for Evaluation and International Speeches. The Evaluation Competition requires participants to compete on providing a good evaluation with analysis, recommendations, and encouragement  The International Speech Competition requires participants to compete on speech content, organization, voice quality, and gestures.

Congratulations to Jennifer Calihan who won first place in International Speeches and Alexandra Sabina who received a first place award in Evaluation and third place in International Speeches. Jennifer is a local mother of four with an interest in the connection between food and wellness. Alexandra is a Mentor and a Public Speaker who shares her expertise of "How To Eliminate Fear & Failure From Our lives through Virtuosity."

These two local residents will compete in the division competitions on March 8, 2014 in Cranberry, PA.

Aspinwall Toastmasters
Meeting Dates: EVERY Tuesday Evening 6:30-8:00pm
Location: the River Room of Lighthouse Pointe
500 Chapel Road, Pittsburgh PA 15238
For more information contact:
Alexandra Sabina, V.P. of Membership,
at 412-612-5016
Checkout our website for more information
  http://aspinwall.toastmastersclubs.org

About Aspinwall Toastmasters
Toastmasters is a place where you develop and grow - both personally and professionally. In Toastmasters meetings we learn by doing. Whether you're an executive or a stay-at-home parent, a college student or a retiree, you will improve yourself; building skills to express yourself in a variety of situations: giving better presentations; leading meetings - and participating in them - more confidently; speaking more smoothly off the cuff; even handling one-on-one interactions with family, friends and colleagues more positively. Anyone interested may attend one or more meetings for free to experience the benefits of membership.

About Toastmasters International
Toastmasters International is a nonprofit educational organization that teaches public speaking and leadership skills through a worldwide network of meeting locations. Headquartered in Rancho Santa Margarita, California, the organization’s membership exceeds 292,000 in more than 14,350 clubs in 122 countries. Toastmasters International has helped people of all backgrounds become more confident in front of an audience.
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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

Pittsburgh International Children's Festival Title Sponsor and Location Announced

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contacts:

Shaunda Miles, Pittsburgh Cultural Trust
412-471-1578/Miles@TrustArts.org
Diana Roth, Pittsburgh Cultural Trust
412-471-8717/Roth@TrustArts.org
   
Images available:  http://TrustArts.org/press
 Search: 2014 PICF


PITTSBURGH CULTURAL TRUST ANNOUNCES
NEW TITLE SPONSOR & NEW LOCATION FOR
EQT PITTSBURGH INTERNATIONAL CHILDREN’S FESTIVAL
MAY 14 ̶ 18, 2014
CULTURAL DISTRICT, DOWNTOWN PITTSBURGH

Pittsburgh, PA:  The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust announces the EQT Pittsburgh International Children’s Festival, now celebrating its 28th year, will be held May 14̶ 18, 2014 in its new location: the Cultural District, downtown Pittsburgh.   The festival is programmed by Pittsburgh International Children’s Theater, a division of the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust.

In addition to the Festival moving downtown, the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust is proud to announce EQT Foundation, the charitable affiliation of EQT Corporation, as the new lead sponsor of the 2014 Pittsburgh International Children’s Festival.

“The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust is excited and proud to be presenting this year’s EQT Pittsburgh International Children’s Festival in a new location ̶  the Cultural District.  Thirty years ago having this festival downtown would have been impossible,” commented J. Kevin McMahon, President and CEO  ̶  Pittsburgh Cultural Trust.  “The Cultural District is also home to the Trust’s other free festivals that are presented each year, and adding the Children’s Festival to this list continues the Cultural Trust’s mission of bringing diverse, professional programming to the District for everyone to enjoy.  We are grateful for the generous support of the EQT Foundation.”

 “A priority of the EQT Foundation is supporting local initiatives designed to give the area’s youth more exposure to artistic programming, while promoting an understanding and appreciation of the diverse culture and heritage throughout our region,” said Charlene Petrelli, President, EQT Foundation. “EQT takes pride in supporting educational programs that focus on providing our area children with extraordinary and unique experiences, and the EQT Pittsburgh Children’s International Festival promises to do just that and more this year.”

This year’s EQT Pittsburgh International Children’s Festival features ticketed performances by artistic companies from Canada, Denmark, Israel, Netherlands, Spain, United Kingdom and the United States along with a variety of free events happening throughout the Cultural District.  Theater venues include the Byham Theater, Trust Arts Education Center, Bricolage Theater and August Wilson Center.  The new Festival grounds footprint couples the unique food options, galleries, pop-up green and outdoor spaces of the Cultural District with the familiar free hands-on activities, free roving performances, and free stages of the EQT Pittsburgh International Children’s Festival. Special street closures, crossing and security guards, and signage will be in place during the Children’s Festival to help all visitors coming to the events.  Sensory-friendly events during this year’s festival include outdoor luminarium Miracoco (Architects of Air, United Kingdom) and all performances of Little Steps (Teater My, Denmark).

“We couldn’t be more thrilled with a new location for the 28th EQT Pittsburgh International Children’s Festival. As the Pittsburgh International Children’s Theater continues to grow, we remain dedicated to engaging audiences with different cultures, perspectives, and mediums of expression. A move to the Cultural District brings with it distinct opportunities for children to experience live theater and express themselves through art,” comments Pamela K. Lieberman, Pittsburgh Cultural Trust’s Manager  ̶  Children’s Theater Programming and Executive Director  ̶  Pittsburgh International Children’s Theater.

FREE EVENTS
LilyPad Park, 8th Street at Penn Avenue, will feature a free outdoor community stage. The stage will be programmed with culturally diverse acts that are sure to engage young audiences.  Performances by local and regional artists will keep the stage active daily during Festival hours.  Roving artists, and over 30 free, hands-on educational and cultural activities will be part of the Festival’s free offerings.

SENSORY-FRIENDLY PERFORMANCES
Sensory-friendly events during this year’s festival include outdoor luminaries Miracoco (Architects of Air, United Kingdom) and all performances of Little Steps(Teater My, Denmark).

PARKING AND TRANSPORTATION
For information about parking lots and garages in the Cultural District, visit www.ParkPGH.org.
A limited number of prepaid parking vouchers for parking at Theater Square Parking Garage, entrance located on 7th Street, are available at a discounted price.  Call 412-456-6666 for more information.
The Cultural District is serviced by public transportation options through the Port Authority of Allegheny County.  For more information, visithttp://www.TrustArts.org/visit/public_transportaion/

FOOD OPTIONS
Vendors will be selling a variety of foods on the Festival grounds  ̶  all sales are cash only.  Benches and grass seating areas are available throughout the Cultural District to enjoy food vending or packed lunches.

Seating is also available in LilyPad Park.

TICKETS AND INFORMATION
Featured ticketed performances: 1 show: $8 per person; 2 shows: $14 per person; 3 shows: $18 per person; and luminarium Miracoco: $5 per person.  Visit,www.PghKids.org or call (412) 456-6666. Groups of 10+ call (412) 471-6930, GroupSales@TrustArts.org.
The Festival grounds and featured performance venues are fully handicapped accessible.  ASL interpreters are provided for featured performances upon request when requests are made at least 10 business days in advance.  For information and questions, please call (412) 456-6666.
For information about the Cultural District, visit http://www.TrustArts.org/about/explore/

FEAUTURED TICKTED EVENTS

Photo Credit:  Shlomi Mizrahi
Invisi’BALL
Nadine Animato Theater Dance Company (Israel)
A live-action soccer game transforms the theater into a stadium. Audiences will be chanting, laughing and cheering along to a game played without a ball. Soccer has never before been so funny and animated. Don’t miss this charming interpretation of the game of soccer. GO TEAM!
50 minutes
Best for ages 4+
www.nadine-animato.co.il
Venue: August Wilson Center Theater, 980 Liberty Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15222
Wednesday, May 14; Thursday, May 15 & Friday, May 16: 1:00pm
Saturday, May 17 12:00pm, 3:00pm, 6:00pm & Sunday, May 18: 12:00pm, 3:00pm

Pinocchio
Theatre Tout À Trac (Canada)
Born as a puppet and brought to life by a wish, the rebellious, cheeky and careless Pinocchio discovers the meaning of growing up through a thousand trials. Pinocchio is a show filled with heart, imagination, and lessons in bravery and honesty. Every detail of this favorite tale is artfully created. This full-scale production, based on the book by Italian author Carlo Collodi, is not to be missed!
65 minutes
Best for ages 5 ̶  10
www.toutatrac.com
Venue: Byham Theater, 101 Sixth Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15222
Wednesday, May 14: 9:30am
Thursday, May 15: 1:00pm
Friday, May 16: 9:30am, 7:00pm
Saturday, May 17: 9:30am, 12:00pm
Sunday, May 18: 11:00am, 5:00pm

Animals/El Retablo (Spain)
Animals
El Retablo (Spain)
An array of animals come to life, made of recycled materials and everyday objects. Hats become snails. A mop becomes a thirsty sheep. A joyous, playful safari of the senses, Animals will inspire gales of laughter and moments of wonder.
45 minutes
Best for ages 3 ̶  8
www.titereselretablo.com
Venue: Trust Arts Education Center, 805-807 Liberty Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15222
Wednesday, May 14: 11:00am
Thursday, May 15 & Friday, May 16: 11:00am, 7:00pm
Saturday, May 17 & Sunday May 18: 11:00am, 5:00pm

Hands Up/Lejo (Netherlands)
Hands Up
Lejo (Netherlands)
A cast of thousands in Lejo’s hands! Perhaps you’ll encounter the pianist, the octopus or a full choir! World-famous, Lejo’s characters have all sorts of adventures, proving that less can be more!
40 minutes
Best for everyone ages 3  ̶  adult
www.lejo.nl
Venue: Trust Arts Education Center, 805-807 Liberty Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15222
Wednesday, May 14 & Thursday, May 15: 9:30am, 1:00pm
Friday, May 16; Saturday, May 17 & Sunday, May 18: 9:30am, 1:00pm, 3:00pm

Miracoco/Architects of Air (UK)


Miracoco*
Architects of Air (United Kingdom)
This colossal, inflatable structure uses natural light to create a world immersed in vibrant hues of color. Visitors experience a sense of wonder and tranquility while exploring its mesmerizing domes and tunnels. *This luminarium is sensory-friendly.
20 minutes
Best for ages all ages
All children must be accompanied by an adult.
www.architects-of-air.com
Location: 8th St. at Penn Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15222
Wednesday, May 14 & Thursday, May 15: 9:30am to 1:30pm
Friday, May 16; Saturday, May 17 & Sunday, May 18: 9:30am to 5:30pm

Tales of Folklore and Fantasy
Temujin the Storyteller (USA)
Gathering the crowd with the sounds of an African talking drum, Temujin welcomes you to travel the world on a storytelling journey that will have you laughing and learning along the way. With roots in West Africa’s Yoruba culture, Temujin repertoire includes more than 200 tales  ̶   never told the same way twice! No time or place is too far for his stories to reach  ̶  the only thing he might need is a little help from you!
45 minutes
Best for ages 5+
Venue: August Wilson Center Theater, 980 Liberty Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15222
Wednesday, May 14: 9:30am
Thursday, May 15 & Friday, May 16: 9:30am, 11:00am
Saturday, May 17: 10:00am
Sunday, May 18: 9:30am, 5:00pm

Little Steps/Teater My (Denmark)
Little Steps*
Teater My (Denmark)
Mommy and Daddy. Granny and Granddad.  A snail and a tree by the side of the road. Preschool filled with friends. A bicycle, a bedtime story. An umbrella and the hope for rain. Little Steps is the story of a small child in a big world. Wrapped in a universe full of memories, the audience is suspended in a cozy, safe space surrounded by beautiful stories and moments of recognition told through music, lighting, pictures, poetry, puppets, objects and sound.  *All Little Stepsperformances are sensory-friendly.
30 minutes
Best for ages 2–5
www.teatermy.dk
Venue: Trust Arts Education Center, 805-807 Liberty Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA  15222
Wednesday, May 14 & Thursday, May 15: 10:00am, 12:00pm
Friday, May 16; Saturday, May 17 & Sunday, May 18: 10:00am, 12:00pm, 3:45pm

Midnight Radio Jr. – Underwater Voyage
Bricolage Production Company (USA)
Midnight Radio Jr. is an unforgettable live comedy/variety show in the style of a 1940s radio broadcast   ̶  just for kids ages 6  ̶  12 and their grownups! You’ll be transported from the radio studio to a magical undersea world complete with mermaids, sunken ships, dragon kings, and lantern fish. Through storytelling, music, comedy and live sound effects, Bricolage brings to life kooky tales and imaginary worlds. During the show there just might be some fake breaking news and commercial spoofs, too. Come early to enjoy fun sea-themed activities in the theater lobby. Or stay after to discover the art of sound effects.
45 minutes
Best for ages 5 to 12 (but all ages welcome)
www.bricolagepgh.org
Venue: Bricolage Theater, 937 Liberty Avenue, 1st Floor
Saturday, May 17, 5:00pm; Sunday, May 18, 1:00 pm

ABOUT PITTSBURGH INTERNATIONAL CHILDREN’S THEATER
Pittsburgh International Children’s Theater, a division of the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, opens the door for children to experience professional performing arts programming which inspires, challenges, educates, and stimulates respect for and an understanding of all cultures in an entertaining and enlightening way.  The Pittsburgh International Children’s Festival (celebrating its 28th year in 2014) is one of only four international children’s festivals in the nation.  The Pittsburgh International Children’s Theater Family Series (2013  ̶  2014), now in its 44th season, introduces children to the arts early in life sparking their interest and appreciation so they continue to enjoy and support the arts as they grow up.  For more information, visit: www.TrustArts.org/kids

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