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Priscilla tries awfully hard to be a party from start to finish. Just to make sure we get the point, we're occasionally bombarded with disco effects and party streamers. The trick succeeds, mostly. The show is based on the mid-90's Australian offering, The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert. Like others in the genre (think of Strictly Ballroom or Muriel's Wedding) the movie boasts a thin plot line exploring the lives of outsiders who find their own place in the scorching Australian sun.
But these performances are anything but usual: Three Divas (Emily Afton, Bre Jackson, and Brit West) literally fly in and out of the show like a Greek Chorus, if a Greek Chorus belted dance tunes suspended 25 feet in the air. Crazy, but glorious.
But Tick emerges as a reluctant hero who modifies the extremes of Adam (Bryan West), the rebel escaping from his conservative and wealthy mother, Bernadette (Scott Willis), who has found her place and is content, and the chorus of Outback hillbillies. Bryan West dominates the show as Adam and his alter ego, Felicia. West humanized Adam, whose lines are a string of bitchy quotes, and in doing so treats us to several fine covers of Madonna, Cyndi Lauper, and Verdi (his Violetta is literally over the top). Scott Willis's Bernadette grounds his co-stars; his calm baritone and rock-solid acting give us permission to become emotionally invested in these characters. Bernadette desperately wants someone to care for her; Willis wins us over immediately. In addition,the supporting cast is raunchy and funny and horrifying. Joe Hart's Bob is heartfelt and sincere. Chelsea Zeno's turn as Bob's Filipino wife is worth the price of admission she literally steals one of the many shows within the show, introducing a jarring punk vibe and a wickedly funny trick involving ping-pong balls. Babs Rubenstein is unstoppable as the sex-starved, mullet-headed pub-keeper. The Ensemble is always strong and fun to watch. Each member plays their many parts with gusto; clearly they're having a lot of fun.
Finally, plumed-headdresses off to the remarkable off-stage army of costume changers who must coordinate this bacchanalia every night. Um, wow! Unlike its bus namesake, Priscillamoves at lightning speed. Anyone caught under it should be ready to dance their way out, ˜cause this groove train ain't stopping. I think I can stop hiding the knives summer is only a bus ride away, as long as the bus is pink, and named Priscilla.  Tamar Cerafici is an environmental lawyer whose national practice includes nuclear power and sustainable development consulting. She is the author of Dominate: How Lawyers Crush Their Competition (with these 4 Powerhouse Marketing Techniques), and the founder of The-Barefoot-Barrister.com as well as LegalShoe, and The Lawyer's New Clothes, new media channels on PositivelyPittsburghlivemagazine.com that teach lawyers how to build enterprises and find balance in their practices without selling their souls.
Publish Date: 03-09-2013 01:13:00
 By Martin Thomas, Troubador and Helene Vidovich Independent Reviewer  Ballet at the August Wilson Center? Yes, even on the Franco Harris Stage.Pittsburgh Ballet Theater is creating a prodigious amount of work this year. One wonders how they remember all their steps while learning the moves of the next performance. They couldn't possibly learn these pieces so fast¦ could they? Last night, presenting "Unspoken," which consisted of three pieces. The first, Serenade, set to Tchaikovsky's Serenade for Strings in C, Op, 48, a hauntingly uplifting piece, was originally choreographed by George Balanchine. While PBT brought in stage director (and veteran Antony Tudor dancer) Donald Mahler, a "repetitor" from NYC to maintain the integrity of Balanchine's work, PBT made it their own. The Corp sculpted the stage with their bodies. The ethereal quality of the music, the movements of the dancers and the high stage ceilings raised the viewers to an "other worldly" consciousness. The costumes were simple, yet aesthetically pleasing. There was no scenery to distract from the elegant scenes the Corps presented through their body movements and interactions with each other as they gracefully danced en pointe, jumped and did precision lifts and turns singularly and in unison. The lighting enhanced the overall beauty of the production. Second on the program was a piece originally choreographed by 20th century icon, Antony Tudor. Jardin Aux Lilas (Lilac Garden) a love story set to the music, Poem for Violin and Orchestra, Opus 28, written by Ernest Chausson. Again the "repetitor" was brought in to retain the integrity of the original.
Third on the program was a Pittsburgh premier of a Mark Morris dance, Drink to Me Only With Thine Eyes set to 13 etudes by Virgil Thompson and performed live by PBT Company pianist Yoland Collin. Some of the music was "folky" and some was "quirky" while the dancing reflected the setting of the music. This piece deviated the most from classical ballet which seemed appropriate given the 20th Century setting of the music. Overall the performance had a strong "blood flow," pumping excitement throughout the audience. After the last curtain we definitely felt our minds were raised to a higher level of excitement. If you haven't gone to see the Ballet, please do yourself a favor and see one of PBTs performances. Many Pittsburghers are proud of their Ballet troupe and rightly so. Still time to see this amazing trilogy. Saturday, March 9, 2013 - 8:00pm Sunday, March 10, 2013 - 2:00pm Thursday, March 14, 2013 - 7:30pm Friday, March 15, 2013 - 8:00pm Saturday, March 16, 2013 - 8:00pm Sunday, March 17, 2013 - 2:00pm Additional information and tickets:  Helene Vidovich, Freelance Cultural Reporter Martin Thomas, Videographer ~ Troubadour
Publish Date: 03-08-2013 15:17:00
ROOTS OF ROCK and ROLL VOL 39 by Gregg Matthis I had the great pleasure of participating in the RoRaR show at the Benedum on February 23rd. The mostly senior crowd knows by heart most of the music being performed, so it is not just a watching show, it is a singing along show. There was an impressive line up of talent and they were all in fine form and voice for the show.  Since most of the artists were primarily vocal groups the performance of the back-up band is critical. This obligation was well served by Pure Gold's band who provided a steady but not overpowering sound supporting the singers. However, when it was time for the instruments to be highlighted, they sparkled. Pure Gold, a Pittsburgh iconic oldies group, once known as Accapella Gold, opened the show with a rousing version of "With This Ring", which was followed with Susan DeLuca's solid cover of "Oh, My Angel" and they finished with "Hold Back the Night". While none of the songs were actually of the Doo-Wopean era, they were performed with energy and soul and got the show off to a great start. Now, I've been an oldies officianado since they were newbies, but I have never heard nor heard of "Do You Close Your Eyes". It is apparently considered a Pittsburgh anthem. It is a beautiful song that was relearned by Josh White Jr. just for this show! Josh White Jr and has father have an amazing biography that is worth checking out. Kathy Young was the next act and she looked much younger than 67. Her first hit "1000 Stars" was recorded when she was 14. Her voice was powerful and clear and she looked great. She also performed "Happy Birthday Blues." One of the great things about Henry DeLuca's shows is his integrity for insuring that the acts feature the artists who were with the groups when their hits were recorded. This was the case with the Charts which featured two of the original five members and they sang "Desiree".
Porky Chedwick was introduced to a crowd who always knew him as "The Daddio of the Raddio". He had recently celebrated his 95thbirthday, and while a little unsteady of his feet he was as glibe and quick tongued as we remember from the 60s. He introduced the Clovers. Without a doubt they were the strongest performers of the evening. They were doo-wop quintet and had 79 year old Harold Winley as their anchor. Harold was an absolute charmer and can still sing quite well. They did seven songs including "Lovey Dovey", "Your Cash Ain't Nothin but Trash" and, of course, "Love Potion #9". We were treated to the rare version which included the ending verse about Love Potion #10. Their vocals were powerful and their harmonies were tight. They were a treat. Terry Johnson and the Flamingos were next on stage. They amazingly enough have just released a new CD. They had a new member with a huge powerful voice, and sadly I didn't catch his name, and are clearly still an active performing group. They sang six numbers including the two huge hits that Terry arranged, "Lovers Never Say Goodbye" (which he also wrote) and of course the Doo-Wop classic "I Only Have Eyes for You". They sang a very cool version of Queen's "A Crazy Little Thing Called Love" which is on the new cd.  Next up were the Planotones. They aren't really from the 50's but they are true to the roots (think Sha Nah Nah). Kenny Vance was with Jay and the Americans, and so they did 3 of those hits, which included a very solid "Come a Little Bit Closer". Their vocals were tight and their showmanship excellent. They performed one of my favorite let's-get-drunk-and -sing songs by covering the Beltones "I've Had It". The headliners of the show were Charlie Thomas' Drifters. Charlie became the lead vocalist of the Drifters after Clyde McFadder left the group in the late fifties. Their performance was slick and very well done, but I was a little disappointed. One of the elements that made the Drifters songs so good to me was their smooth but strong background vocals. While the vocals were smooth the backgrounds were a little muted. They sang seven of their many hits, and performed like an active touring group. They mixed some of their earlier work with some of the more popular hits from the early sixties. And closed the show with a strong "Under the Boardwalk". All in all a great show. It has me looking forward to the volume 40 show. Although, sadly, Henry says that volume 40 will be the last one.  Gregg Mathis is a lifelong Pittsburgher, a musician and long time music lover. He is co-owner of Pro-Fry, Pittsburgh's Fryer Guys since 2006. Pro-Fry serves it's customers by reducing costs through micro oil filtration, reducing accidents by professionally changing oil and deep cleaning fryers, and by reducing waste headaches by immediately removing and recycling waste oil from customer locations. (412) 720-6363
Publish Date: 03-01-2013 14:19:00
Review of Drum Line Live Benedum Center Show of 2-26-2013 Date 2-28-2013 Drumline Live Participating in a Feast of Soul By Hank Walshak Listening to a drum line hypnotizes me. The staccato beats. The syncopated rhythms. The drummer's acrobatic hand movements. The counterpoised sounds. All of which goes on as the drummers complete their ensemble and solo numbers while they march in intricate, high-stepping patterns. The whole thing gets into the marrow of my bones. And I'm hooked, heart and soul, diggin' it, with feet tap, tap, tapping. I first got hooked on the movie Drumline a few years back starring Orlando Jones and Nick Cannon. As I watched this film unfold, I kept saying to myself, I wish I could see that in person. Well, on February 26, I got my wish at the Benedum Center, when my wife, Jeannette, and I thrilled to Drumline Live, hosted by Slater Thorpe. This show put it all out there --from the drum cadences and riffs and the brass melodies to the singers, the alto-sax and trumpet soloists, and the dancers who glided as if by unseen hands through their numbers. The physical energy of it all never let up. To say I was astonished would be an understatement. Don Roberts. Creator/ Director/Musical  Director had the wizardry to capture the musicality and choreography that blare out on the football field to the restricted area of the theater stage. No small feat that. Roberts had collaborated as a band consultant with the makers of Drum Line, the movie. Now, his Drumline Live captures the sparkle and unbounded electricity of the movie with the in-person energy of marching bands composed of students from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU). Make no mistake about Drumline Live. This show prompted far more than just having audience members sit back and watch and listen. Nosiree. At set times, band members paraded up and down the aisles, playing and singing their hearts out andthose of us in the audience rangout loud with our cheers, bravos, and clenched fists waving above our heads. Talk about involvement personified. Taken as a whole, this production traced the history of black music from its unheralded roots in Africa to the strains of black congregations across the land chanting about the Good News.  The show brought to mind the pre-eminence and contributions of black singers, composers, and producers to create this black genre of modern, American music. Who can think of artists like Ray Charles, Aretha Franklin, Michael Jackson, and Marvin Gaye without smiling and remembering their music sound for sound and word for word? Who can forget Smokey Robbins with his Motown sound, and the black stars and music he produced in the fifties and sixties? Along the way, the cast of this production made real for us the singin' sounds of the big bands from days long gone to a half-time show without equal, and a drum battle between two players, with the audience choosing the winner with heaps of applause. The performance ended with out-of-this-world dancing and music that brought back the best of Hip-Hop from the 80's and 90's. The ultimate conclusion came with the entire case marching up the aisles to the foyer of Benedum Center, there to talk, laugh, and enjoy with the audience streaming out afterwards. If you were looking for soul. You found it here. From start to finish, Drumline Live spoke to our hearts with plenty of not-to-be-forgotten soul, soul, soul and more soul. -XXX-  Hank Walshak Communications Expert for Experts Be read. Be heard. Be seen. Walshak Communications, Inc. 412-831-3023 hankwalshak@verizon.net www.hankwalshak.com
Publish Date: 02-16-2013 14:31:00
An Evening in Paris at the Pittsburgh Balletby Good News Reviewers, Helene Vidovich and Martin Thomas The inside and outside of the Moulin Rouge were nicely delineated by dropping a semi-transparent scrim painted with a façade of the establishments on the street. When this was dropped, the backlights and silhouettes were visible, but somewhat obscured. The use of the scrim, the colors and fabrics of costuming, the array of lights and the quartet of musicians, were layered together to take us back to Toulouse Lautrec and Impressionistic France. What a time it must have been...although it was also before penicillin. It was fun to watch the painters dancing and spinning with their easels on wheels, one-foot-on and one-foot-off. We watched a band of gypsies as they spun and twirled, showing off their expert moves, as they auditioned for the Moulin Rouge. It was romantic and a feast for the eyes as the costumes, stage-set and dazzling lights blazed in a kaleidoscope of colors. The swirling petticoats were magnifique and occasionally led to a peek of little red-ruffled gutchies. I am quite sure the Theatre could have made at least as much selling Moulin Rouge dresses at intermission as it did selling tickets. Do we get a press discount with that? A special treat was a cameo appearance of Sally Wiggins. And, as mentioned before, "Pittsburgh has a tremendous amount of talent." Whether musicians, tailors, set and lighting designers, builders or dancers, the 'burgh has at least, if not more, of its share of artistic ability.  Not professional reviewers just everyday Pittsburghers availing themselves of Pittsburgh Cultural and Dance Events by as Mark Freeman says, "Being a Tourist in their Hometown." Helene Vidovich, Freelance Cultural Reporter Martin Thomas, Videographer ~ Troubadour
Publish Date: 02-13-2013 17:49:00
"Sister Act" is a Class Comedy Actby Good News Reporter, Joanne Quinn-Smith |
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| The Glorious Nuns ensemble, voices raised! Photo, Joan Marcus |
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| Finale Sisters in Sequins, Disco Madonna, photo by Joan Marcus |
Publish Date: 02-03-2013 15:37:00
Roving Pittsburgher Review
1776 A Musical Play
by Pittsburgh Event Planner and Talkcast Host, Mary Pam Kilgore
Presented by Pittsburgh Public Theater
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| George Merrick as John Adams. |
O'Reilly Theater
Shows till February 24th
I was very excited to see the Tony award winning musical 1776 currently playing at the O'Reilly Theater presented by the Pittsburgh Public Theater. I have seen the movie version so I knew the story and even some of the music.
Without issuing the phrase Spoiler Alert, 1776 is a musical that takes place in the last couple of months prior to the signing of the Declaration of the Independence. The representatives of the Continental Congress are meeting in Philadelphia and they are trying to make a decision about independence from England. They seem to be deadlocked. How they overcome this is the story behind 1776 What makes 1776 a timeless musical is that it portrays the Continental Congress as divided and nothing is getting done. Sound familiar? And even the Declaration of Independence, the document, is a victim of compromise and some of those compromises still haunt us today.
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| (left to right) Keith Hines as Thomas Jefferson, Steve Vinovich as Ben Franklin and George Merrick as John Adams. |
Favorite characters of the audience seemed to be: George Merrick presents John Adams as the man you love to hate. Steve Vinovich's Ben Franklin is seems to be exactly as you would imagine Ben Franklin, a public figure with a flair for fun but nevertheless the consummate politician.
This is the largest production that Pittsburgh Public Theater has done. And the production is magnificent! 26 people on stage at the same time! And on the night I saw it, everything was flawless. All the actors were wonderful. A musical play is always a huge undertaking and the music did not disappoint. The stage moved on a turntable effortlessly from one scene to the next. On stage till February 24th so take an evening to see this most engaging musical.
XXX
Mary Pam Kilgore, CMP
Kilgore Events and Meetings
412-854-4827
Helping corporations and nonprofit organizations serve their target market with effective meetings and events. Host of the popular internet radio show, Planners Pointers syndicated at: http://www.positivelypittsburghlivemagazine.com/broadcast.php?IdChan=33
Publish Date: 01-29-2013 12:14:00
Noseda & Concert Italia, Pittsburgh Symphony
January 18, 2012
By
Hank Walshak
The more I listen to our Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, the more I stand in awe of its musical prowess. Concert Italia was no exception. Once again, the orchestra justified its world-class reputation under the direction of Gianandrea Noseda, sought-after Music Director of the Teatro Regio Torino.
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| Gianandrea Noseda |
The first piece on the program, La note di Platon (The Night of Plato ), an orchestral sketch, was composed in 1923 by Victor de Sabata, renowned Italian conductor and one of Italy's two, musical gods”the other being Toscanini. The music depicted an evening feast arranged by Plato about 407 BCE. At this feast, Plato proclaimed to friends and colleagues that he would abandon the poetic and hedonistic life to follow the teachings of Socrates and pursue the life of the spirit, detachment, and self-denial. His announcement met with non-receptive ears, grumbling and complaining.
I marveled at the way the Pittsburgh Symphony moved us through the wrenching changes of Plato's old and new devotions. What drama and resolution in this piece! Melodies depicting wild dances and people wrought with concern over Plato's decision gave way to languid melodies suggesting carnal pleasures. These musical paintings then melded into the counterpoise of soft, contemplative strains leaving us to imagine Plato, quietly sitting alone in his room, reflecting on his new self-direction.
The second piece on the program, Concerto in D Major for Piano (Left Hand Alone) and Orchestra, by Maurice Ravel, was a knock out, because of Benjamin Hochman's spell binding, keyboard artistry that revealed another side of Ravel's compositional talent.
If you're relatively new to the music of Maurice Ravel, as I was, you've probably listened to Bolero, his best-known, and famously repetitious, one-movement orchestral piece, premiered in 1928, the same year he toured the United States. Listening to tonight's concerto for left hand only revealed another dimension of his talent.
Pianist, Paul Wittgenstein, brother of Ludwig, the renowned Austrian philosopher, had asked Ravel to compose this piece. Paul had lost his right arm in World War I, but had continued to transcribe and play pieces for the left hand.
Benjamin Hochman, winner of the prestigious, 2011 Avery Fisher Career Grant among many other notable awards and achievements gave new meaning to left-hand virtuosity as he performed this concerto. More than once, I closed my eyes and it sounded as though he played the entire keyboard with both hands.
My wife, Jeannette, and I sat close enough to observe Hochman's fingering. Afterwards, we traded thoughts on his performance. His precision was outstanding, she said. When I thought of his playing left-hand only before the concert, I thought he'd concentrate only on lower melodies he could play from middle C and lower on the keyboard. But he played the entire key board with one hand. What an artist.
The third piece in tonight's concert, Aus Italien (From Italy ) by Richard Strauss, conjured
up his visions during his visit to Italy in 1886. This appealed to my visual sense. It's difficult
to imagine anyone visiting Italy and its picturesque cities like Verona, Bologna, Rome,
Florence, Naples, Sorrento, Salerno, and Capri without breaking into song about these places.
Well, Strauss didn't sing about his visit in 1886. He composed Aus Italien Opus 16 a
symphonic tone poem, his first, in four parts, faithfully rendered by our Pittsburgh Symphony
Orchestra. This piece held a pleasant surprise for us that we'd hear in the fourth part.
Auf der Campagna (In the Country ), the prelude, wafted us across the Roman countryside as experienced by Strauss from the Villa d'Este at Tivoli. Roms Ruinen ("Amid the Ruins of Rome"), written as a great symphonic (sonata form) first movement, carried us back to the empire's and the city's past glory.
Am Strande von Sorrent (On the Shore at Sorrento ), captured the mood of Strauss as he took in the sounds of nature and helped us to imagine the softer, spiritual sounds he heard near the seaside. The audience then pepped up for the fourth part, Neapolitanisches Volksleben (Neapolitan Folk Life ). Here's the surprise: If you've ever heard the catchy Italian melody Finiculli Finiculla, you heard it again in this part.
The performance stayed with me for days afterward, as I saw in my mind's eye, Mr. Noseda deftly guiding the symphony through these widely varying pieces and as I hummed Finiculli Finiculla over and over. And I kept wondering how Benjamin Hochman could achieve the heights of keyboard he has reached.
-XXX-.
Hank Walshak
Communications Expert for Experts
Be read. Be heard. Be seen.
Walshak Communications, Inc.
412-831-3023
hankwalshak@verizon.net
www.hankwalshak.com
Publish Date: 01-26-2013 03:03:00
by Good News Reporter, Jo Ann Forrester
Ready to Run„c Pennsylvania
Ready to Run„c Pennsylvania provides bi-partisan political training to encourage women to run for government leadership positions. The day-long program targets women considering or recently deciding to run for political office, providing training and mentoring by campaign professionals, political women, and officeholders.
Ready to Run„c Pennsylvania provides bi-partisan political training to encourage women to run for government leadership positions. The day-long program targets women considering or recently deciding to run for political office, providing training and mentoring by campaign professionals, political women, and officeholders.
Ready to Run„c Pennsylvania is part of the Ready to Run„c National Training Network of the Center for American Women and Politics (CAWP) at Rutgers University (NJ).
Ready to run was held at Chatham University in the Mellon Boardroom on January 12, 2013
Attended by Roving Pittsburgher Reporters, Joanne Quinn-Smith and JoAnn R. Forrester
Ready to Run
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| Chris Janke, author The Well Spoken Woman |
Enjoyed the day..and the speakers were very good. Panel of Erin, Molchany, Nancy Patton Mills, Megan Carpenter and Diana Irey Vaughan was exceptional. Loved the session on Conquering the Camera by Chris Jahnke. Thanks Dana Brown for moderating this...And Jann Chirdon as always right on information. Good to see Jeanne Clark there also.
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| Jann Chirdon, a political consultant for more than 25 years |
Roving Pittsburgher Good News Reporter, JoAnn Forrester is the Host of "Empress of Biz, Reinvent in Rugged Times," a business Talkcast syndicated on PPLMag, Pittsburgh's First Internet Radio and TV Network. You can hear JoAnn and Business friends every Thursday at 9 AM on the TalkShoe network or archived later at: http://pplmag.com Jo Ann is also a regular business tip columinist at the Pittsburgh Business Times.
Publish Date: 01-21-2013 00:00:00
Roving Pittsburgher Report:
Les MisГ©rables Transports Audiences from a Dark Time in History to Enlightened Theatre
by Good News Reporter, Joanne Quinn-Smith
When I arrived at the theatre on opening night I had not read Les Misérables in forty years and scarcely remembered the plot but that did not stop me from getting swept away in the songs, the music, the acting and the multi-media scenery. The scenery alone will become legendary. Cameron Mackintosh presents a brand new 25th anniversary production of Boublil & Schönberg's legendary musical, LES MISÉRABLES, with glorious new staging and dazzlingly reimagined scenery inspired by the paintings of Victor Hugo.
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| One Day More (Photo by Deen Van Meer) |
Set in the early 1800's Les Miserables is a sweeping masterpiece that has been a record-breaking success worldwide since its London opening in 1985. Les Miserables has been translated into 21 different languages and been performed in front of more than 60 million people in 43 countries ... Here in Pittsburgh opening night was sold out. At dinner before the theatre and on the way out the recurrent theme was how many times patrons had seen Les Miserables. At dinner before the theatre I heard two people who were unrelated, one alone and one with her date talk about seeing the musical, 19 and 11 times respectively.
For those of you who are not familiar with the story it is set in 19thcentury France, during a time when the effects of the French Revolution are being felt on society. Social instability and poverty created the environment that shaped the lives of the characters. Jean Valjean is released from prison and breaks parole to start a new life. He embarks on a lifelong mission to avoid recapture and redeem himself. This is a story of higher values, of love and self sacrifice and of character like Eponine(Brian Carolson-Goodman) rising above her upbringing to become heroic and to serve love.
The video screen background transported us to another world. The audience was drawn through a sewer tunnel and battle scenes. This performance was truly a triumph of multimedia so realistic that the audience could hardly contain their amazement. The costuming was horribly realistic in places and absolutely elegant in others.
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| Master of the House (Photo by Deen Van Meer) |
One Day More done by the Chorale! Well the Mendelssohn and Morman Tabernacle choir can barely compete. Any ensembles done on stage were epic. The scenery was majestic and the story line compelling. There is still time with eight performances left to see Les Miserables or to SEE IT AGAIN.
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| Fall of Rain/Death of Eponine (Photo by Deen Van Meer) |
- Tuesday, January 22, 7:30pm
- Wednesday, January 23, 7:30pm
- Thursday, January 24, 7:30pm
- Friday, January 25, 8pm
- Saturday, January 26, 2pm & 8pm
- Sunday, January 27, 1pm & 6:30pm
Ticket information at: http://trustarts.culturaldistrict.org/production/32852/les-miserables
Radio Host and Serial Blogger, Joanne Quinn-Smith is the host of PositivelyPittsburghLive„c Internet Talkcast and TechnoGrannyShow„c On her shows, Joanne has interviewed over 1800 guests. As an advocate for small Business, she was awarded the National Small Business Administration Journalist of the Year Award. She is also the publisher of PositivelyPittsburghLiveMagazine.com which is a 2010 National Stevie Award finalist for best Media Website or Blog. PPL Mag features the GOOD NEWS, about Pittsburgh and is Pittsburgh's First internet radio and TV network. PPL Mag attracted 2.25 million visitors last year. Her radio network has accumulated over one million listeners. The Creative Energy Officer of Dreamweaver Marketing Associates, Joanne also teaches her online media platform building to small businesses in a client personalized, Web2.0 Gorilla Branding Training„c . Connect with Joanne at: http://joannequinnsmith.com
Publish Date: 01-14-2013 11:27:00
SPANK!
The Fifty Shades Parody
Or¦."Girls Just Want to Have Fun! Fun!
by Good News Reviewer, JoAnn R. Forrester
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| E.B., Tasha and fans after show! |
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| The younger audience just loved Patrick Wayland |
The opening scene with Patrick Whalen as Hugh Hanson strutting on stage and posing in various suggestive postures was a great hit.and really got the "ladies" going. Patrick is a good looking man who knows how to play his lines and use his body language to thrill the ladies. He has good timing and comic sense and is great fit for the part.
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| And there were a few brave men! Tasha and Fan after show! |
Janet's alter ego, Tasha Woode, played wonderfully by Danielle Trzcinski was delightful. She did the naive "virgin" Tashe with the right amount of innocence with the yearning to know more¦more¦and more. Great comic timing! She just engaged us from the beginning and reminded us of that time when you want to know everything¦but it is also a time of being really scared of knowing everything, a
Danielle played "the virgin" who enters into a relationship with an older more experienced DOMINANT man who teaches the thrill of it all. And yet while she is being "thrilled" she is yearning for him to love her. You know¦the old song¦will he grow to love me if I please him enough? I want to know him¦really know him¦oh well we all know that answer. At least in the play everyone ends up happy and our fantasies are fulfilled and we all happily bounced out of the theater. The girls just want to have fun¦and last night they did.
Roving Pittsburgher Good News Reporter, JoAnn Forrester is the Host of "Empress of Biz, Reinvent in Rugged Times," a business Talkcast syndicated on PPLMag, Pittsburgh's First Internet Radio and TV Network. You can hear JoAnn and Business friends every Thursday at 9 AM on the TalkShoe network or archived later at: http://pplmag.com Jo Ann is also a regular business tip columinist at the Pittsburgh Business Times.
Publish Date: 01-05-2013 16:16:00
What a Feeling!
Flashdance, Musical Variety at its Best!
by Good News Reviewer, Joanne Quinn-Smith
Wow, what a feeling! It has been a long time since I saw such an intense musical where the large cast and the solos, duos, trios and ensembles were all energetic, passionate and well choreographed. Our personal favorite, Rachelle Rack's I Love Rock n Roll was FIERCE! Although Alex (Emily Padgett), an 18-year-old welder at a steel mill in Pittsburgh as the heroine made up the bulk of the story, the three front line gals were phenomenal and a couple of times almost stole the show. And this is not just because Rochelle Rack is from Pittsburgh. Alex also dances at a bar, fully clothed, along with her dance buddies Kiki (DeQuina Moore), Gloria (Kelly Felthous) and Tess (Rachelle Rak). Having frequented the go-go joints with male buddies in my younger years I must tell you that all three of these gals would have been driving their own porches even dancing with their clothes on. The dancing was enticing, erotic and yet artistic and even the men in the audience could not argue with that. Kiki's (DeQuina Moore) Manhunt routine could have rivaled Gypsy Rose Lee in her heyday. Also Gloria's (Kelly Felthous) solo before going to work at the infamous Chamelion Club was reminiscent of the Blaze Star era of big time burlesque bravado.
Alex in the musical is helped to get into the Shipley Dance Academy by her elderly mentor and teacher Hannah (JoAnn Cunningham). For the classical crowd there is some nicely done ballet during Alex's fantasies of attending Shipley. For the older crowd JoAnn and Alex did a very palatable soft shoe. Hannah's character was delightfully feisty and the real deal as far as being a pioneer in the dance field and expressing the passion of dancers. And there is even break dancing for the hip hop crowd. Quite frankly something for everyone as in the returning genre of Variety entertainment experiencing a resurgence because of such shows as America's Got Talent.
My question about the casting is why in the world the writers and directors saved David R. Gordon as Jimmy's singing until the latter part of the show. What an endearing sweet voice and so surprising considering the whimpiness of his character. His song Where I Belong was moving and beautiful.
The multimedia technology of the scenery was extremely artistic and matched the fast pace of this ginormous musical using brief dance interludes to distract at the changing of what appeared to be holographs.
I have one complaint, Alex's solo before her audition was much more intense and energetic and passionate than the last audition solo. The audition solo lacked energy and was anticlimactic but considering the pace and the number of times Alex appears in both solos and ensembles one is not surprised. Also truly it is hard to compete with the original dance solo in the 80's movie by the same name and both the choreographers and Alex's character may have been limited by the size of the Heinz Hall stage.
However after working all day and just getting over the holiday I was concerned about entering what seemed to be a packed house on Thursday evening if I could stay awake. Well the show kept me awake and then some. And unlike some reviewers have hinted about the 80's nostalgia and warm and fuzzy feelings, truth is even the famous Alex sweatshirt could not make me forget that this was a totally new, totally energized and artistic production. Also for the sake of art, do see the show because Alex's shower routine though far too brief is both classic and perfectly done. The ensemble and cast are to be complemented for their passion and energy. This is not sedate entertainment so be prepared to be energized and uplifted. There is still time to see the show at Heinz Hall, 2 PM and 8 PM, Saturday, January 5 and 1 PM and 6:30 PM January 6, Sunday.
Kudos to cast producers, our Pittsburgh heart throb Nick Hurley (Matthew Hydzik) for entertaining Pittsburgh with a chic movie turned musical that could have gone in any direction but the direction it went was amazing and delightful entertainment with a capital E. It may have been the Pittsburgh backdrop and how Pittsburgher's support both their sports artists and entertainers but I prefer to think this is Musical Variety Entertainment at its best.
Additional information and tickets at:
Radio Host and Serial Blogger, Joanne Quinn-Smith is the host of PositivelyPittsburghLive„c Internet Talkcast and TechnoGrannyShow„c On her shows, Joanne has interviewed over 1800 guests. As an advocate for small Business, she was awarded the National Small Business Administration Journalist of the Year Award. She is also the publisher of PositivelyPittsburghLiveMagazine.com which is a 2010 National Stevie Award finalist for best Media Website or Blog. PPL Mag features the GOOD NEWS, about Pittsburgh and is Pittsburgh's First internet radio and TV network. PPL Mag attracted 2.25 million visitors last year. Her radio network has accumulated over one million listeners. The Creative Energy Officer of Dreamweaver Marketing Associates, Joanne also teaches her online media platform building to small businesses in a client personalized, Web2.0 Gorilla Branding Training„c . Connect with Joanne at: http://joannequinnsmith.com
Publish Date: 12-22-2012 11:48:00
Roving Pittsburgher Review
Highmark Holiday Pops 2012
By Good News Reporter, Hank Walshak, The Communications Expert for Experts
The Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, under the direction of Pittsburgh native, Daniel Meyer, delivered a Christmas, musical tour de force to a packed house on the evening of December 20. Whether you were a fan of classical music or not, you couldn't help but be wowed by the musical portrait of Christmas he put together for this Highmark Holiday Pops.
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| 25' tree in lobby of Heinz Hall added to festivities. |
The program contained something for everyone. Renditions of O Holy Night, O Come All Ye Faithful, and Silent Night satisfied one's traditional, musical taste. Lesser known, but captivating melodies, like Many Moods of Christmas, Lully, Lulla, Lullay, and The Wexford Carol lifted our Christmas spirit with their lilting refrains.
In true, Pittsburgh fashion, we, the audience, got to sing along as our cherished, Mendelssohn Choir of Pittsburgh, under the direction of Betsy Burleigh, boomed out the Hallelujah Chorus from the Messiah, Joy to the World, The First Noel, and Deck the Halls.
And the solo performers”ah, the solo performers”they left nothing to be desired. Their artistry rang Christmas bells in each of our hearts
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| Rachel DeShon |
Christopher Sanders, the renowned baritone, played Santa Claus, who spoke, Ho, ho, ho, as he strode among us, and spoke in hushed tones with children in the audience. His softer expressions belied his booming, on-stage renditions of Here Comes Santa Claus and A Holly Jolly Christmas, reminiscent of Burl Ives. One could easily image Christopher's vocal strength and eloquence leading legions into battle.
The sonorous sounds of Grammy nominated violinist, Jenny Oaks Baker, breathed new life into the Carol of the Bells with the Mendelsohn Choir of Pittsburgh, Ding Don Merrily on High and O Come, O Come Emmanuel. She moved through nuances, glissandos, and arpeggios in a way that truly distinguished her playing from other violin impresarios.
Rachel DeShon, 2001 winner of Marvin Hamlisch's Search for a Star, redefined the art of the soprano this evening. Her timbre and animation set her apart as she gave voice to the timeless favorites, Christmas Eve in My Home Town, O Holy Night, and O Come, O Come Emmanuel.
A Highmark Holiday Pops just wouldn't be the same without Rick Manning, Pittsburgh native and detective with the Allegheny County Sheriff's office. He paid homage to our Christmas tradition with his animated interpretation of Christmas Magic. Hearing him just this once, made me yearn to hear his rendition of Danny Boy.
To cap off the program, he joined the Mendelssohn Choir of Pittsburgh in singing the seasonal favorite, We Wish You a Merry Christmas.
All in all, this Highmark Holiday Pops by the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, the Mendellssohn
Choir of Pittsburgh, and these virtuoso soloists defined the standard of Christmas musical
expression for years to come. What better legacy to leave in memory of our beloved Principal
Pops Conductor, Marvin Hamlisch.
What a joy to have attended this endearing, musical event.
Hank Walshak
Communications Expert for Experts
Be read. Be heard. Be seen.
Walshak Communications, Inc.
412-831-3023
hankwalshak@verizon.net
www.hankwalshak.com
Publish Date: 12-17-2012 18:27:00
Roving Pittsburgher Review
Mannheim Steamroller Christmas
by Good News Reporter, Joanne Quinn-Smith aka TechnoGranny
If you were a first timer showing up at the Mannheim Steamroller Christmas Concert at the Benedum Center on December 11 or 12 looking for traditional Christmas Carols played by an orchestra, well you got a pleasant surprise. This was like no other concert I have ever been to. Just the level of talent and diversity of instruments of each member of the group was truly inspirational.
The multimedia presentation behind the music was revolutionary in its ability to keep the audience's mind planted solely on the theme for each rendition. The comments after the show on the way out were, Where were all of those sounds coming from? I mean the wind instrument echoed a choir and it was a bit confusing when you didn't see one on stage or on the screen behind it. We sat in a row with a young couple who had five girls with them aging from 6 to 11 and they were as spellbound as the adults.
With 19 gold, 8 multi platinum and 4 platinum albums it is easy to see why they are the number one Christmas artists in the world. Their music is not only multigenerational but multicultural. The combination of renaissance instruments with rock and roll is nothing short of genius. With the entire holiday whirl I was considering not attending when my 30 year old son told me that it was Rock n Roll Christmas and I would thank him for convincing to take my tired 63 year old body to the concert. Yes, thank you, thank you, Buddy. It was more than Rock n Roll Christmas it was a heavenly, inspirational combination of sights and sounds not long to be forgotten. Audience members told me that seeing Mannheim Steamroller has become a family tradition.
There are no words in English or any other language to capture not so much the performance but the audience experience. But these come to mind, Bravissimo! Ersten Klasse! Prima! And Ecnore! Both the performance and the experience left the audience wanting more. It was also a nice touch that the orchestra members were available for a meet and great additional audience experience for interaction and autographs after the show. Manheim Steamroller is truly the people's Christmas orchestra”all of the people.
N.B. The Roving Pittsburgher Report are reviews of events around the city of Pittsburgh by average people in theaudience from various walks of life, not professional reviewers but semiprofessional attendees. Good news reporters who are tourists in their hometown.
Radio Host and Serial Blogger, Joanne Quinn-Smith is the host of PositivelyPittsburghLive„c Internet Talkcast and TechnoGrannyShow„c On her shows, Joanne has interviewed over 1800 guests. As an advocate for small Business, she was awarded the National Small Business Administration Journalist of the Year Award. She is also the publisher of PositivelyPittsburghLiveMagazine.com which is a 2010 National Stevie Award finalist for best Media Website or Blog. PPL Mag features the GOOD NEWS, about Pittsburgh and is Pittsburgh's First internet radio and TV network. PPL Mag attracted 2.25 million visitors last year. Her radio network has accumulated over one million listeners. The Creative Energy Officer of Dreamweaver Marketing Associates, Joanne also teaches her online media platform building to small businesses in a client personalized, Web2.0 Gorilla Branding Training„c . Connect with Joanne at: http://joannequinnsmith.com
Publish Date: 12-13-2012 18:33:00
A Fashion Show for Little Girls and Night Out for the Family
Review of The Nutcracker Ballet
by Good News Reporter, Joanne Quinn-Smith
Sugar plum fairies, toys coming to life, magicians, a man walking on stilts, oh my! What a fantasy performance is The Nutcracker for both children and adults. This was my four year old granddaughter's second year to see it but it was the sixty something previous date who suggested we should go ahead. If the truth were to be known he knows all the songs and starts to hum them as soon as they begin. What a family tradition if you haven't started it, START NOW.
There is pageantry not just in the many bedazzled and colorful costumes and performances on stage but it is a veritable fashion show of little girls dressed up in their sequined, satin and studded Christmas dresses with bows and patent leather shoes and delightful jewelry and a small tiara here and there.
The Nutcracker performed by the Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre never ceases to amaze me at its ability to capture and keep the attention for the duration of toddlers, middle schoolers, teens, young adults, couples and yes, Senior citizens. But if you think it's just for children, think again. The Nutcracker Ballet is one of the most romantic Christmas traditions right up there with the movie, It's a Wonderful World.
A timeless classic with toys coming to life and multiple ethnic dances and superlative scenery and costuming, it is a buffet of interesting sights and sounds and yes smells too. It's a nice touch to walk into the theatre to the aroma of roasted almonds, pecans and cashews.
And the opulent setting of the Benedum, well it's both child and adult and senior princesses' idea of romance, glamour and the elegance of days gone by. Great family night, great date night! Dad's you will be a hero for buying the tickets and escorting all of your princesses. Mom's you will be the Queen for suggesting it.
My favorite scenes are the ethnic dances, Pas de CaractГ¨re (A dance that is nonclassical, a character dance, national or folk dance.) The Arabic and the Chines fire dragon and Cossacks are my absolute favorites. And the score, well it gives Tchaikovsky a chance to continue just a bit of his robust war sounds in the battle with the Mouse King while tripping through also winter wonderland scenes and fairies dancing and romantic interlude. Also Zack Brown has outdone himself with Costumes and Scenery.
Did you know about the Pittsburgh Connection?
It is Christmas Eve in the early years of the 20th century at the Stahlbaum home in Shadyside. On the Street outside, Godfather Drosselmeyer and his Nephew unload mysterious packages from their carriage. This is a house that actually existed in Shadyside at the turn of the twentieth Century.
Also the Pittsburgh Ballet is to be commended for its use of younger local talent to fill the many small roles in the Nutcracker. I especially liked and so did my granddaughter, the tiny bumble bees that shook their tales in the finale.
As the last scene ended my 4 year old granddaughter put two thumbs up and said, A big thumbs up for The Nutcracker.
Always worth far more than the price of admission:
Performances still available:
*Friday, December 14, at 7 PM
Saturday, December 15, at 2 PM
Saturday, December 15, at 7 PM
Sunday, December 16, at 12 PM
Sunday, December 16, at 4:30 PM
Thursday, December 20, at 7 PM
Friday, December 21, at 7 PM
Saturday, December 22, at 2 PM
Saturday, December 22, at 7 PM
Sunday, December 23, at 12 PM
Sunday, December 23, at 4:30 PM
Friday, December 28, at 7 PM - Best Availability
Saturday, December 29, at 2 PM - Best Availability
Saturday, December 29, at 7 PM - Best Availability
Sunday, December 30, at 12 PM - Best Availability
Saturday, December 15, at 2 PM
Saturday, December 15, at 7 PM
Sunday, December 16, at 12 PM
Sunday, December 16, at 4:30 PM
Thursday, December 20, at 7 PM
Friday, December 21, at 7 PM
Saturday, December 22, at 2 PM
Saturday, December 22, at 7 PM
Sunday, December 23, at 12 PM
Sunday, December 23, at 4:30 PM
Friday, December 28, at 7 PM - Best Availability
Saturday, December 29, at 2 PM - Best Availability
Saturday, December 29, at 7 PM - Best Availability
Sunday, December 30, at 12 PM - Best Availability
Purchase tickets:
http://pbt.culturaldistrict.org/production/31961/nutcracker
Radio Host and Serial Blogger, Joanne Quinn-Smith is the host of PositivelyPittsburghLive„c Internet Talkcast and TechnoGrannyShow„c On her shows, Joanne has interviewed over 1800 guests. As an advocate for small Business, she was awarded the National Small Business Administration Journalist of the Year Award. She is also the publisher of PositivelyPittsburghLiveMagazine.com which is a 2010 National Stevie Award finalist for best Media Website or Blog. PPL Mag features the GOOD NEWS, about Pittsburgh and is Pittsburgh's First internet radio and TV network. PPL Mag attracted 2.25 million visitors last year. Her radio network has accumulated over one million listeners. The Creative Energy Officer of Dreamweaver Marketing Associates, Joanne also teaches her online media platform building to small businesses in a client personalized, Web2.0 Gorilla Branding Training„c . Connect with Joanne at: http://joannequinnsmith.com
Publish Date: 12-13-2012 17:39:00
Shatner's World, We Just Live in It
Review of a Legendary Raconteur
by Good News Reporter, Joanne Quinn-Smith
Even if you are not as one of my associates said to me on an encounter on way out of the theatre, a Shatner Geek, you at least have seen him on the Priceline Commercials as the Negotiator. It is obvious in Shatner's World: We Just Live in It that he has navigated life with as much gusto as he navigates these commercials. . In his show he describes his life growing up in Montreal and reflects on his many acting roles using an assortment of photos and video clips. He tells many memorable stories and talks a great deal about the affect his role in Star Trek had on his life and career. His presentation runs a gamut of theatrical talents from corny vaudeville jokes to theatrical pathos and laugh out loud slapstick. His only prop, his co-chair he wields a rolling office chair to wend his way through an interesting life story. A multi-media presentation with music and video and Star Trek Sound Bites make the show both fast paced and believable truly drawing you into the world of William Shatner.
Through anecdotes, songs, jokes and even some poignant moments, you will experience William Shatner's phenomenal path from classically trained Shakespearean actor to cultural icon, brilliantly creating the larger-than-life and most important character he has ever played, William Shatner.Long the butt of many late night talk show jokes, the man is an icon (after all you have to be a success to be fodder for late night comics) Shatner is the first to laugh at himself. You cannot help but be tickled out loud at the tale of his hilarious encounter with the famous sign language speaking gorilla Koko. And PETA would be impressed by his empathy for his Saddlebred horse's experience with stud service which is not as glamorous or comfortable as us laymen might think. But on the brink of sadness at this tale he raced us back to the top of his brilliant humor.
Shatner's World was presented by Cohen and Grigsby Trust Series at the Benedum Center on November 29, 2012. My thirty year old son and I attended and we are former Star Trek geeks of the Klingon genre still we have a soft spot for the original Star Trek Series Stars. After all who can discount cultural icons like Spock and Captain Kirk? Also this is probably the only time I could get my thirty year old son to go a date with his 63 year old mother.
Star Trek fans are serious about the genre of science fiction. Some fans paid $185.00 for a VIP Ticket
for the ultimate Shatner's World VIP Experience
Package Included:¨
· Seat in First 6 Rows
· Post-show meet and greet with William Shatner
· Photo opportunity with William Shatner
· Show poster personally autographed by William Shatner
Friends of ours told us they tried to get the package but it sold out quickly, so Shatner fans who were disappointed, at not getting to visit with him up close and personal, you just have to be quicker next time.
The last lines of the show program are: ¦and no there is nothing this man does not do. Well you can imagine that William Shatner wrote his own bio because In Shatner's World¦ he truly proves to be a Titan of nature and delivers a spectacular laugh out loud performance proving he will go down in theatrical history as a legendary raconteur.
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