Roving Pittsburgher Report - A Review of Gershwins' Porgy and Bess, Feb 26th 2014 Performance

Porgy and Bess, an American Operetta
A Review of Gershwins’ Porgy and Bess, Feb. 26th 2014 Performance
From:  Roving Pittsburgher Report and PositivePittsburghLiveMagazine.com
Written By:  Joanne Quinn-Smith  |  Feb. 27th 2014

Some would like to call Porgy and Bess a Folk Opera, I prefer the work operetta. Even though there was serious content about a close knit group in Charleston's fabled Catfish Row, there still was light hearted banter at times and light footed music also. It might also be called a folk opera because of the cultural and political milieu when the residents of Catfish Row refer to the sheriff as "Boss."

Alicia Hall Moran as Bess
Nathaniel Stampley as Porgy
(photo courtesy: Michael J. Lutch) 

“The Gershwin's Porgy and Bess” was first on the stage in 1935. Now the Tony award winning musical graces the Benedum Stage from February 25 thru March 2, 2014.

A musical playwright and composer can of course never go wrong opening any production with “Summertime,” one of the most recorded songs of all time.

Accompanied by a lush 23-piece orchestra, this re-envisioned Broadway production includes such legendary songs as “Summertime,” “It Ain’t Necessarily So,” and “I Got Plenty of Nothing.”

The Gershwins' Porgy and Bess is set in Charleston’s fabled Catfish Row, where the beautiful Bess struggles to break free from her scandalous past, and the only one who can rescue her is the courageous Porgy. Porgy and Bess's relationship is threatened by her volatile lunk of a lover, Crown, and the seductive narcotic enticements of the dandy vice purveyor Sporting Life. The role of Sporting Life was originally developed by Sammy Davis Jr. but Kingsley Leggs and the ensemble reproduce a movie moment with “It Ain't Necessarily So."

Porgy and Bess’ unconventional romance triumphs as one of theater’s most exhilarating love stories.

Kingsley Leggs as Sporting Life
(photo courtesy: Michael J. Lutch)

The power couple in the musical are young parents Jake and Clara, played with warmth and strength by Pittsburgh native David Hughey and Ms Ali. Jake is a fisherman and captain of the Sea Gull. He is willing to brave any danger to provide for his wife Clara. Jake believes with hard work, he can help his son go to college, but he's also part of a testosterone-fueled culture where men are judged by their muscle, and gambling and drinking are expected among peers. He leads the ensemble in the only half-joking "A Woman Is a Sometime Thing." But it makes no matter what scene he is in David Hughey commands the stage each time in duets and ensembles. His tall muscular frame is almost anachronistic in a musical. But he manages to create exaggerated movements reminiscence of a panther and the audience has a hard time keeping their eyes off his majestic presence. You could certainly see this at the end of the production when he and Sporting Life receive the most applause. Sumayya Ali's version of "Summertime," will haunt you long after you leave the theatre.

When it was introduced on Broadway in 1935, "Porgy and Bess" was a revelation not only for its depiction of a close-knit black enclave in the South, but for its mix of musical genres.

Director Diane Paulus and writer Suzan-Lori Parks have revived the classic folk opera of American theater. With all of its cultural stereotypes, still it brings a powerhouse production to a very receptive 21st Century audience.

Additional Performances at the Benedum Center:

Thursday, Feb 27th  |  7:30 PM
Friday, Feb 28th  |  8 PM
Saturday, Mar 1st  |  2 PM  and  8 PM
Sunday, Mar 2nd  |  1 PM  and  6:30 PM

Written By: Joanne Quinn-Smith
Joanne Quinn-Smith, Award winning internet radio broadcaster, blogger, author and internet radio and TV network editor and publisher. Joanne is the owner and CEO, Creative Energy Officer, of Dreamweaver Marketing Associates, a successful Pittsburgh-based marketing company. She is a grandmother and great grandmother, an unlikely trendsetter for online journalism and broadcasting.

Joanne is internationally known as the “Get Your Google On” Gal, but better known as Techno Granny™ to over one million accumulated online listeners worldwide. Joanne has created a revolutionary online NEW MEDIA platform in Internet broadcasting, blogging and other social media participation that represents the new second generation of World Wide Web interactions, known in technology circles as Web 2.0. JQS is the online publisher of PositivelyPittsburghLiveMagazine.com, an online community magazine to disseminate the Positive News for Positive Pittsburghers. PPL Mag is Pittsburgh’s First Internet radio and TV network with syndicated channels and online radio and TV capabilities.

Posted By: Stephanie Curtice
Good News and Cultural Reporter
PositivelyPittsburghLiveMagazine.com, RovingPittsburgher.blogspot.com, TheNewGirlintheBurgh.blogspot.com
(c) PositivelyPittsburghLiveMagazine.com 2014

Roving Pittsburgher Report: Dandy Dreams - A Review of Paul’s Case, Feb. 22nd 2014 Performance

Dandy Dreams
A Review of Paul’s Case, Feb. 22nd 2014 Performance

From: Roving Pittsburgher Report and PositivePittsburghLiveMagazine.com
Written By: Stephanie Curtice | Feb. 23, 2014

Some things have not changed since 1906. Times are tough, but America still is the land of opportunity. In school, society encourages kids to dream big and work hard to be successful. But young, starry eyed Paul went off the rails at the work hard part. When the young and dumb blaze their own trail and buck the system, there can be stark consequences to pay.

Last night Paul’s Case fittingly made its local debut at the Pittsburgh Opera. The 2013 American opera is half set in Pittsburgh, including the Carnegie Music Hall. Based on the like-titled 1905 story by Willa Cather, composer Gregory Spears and co-libretist Kathryn Walat bring together minimalistic and baroque musical elements to depict Paul’s self-centered life.

Paul's Case at the Pittsburgh Opera
(photo courtesy: David Bachman)

Paul is a polite, but smart-alecky high school student who wants to break free of the working class life of Pittsburgh and enjoy the glitz and glam of New York City’s easy street. The allure of the shiny stage lights and fame are fed by his part-time job as an usher at the Carnegie Music Hall. After getting expelled from school his father shows Paul some tough love by forcing him to work a “real” job.

After stealing a hefty sum from his new employer Paul a makes run of it in New York City. He uses his stolen funds to bankroll a lavish up-scale life with new dapper duds and residency at the Waldorff Astoria. With one poor decision after another, he spends a drunken night on the town, only to find himself waking to more than a hangover. He is found out and his actions begin to catch up with him. Revolver in hand and no further dreams than living the high life, young Paul goes into a tailspin.

The cautionary tale is chock-full of hopes and dreams, disappointment and failure, depicted with dissonant tonal clusters, large oscillating jumps, and repetitive melodic snip-its. The performance featured fine singing, a small chamber orchestra, and very minimalistic production. Of the small 7 person cast, Daniel Curran (Paul) and Alex DeSocio (Father) were my favorites with clear and beautiful singing that was easy to understand. The intimacy of the Pittsburgh Opera in the Strip District was the perfect setting for this opera. The engaging performance will leave you feeling truly connected to Paul and his father, and bewildered by the tragic ending.

Additional Performances:

Friday, Feb 25th  |  7 PM  |  Pittsburgh Opera
Friday, Feb 28th  |  8 PM  |  Pittsburgh Opera
Sunday, Mar 2nd  |  2 PM  |  Pittsburgh Opera

By: Stephanie Curtice

Good News and Cultural Reporter

PositivelyPittsburghLiveMagazine.com

RovingPittsburgher.blogspot.com
TheNewGirlintheBurgh.blogspot.com

(c) PositivelyPittsburghLiveMagazine.com 2014

Roving Pittsburgher Report - Symphonic Test of Endurance - Review of the PSO's Casella, Prokofiev and Schumann Feb. 21st 2014 Performance

Symphonic Test of Endurance
Review of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra's
Casella, Prokofiev and Schumann Feb. 21st 2014 Performance
From:  Roving Pittsburgher Report and PositivePittsburghLiveMagazine.com
Written By:  Stephanie Curtice  |  Feb. 22, 2014

Gianandrea Noseda
(photo courtesy:
Sussie Ahlburg 2012)

A flurry of musical energy filled Heinz Hall as guest conductor Gianandrea Noseda lead the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra in a vivacious set of works that some may find a little less well known. The intensity each of the works demanded was shown in the aerobic conducting, feverish bowing, hustling percussion, and dramatic playing by piano soloist Jean-Efflam Bavouzet.

The concert opened with two sets from Alfredo Casella’s 1932 opera La Donna Serpent. Both featured bombastic martial themes peppered with lush melodies that beautifully highlighted the woodwinds. The second set began with a tinge of Middle Eastern sounds in “King Altidor’s Dream,” and then with each piece layering more and more energy the work culminated with a return to the blustering fury of “War March.”

Jean-Efflam Bavouzet

(photo courtesy: Paul Mitchell)

The intensity of the concert continued with Sergei Prokofiev’s Concerto No. 5 in G Major, featuring Jean-Efflam Bavouzet. The work has numerous thematic passages that are woven together through five movements with the complexity of a patterned friendship bracelet. Each of the colored strands represented by the piano soloist, trumpet proclamations, and swelling strings, intricately patterned with jarring syncopations, tangled dissonances, and large leaps in the prickly keyboard part. And as erratic as the piece itself maybe, Bavouzet played with a flair and confidence that both balanced with the orchestra and brought the chaotic piece into a very appreciable focus.

A delightful and fun addition to the concert was a quick little encore by French pianist, Jean-Efflam Bavouzet, playing Debussy’s “La fille aux cheveux de lin.”

After a well deserved intermission break for Noseda and the orchestra, the concert ramped back up to finish with Robert Schumann’s Symphony No. 2 in C Major. The robust work had a stirring feel that culminated in a Beethoven “Ode to Joy” feel that was victoriously grand and full of inspiration.

The programming of this concert was intense and a test of endurance. After noticing a smile on the face of almost every cellist during the second movement of the Prokofiev, I spoke to principle cellist Anne Martindale Williams. She said that pieces were fun, and confirmed the demand of this concert both due to the nature of the music itself and because they are less frequently played pieces. The exciting evening of symphonic grandeur was celebrated with standing ovations both at intermission and the end of the concert.

Additional Performances:
Sunday, Feb 23rd  |  2:30 PM  |  Heinz Hall

By:  Stephanie Curtice
Good News and Cultural Reporter

PositivelyPittsburghLiveMagazine.com
RovingPittsburgher.blogspot.com
TheNewGirlintheBurgh.blogspot.com
(c) PositivelyPittsburghLiveMagazine.com 2014

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Roving Pittsburgher Report - Dance of Heritage Review of Dhirana Feb. 15th 2014 Indian Classical Dance Competition

Dance of Heritage
Review of Dhirana Feb. 15th 2014 Indian Classical Dance Competition
From:  Roving Pittsburgher Report and PositivePittsburghLiveMagazine.com
Written By:  Stephanie Curtice  |  Feb. 16 2014

Stories of the Indian culture and Hindus religion were brought to life Saturday night with lively dancing, bright costumes, and ethnic music. Eight college teams from across the country gathered at Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Hall on the University of Pittsburgh campus for Dhirana 2014, an Indian classical dance competition. The very unique routines included grace like a ballet, transitioning floor work similar to a marching band, dramatic energy akin to Broadway musicals, and multi-level formations that were almost cheerleader-like. The dancing was amazing and unlike anything I have ever seen.

Natya from Rutgers University

Winning 1st place and the Most Traditional Dance Award, Natya from Rutgers University showcased the story of how the Hindu deity Genesha came to have the body of a man and head of an elephant. The way the team created a formation to portray the elephant flapping its ears and trunk was very creative. Second place Pulse from Georgia Tech brought big time intensity of fast moving floor work to the competition with the theme of “Ravana: The Tragic Hero.” Some of the other themes included “Pandora’s Box” by Boston University’s Dheem, “Navarasas (9 Emotions) After the Storm” by Johns Hopkins University’s Shakti, and “Ravanasura’s Fall to Rama” by Penn State’s Natya.

Indian classical dance is very different from Western styles. Compared to ballet, which emphasizes leg action, a still upper body, lightness, high jumps, and pointed toes, Indian dance utilizes very active upper body movement, expressive hand and facial gestures, bent legs, low jumps, flat feet and intricate stamping foot work. Both styles have one very important aspect in common though. They both require masterful control to execute the dances with fluidity and grace.

Moksha from University of Maryland
(3rd Place)

Indian Classical Dance has a rich heritage dating back to 2nd century B.C. and broadly encompasses two main aspects. Nritta, pure dance, is the expression of rhythmic movement primarily through the use of hands and feet mostly in specific poses. Nitrya is more of an interpretative dance which uses gestures and facial expressions to show the poetic or emotional meaning in combination with rhythmic gaits and postures. Specific Indian dance styles showcased in this competition included Bharatanatyam, Kuchipudi, Odissi, Kathak, Kathakali, Mohiniattam, and Manipuri. These styles utilize elaborate prescribed postures of the torso, hands, neck and even eyes. They also involve intensive footwork, acrobatic energy, and very stylized pantomime.

Nrityamala from
University of Pittsburgh

The competition also featured several exhibition acts. The show opened with world renowned Carnatic vocalist Arthi Kumar singing Prayer Song, accompanied by violin and percussion. The host dance team, Nrityamala, performed two classical dance routines including “Pushpanjali.” Two local teams also performed, showcasing more contemporary styles from Western India that are very high energy dances. PantheRass danced in the Garba and Raas styles, which utilized props and acrobatics. And Steel City Bhangra danced in the popular Punjabi folk dance style Bhangra.

The dancing was amazing and unlike anything I had ever seen before, but also impressive were the students who hosted the event. Not only did they plan, produce, and dance at the event, but the hosting Pitt University students also chose to donate the proceeds to Birmingham Free Clinic, the only local free healthcare provider. They also honored the memory of “Vasu” Srinivasa Prasad Gutti, who was not only a local, but worldwide champion of South Asian Performing Arts. Srinivasa Prasad International Fund for the Performing Arts (SPIFPA), the foundation created in tribute to his legacy, was the lead sponsor of Dhirana 2014.

I’d like to say a great big “Thank You!” to Mrs. Cardiology, Sunita Pandit and her husband Dr. Santosh Pandit for not only the invitation to attend this great event, but also sharing their cultural and religious insight throughout the show.

By: Stephanie Curtice

Good News and Cultural Reporter

PositivelyPittsburghLiveMagazine.com

RovingPittsburgher.blogspot.com
TheNewGirlintheBurgh.blogspot.com

(c) PositivelyPittsburghLiveMagazine.com 2014

Roving Pittsburgher Report - Are You a Good Swan or a Bad Swan? A Review of Swan Lake, PBT's Feb 13th 2014 Performance

Are You a Good Swan or a Bad Swan?
Review of Swan Lake, Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre’s Feb. 13th 2014 Performance
From:  Roving Pittsburgher Report and PositivePittsburghLiveMagazine.com
Written By:  Stephanie Curtice  |  Feb.14, 2014

I have been to many classical performances, yet at this one I found myself as one of those people confused about when to clap. At the symphony, don’t clap between movements. But, at the ballet? I didn’t know. Surprisingly, I had only been to a ballet one other time, as a child when I went for a school field trip to the Nutcracker. This is, of course, another ballet composed by Tchaikovsky. I don’t know why I hadn’t gone more, but I’m glad this was my first “big kid” trip to the ballet. And what better one, than the quintessential Swan Lake? It was beautiful and astonishingly athletic. I was worried that I wouldn’t follow the plot without words or singing, but there was no need. The story line was clear and medium of ballet told it perfectly. I was surprised of how moving the story was. It was truly beautiful.

Julia Erickson

(photo credit: Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre)

So, being the New Girl in the Burgh but a Kansas girl at heart, I’d have to ask. “Are you a good swan or a bad swan?” To which Odette would reply, “Oh, I’m not a swan at all… I’m a princess.” One could tell from the opening night crowd at the Benedum, Swan Lake is a classic fairy tale. There were many tutu and crown wearing little girls gazing in aw of the swan princess ballerina story. Very cute!

The ballet begins kind of like Cinderella. The Prince Siegfried (Robert Moore) at the castle, being told by his Queen Mother there will be a ball. And to that ball all eligible princesses shall attend, each in hopes that he will choose her to be his bride. After planning, the Prince and his friends go hunting in the forest. Then taking aim at a beautiful swan, he sees the most amaizing thing. The white swan magically turns into a beautiful maiden named Odette (Julia Erickson). They quickly fall in love and she tells him of her curse.

Julia Erickson, Robert Moore, and swans

(photo credit: Nick Coppula)

The third act begins at the ball where the Prince is presented several princesses, who showcase dances of their native lands. Though he still has Odette in his heart, he is captivated by Odile, whose likeness is of Odette’s but darkly enchanting as a black swan. As he professes his love to Odile (also danced by Julia Erickson), the evil Sorcerer (Nurlan Abougaliev) exposes his disguise and trickery.

After a second intermission, Odette and the other swans share in their sadness of the curse, turn of events, and impending doomed life of forever living as a swan. The Prince arrives to beg for forgiveness and their true love is reaffirmed. Unfortunately, because the Prince was tricked into falling for Odile, Odette is destined to remain a swan forever. The only way to break the curse and kill the evil Sorcerer at this point is Odette’s death. Together in true love, the Prince and Odette leap to there deaths, off of a cliff, into the lake. The end.

Ok, so maybe instead of fairy tale like, its more Romeo and Juliet like, and the “happily ever after” is more suggested to be restricted to the afterlife. But I think that minor detail floated right over the heads of all of the little princesses in the audience.

Yoshiaki Nakano

(photo credit:

Rosalie O'Connor Photography)

Things I did not know about Swan Lake the ballet:

• There are a few prescribed sets of choreography for the entire show, and the choreography used in this presentation was by Marius Petipa and Lev Ivanov, circa 1895.
• There are multiple possible endings for the ballet.
• Originally Odile was just an enchantress, not a swan/girl like Odette
• The score most frequently used is actually an arrangement by Tchaikovsky’s brother Modeste and Ricarrdo Drigo.
• The “Swan Theme” was used in Dracula, the 1931 film starring Bela Legos, and The Mummy, the 1932 film starring Boris Karloff.

How you might ask do I know these super informative tidbits? Well, that last one was compliments of my sweet boyfriend, who loves old movies. And for the others, the Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre posts a very useful resource for called the Audience Production Guide at their website. If you are a fledgling ballet attendee, like myself, I would definitely recommend checking it out before you see the show.

The evening was full of graceful dancing including the signature “fluttering of wing” by the swans, fun and athletic leaps by the Jester (Yoshiaki Nakano), pristine pirouettes by Odette, and festive dances by the hopeful princess guests in the Czardas, Spanish, Neopolitan and Mazurka styles. Every aspect of the dancing and finely played music was engaging. It was a great first experience at the ballet!

Additional Performances:
Friday, Feb 14th  |  8 PM  |  Benedum Hall

Saturday, Feb 15th  |  2 PM  |  Benedum Hall

Saturday, Feb 15th  |  8 PM  |  Benedum Hall

Sunday, Feb 16th  |  2 PM  |  Benedum Hall

By: Stephanie Curtice

Good News and Cultural Reporter

PositivelyPittsburghLiveMagazine.com

RovingPittsburgher.blogspot.com
TheNewGirlintheBurgh.blogspot.com

(c) PositivelyPittsburghLiveMagazine.com 2014

Roving Pittsburgher Report - A Review of Mamma Mia the Musical Feb. 11th 2014 Performance

A Review of Mamma Mia the SMASH HIT Musical on Feb. 11th 2014
From: Roving Pittsburgher and PositivePittsburghLiveMagazine.com
Written By: JoAnn R. Forrester, Host of Empress of Biz  |  Feb. 12, 2014

(photo courtesy: Pittsburgh Cultural Trust)

Mamma Mia…was Fun! Finger snapping, toe tapping, bouncing up and down in my seat fun…And shades of ABBA did I need that to get me through “the Winter That Will Never End Curse” that some evil Cleveland Browns fans has wished upon us.

Part of the fun of the night was to walk into the theater with people smiling who were ready to celebrate with the music of ABBA. As soon as the first scene opened with Sophie played by Chelsea Williams singing “I have a Dream” the audience was wrapped up and jumping on the Mamma Mia Love Boat as portrayed by ABBA.

The play, Mama Mia is about our favorite theme…Youthful rebellion, Youth Looking for Love, Finding love, Misunderstanding, Separation, (21 years) Love Lost, REUNION, LOVE FOUND and LIVING HAPPILY AFTER all played to the 22 tunes of ABBA.

All the familiar scenes played with youthful energy and a little more sexual dash and innuendo than the movie. I did find myself missing the beautiful background of the Mediterranean Sea and wishing that they had more visual scenery or a video of the sea playing in the background.

(photo courtesy:
Pittsburgh Cultural Trust)

The story of reunion plays well… First starting with the three young girls coming together to celebrate the wedding of Sophie , while the friends of the mother, Donna , played by Georgia Kate Haege arrive to lend their moral support to the marriage of their friends daughter. All soon, young and old friends, become involved in keeping Sophie’s secret. She has found her mother’s dairy and read it…and oh my three possible fathers. So what does she do? She invites all of them to her wedding and figuring that somehow she will know who her Father will invite him to walk her down the aisle. Oh my Days of our Lives soap opera played out on a Greek Island.

The dancing troupe was very energetic and pulled you along in a joyous activity. Love the women who played the older friends, Tanya (Gabrielle Mirabella) and Rosie Carly Sakolove who was a great scene stealer.

And of course the men, Harry Bright (Mark A Harmon), Bill Austin (Michaek Colavolpe) and Sam Carmichael, (Jeff Drushal) all were funny, delicious and amusingly perplexed as they discovered they may be the father of Sophie. All the men played and sung their parts well. Although gotta admit in my heart I was half expecting Pierce Bronson to show up.

When the play ended and the cast came out to take their bows and do the well known encore reprise the audience jumped up as one and was ready to dance and sing to all their favorite ABBA songs. And sing in dance we did. When it ended and we left the theater there were still many humming and singing along as they dance walked out the theater…Good time was had by all.

The PNC Broadway Across American series has itself another hit. We are really fortunate here in the burgh…our theater and art’s team consistently produces hits.

Great show…now if I could just stop singing and tapping my toes to the Mama Mia songs in my heard.

Additional Show Times:
Feb 12 - 13  |  7:30 PM  |  Heinz Hall
Friday, Feb 14  |  8:00 PM  |  Heinz Hall
Saturday, Feb 15  |  2:00 PM and 8:00 PM  |  Heinz Hall
Sunday, Feb 16  |  1:00 PM and 6:30 PM  |  Heinz Hall

JoAnn R. Forrester

Written By: JoAnn R. Forrester
Host of Empress of Biz
Anchor Internet Radio Show on PositivelyPittsburghLiveMagazine.com

JoAnn R. Forrester is co-host of the Empress of Biz Talkcast and co-founder, president and partner in S. I. Business Associates, Small Business Solutions, LLC and Celebrate and Share. She is an entrepreneur, writer, business growth specialist, teacher, columnist and award winning writer. JoAnn specializes in helping small businesses grow and prosper. She is the co-developer of the PRICE IT PERFECT™ cost management system for small business, and has secured over 40 million dollars in loans and investment for her clients.

For more information visit Empress of Biz on PPLmag.com

Posted By: Stephanie Curtice
Good News and Cultural Reporter
PositivelyPittsburghLiveMagazine.com, RovingPittsburgher.blogspot.com, TheNewGirlintheBurgh.blogspot.com
(c) PositivelyPittsburghLiveMagazine.com 2014

Roving Pittsburgher Report - Science and the Symphony A Review of the PSO's The Planets- An HD Odyssey Feb. 7th 2014 Performance

Science and the Symphony
A Review of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra's
The Planets- An HD Odyssey Feb. 7th 2014 Performance

From: Roving Pittsburgher and PositivePittsburghLiveMagazine.com

Written By: Sunita Pandit,  Host of Mrs. Cardiology  |   Feb. 08, 2014

Mrs. Cardiology believes we must control stress in our lives. So-o-o with Valentine's day falling on a Friday making a quiet relaxed evening with Cardiologist hubby Santosh Pandit a challenger. . .  Proactive Solution: I "preponed" Valentine’s Day by one week and took him to the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra for their performance titled: The Planets – an HD odyssey.

Manfred Honeck
(photo courtesy: PSO)

As always, the symphony played up to its stellar reputation under the graceful guidance of Maestro Honeck. They impressed hubby (who does not enjoy sitting still for a classical piece!). . .

His comments: "The performance was excellent! It was a very good experience… I enjoyed it thoroughly!" That's a mouthful of praise coming from a cardiologist. The video complemented the music allowing us to fully appreciate the intricacies of the composition. The NASA pictures kept us engaged with the music. I wonder if the PSO could use the video screen to show us the musicians that are sitting the back especially when they are actually playing the instruments? My husband and I could only appreciate visually the violinists…He especially would like to definitely see the rest of the orchestra. We hope the PSO arrangers are listening. Santosh hopes wife takes him for a post Valentine's Day date! Thank you to PositivelyPittsburghLiveMagazine.com for providing the tickets and giving us the opportunity to review this amazing musical odyssey.

(photo courtesy: PSO)

The concert opens on earth with "The Elements, a PSO commission and world premiere, five small pieces about Pittsburgh's land and history written by local composers for the PSO's Year of Pittsburgh Composers.

Bomi Jang's "Awake," is about Pittsburgh's dwindling urban forest. Ms. Jang used a water gong, rolling bass drum, scratchy strings piccolo to create musical pictures for the audience.

"Eliza Furnace," by Mathew Rosenblum, musically depicts Pittsburgh's iron mill workers effectively using metallic instruments, brass and percussion to capture the sound and effect of the inside of a working steel mill.

Amy Williams' chaotic "Flood Lines" auspiciously about the 1936 flood culminated in an almost upbeat piano solo.

Reza Vali's "Ravan," represented well the Youghiogheny River. We could almost feel the river dancing. And during all of these wonderful pieces NASA pictures allowed our imaginations to soar, "Where no man has dared to go."

Mrs. Cardiology a raving Starwars, Star Trek, Star-anything fan sat mesmerized. . .  Dang! I was expecting a star ship to show up. . . ‘Hailing Captain Pandit… this is the interstellar Star Patrol. Please respond. Your mother is looking for you… you are late for dinner!’ Ah sci-fi fantasy at the PSO. . .  I never thought I would experience it. Awesome! Out of this world! . . .  Ahem. . .

Just make sure you experience not only my favorite part but the rest of the story! We puffed our chests with pride of knowing that Pittsburgh boasts real live music composers this talented ‘who needs New York?’ What an extraordinary way to experience nuances of Pittsburgh life! Another notch in the Most Livable City on Earth! ET come home to the classics like no other place in the world!

Additional Concert Times:

Saturday, Feb. 8th  |  8:00 PM  |  Heinz Hall
Sunday, Feb. 9th  |  2:30 PM  |  Heinz Hall

Mrs. Sunita Pandit and
Dr. Santosh Pandit

Written By: Sunita Pandit
Host of Mrs. Cardiology

Anchor Internet Radio Show on PositivelyPittsburghLiveMagazine.com

Weekly program on heart tips not tricks garnered from Fireside Conversations with her cardiologist husband, Dr. Santosh Pandit.

For more information visit http://MrsCardiology.com

Posted By: Stephanie Curtice

Good News and Cultural Reporter

PositivelyPittsburghLiveMagazine.com

RovingPittsburgher.blogspot.com

TheNewGirlintheBurgh.blogspot.com

(c) PositivelyPittsburghLiveMagazine.com 2014

Roving Pittsburgher Report - From McKees Rocks to Easlibberdy, Pittsburghers Should Be Proud of "Judge Jackie Justice"

From McKees Rocks to Easlibberdy, Pittsburghers Should Be Proud
A Review of Judge Jackie Justice, Feb. 7th 2014 Performance
From: Roving Pittsburgher Report and PositivePittsburghLiveMagazine.com
Written By: Joanne Quinn-Smith | Feb. 8, 2014

From the very beginning of "Judge Jackie Justice", director, writer and co-star, Jason Coll (the bailiff Henry) gets the audience involved in singing the refrain, "Judge Jackie Justice" each time a new scene starts. The effect in the intimate environment of the cabaret theatre is noticeable audience camaraderie.

Another PPLMag.com reporter (Stephanie Curtice) and I were seated with a delightful married couple at our table for four very near the stage, second row table actually. What a treat to be able to see up close the antics of the performers and especially the facial expressions of Kara Mikula (Judge Jackie Justice). Jackie Justice is a seemingly hard as nails replica of most TV judges. And therein, without issuing a spoiler alert, lies the comedy and pathos of this "warm your heart on a cold winter night" musical comedy.

Kara Mikula as Judge Jackie Justice
(photo courtesy: Pittsburgh Cultural Trust)

Each skit performed by cast members, Connor McCanlus and Maggie are extreme takeoffs on the ridiculous cases aired on reality court TV. In the intimate Cabaret Theatre you will be watching "Reality Dinner Theater" with “real” cases involving zombies, spaceships and a Super Star father and daughter. Character insets like Henry's "Like Your Mother Does" hysterically explores the "mama's boy" stereotype as Conner McCanless "drags it up" as Henry's overbearing, belittling mother.

There are also comically tender scenes like "If You Only Knew" where Henry (Jason Coll) proves that he is not just writer and director but a versatile actor and singer as well.

Also if you have seen the local presentation of "Oklahoma" by the REP then you will be amazed at the versatility of Jonathan Visser as Shane (played Jud Fry in Oklahoma). He easily transforms from tragic hero to comedic villain as Judge Jackie's ex husband.

This is also a Pittsburgh centric play with loads of Pittsburghese sandwiched in with references to the audience being from McKees Rocks. My associate Stephanie is newly here in Pittsburgh from Kansas so at times she needed an interpreter, but needed no interpreter when Shane pulled her out of the audience to participate as his newest 23 year old flame. When he mentioned her being "nimble" Stephanie unprompted lifted up her leg with her hand and pulled it up to her shoulder. Now that is improvisation from the audience! Wish we could have taken a picture!

If you want to laugh until you cry you must attend one of the upcoming performances of Judge Jackie Justice to experience, good writing, great comedy, and a touch of old time burlesque theatre--the real stuff, where you had to pay attention to really enjoy the humor. And pay attention you will!

Judge Jackie Justice will be holding court through Sunday, April 27, 2014 at the CLO Cabaret Theater

Written By: Joanne Quinn-Smith
Joanne Quinn-Smith, Award winning internet radio broadcaster, blogger, author and internet radio and TV network editor and publisher. Joanne is the owner and CEO, Creative Energy Officer, of Dreamweaver Marketing Associates, a successful Pittsburgh-based marketing company. She is a grandmother and great grandmother, an unlikely trendsetter for online journalism and broadcasting.

Joanne is internationally known as the “Get Your Google On” Gal, but better known as Techno Granny™ to over one million accumulated online listeners worldwide. Joanne has created a revolutionary online NEW MEDIA platform in Internet broadcasting, blogging and other social media participation that represents the new second generation of World Wide Web interactions, known in technology circles as Web 2.0. JQS is the online publisher of PositivelyPittsburghLiveMagazine.com, an online community magazine to disseminate the Positive News for Positive Pittsburghers. PPL Mag is Pittsburgh’s First Internet radio and TV network with syndicated channels and online radio and TV capabilities.

Posted By: Stephanie Curtice

Good News and Cultural Reporter
PositivelyPittsburghLiveMagazine.com, RovingPittsburgher.blogspot.com, TheNewGirlintheBurgh.blogspot.com

© PositivelyPittsburghLiveMagazine.com 2014

Roving Pittsburgher Report - Ogre Love Conquers All A Review of Shrek the Musical, Feb. 6th 2014 Performance

Ogre Love Conquers All
A Review of Shrek the Musical, Feb. 6th 2014 Performance
From: Roving Pittsburgher and PositivePittsburghLiveMagazine.com
Written By: Stephanie Curtice | Feb. 07, 2014

We all grew up with those classic fairy tales of damsels in distress saved by a handsome prince, where love triumphs over the wicked, and everyone was perfect, pretty, and happy. Well Shrek the Musical, which opened February 6th at Pittsburgh’s Byham Theater, was a perfect toe-tapping love story just like that – well mostly.

Shrek the Musical
(photo courtesy: Pittsburgh Cultural Trust)

The dashing hero Shrek (Billy Mason) is not quite prince charming, because you know it ain’t easy being green. The shunned ogre was content to live in the quiet of his swamp. That was until it was invaded by misfit fairy tale characters, banished from the kingdom of Duloc by the droll Lord Farquaad (Tim Hartman). The pint-sized ruler offers a challenge for Shrek to regain his stinky swamp. All he needed to do was rescue Farquaad’s bride-to-be from a dragon protected tower.

With the help of his charmingly witty and relentless noble steed, Donkey, Shrek rescues the beautiful maiden Fiona (Emily Lynne Miller) narrowly escaping the pink dragon, a singing diva. At first unimpressed with the efforts of the outcast ogre, Fiona warms up to Shrek and a few commonalities break wind for an unexpected romance. But, Fiona bearing her own curse and is not who she seems. Now in love with Fiona, Shrek tries to break up her wedding to Farquaad. Meanwhile, the renegade fairy tale characters storm the castle in their own revolt against the mini monarch. Happy ever after comes for all as they fly their "Freak Flag" with pride and Fiona's true identity is revealed by power of true love’s kiss.

Shrek the Musical
(photo courtesy: Pittsburgh Cultural Trust)

Now even before the show I was wondering what differences there would be from the movie. Shrek the Musical was adapted from the popular 2001 animated film by DreamWorks and the children’s book by William Steig. It was directed by Colleen Petrucci, with a score by Jeanine Tesori and a book and lyrics by the Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright David Lindsay-Abaire. Like the movie it was laden with numerous pop culture jokes and fairy tale spoofs. But it additionally had spoof references to other musicals like Les Miserables, Gypsy, The Lion King, Wicked, and Chorus Line including one classic style tap dancing number, “I Think I Got You Beat.”

The show featured a Pittsburgh native too. Tim Hartman, who played the vertically challenged Lord Farquaad, hilariously hammed it up for the hometown, all while scooting around on his knees the whole show. Shrek the Musical was full of fun, upbeat music, comical spoofs, witty jokes, a great message of acceptance, and incredible costumes, like Pinocchio’s trademark growing nose. The singing was outstanding and the acting superb. I know its still cold out, but don’t just pop in the DVD. Go out, take the kids to see Shrek the Musical live, you won’t be sorry. The family friendly show is one you and your kids won’t want to miss!

Special shout out to my 7th grade neighbor Ishmael, who joined me at the show.  His favorites were Donkey for the laughs, great singing and accent by Shrek, and special effects like Pinocchio's growing nose.  He gave the show two thumbs up too!

Additional Performances:

Feb 7th and 8th  |   7:30 PM
Feb 9th  |   2:00 PM
Feb 14th and 15th  |   7:30 PM
Feb 16th  |   2:00 PM

By: Stephanie Curtice

Good News and Cultural Reporter

PositivelyPittsburghLiveMagazine.com

RovingPittsburgher.blogspot.com

TheNewGirlintheBurgh.blogspot.com

(c) PositivelyPittsburghLiveMagazine.com 2014

Roving Pittsburgher Report - Hip Hop Dance Mashup is Smashup A Review Compagnie Kafig’s Feb. 1st 2014 Performance

Hip Hop Dance Mashup is Smashup
A Review Compagnie Kafig’s Feb. 1st 2014 Performance
From: Roving Pittsburgher and PositivePittsburghLiveMagazine.com
Written By: Stephanie Curtice | Feb. 02, 2014

(photo courtesy: Pittsburgh Cultural Trust)

What do you get when you mix MMA moves and dancing? Or more specifically a dance mashup of Capoeira, Brazilian martial arts, with contemporary and hip hop dancing? An exhilarating and physical dance show by Compagnie Kafig. Choreographed by Mourad Merzouki of France, the 11 member male dance troupe had the packed house of the Byham Theater in aw all night, Feb. 1st.

Compagnie Kafig
(photo courtesy: Pittsburgh Cultural Trust)

The first half of the show was called “Correira,” Portuguese for running. It was a fun exploration of movement about running here, there and every where. Alone, together. Fast and slow. In circles and in place. The show opened with three sets of feet running in the air and as the lights opened more join, others begin circling around fast. The chaos of groups coming and going grew into an amazing display of breaking, popping, locking, waacking, hip-hop, house, Capoeira, and acrobatics, all while running in some way.

The second half was called Agwa, and was a fun piece with tribal-like flare about the fluidity of water. It opened with two dancers navigating around 20 towers of clear plastic cups stacked 3 to 5 feet high, only one fell over. Then with the dashing of the other dancers across the stage they were all scattered. With the spot light on an amazing display of pop and lock dancing by one, the rest of the troupe crawled in the dark setting up the disheveled cups into 15 rows of 20 cups partially filled with water.

Compagnie Kafig
(photo courtesy: Pittsburgh Cultural Trust)

The lights came up and the piece picked up the pace with a dancer doing flips and back handsprings across the stage never hitting a single glass. As the whole group joined in, not a single drop was spilled as they danced, flipped, and crawled around the stage. The glasses were gathered and water combined as part of the dance. Then after the humorous taunting of one dancer, they all appear in clear raincoats almost as if they were the cups. Continuing we saw yet another use of the cups with each dancer reappearing with a stack of 50 - 100 cups, manipulating it like a snake. As the intensity came to a head, literally with a guy breakdance spinning on his head, the glasses all flew into the air and showered down.

With a roaring crowd the troupe, reappeared with an encore of dance solos among the scattered cups. Critics waffle between how to label the dancing of Compagnie Kafig’s as contemporary dance or just street hip-hop. Here’s what I know…. I know I couldn’t do any of the moves they did and practically worked up a sweat just watching them. This show was the most captivating, high-intensity, and fun dance performance I have ever seen. It was a smash!

Upcoming Cultural Shows presented by the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust:
Shen Yun Chinese Dancing | February 19th and 20th | Benedum Center
Soweto Gospel Choir | February 27th | Byham Theater
Celtic Nights | March 6 | Byham Theater

By: Stephanie Curtice
Good News and Cultural Reporter
PositivelyPittsburghLiveMagazine.com
RovingPittsburgher.blogspot.com
TheNewGirlintheBurgh.blogspot.com
(c) PositivelyPittsburghLiveMagazine.com 2014

Roving Pittsburgher Report - B 3 = Bach x Beethoven x Brahms A Review of the PSO’s Jan. 31st 2014 Concert

B ³ = Bach x Beethoven x Brahms

A Review of the PSO’s Jan. 31st 2014 Concert

Manfred Honeck
(photo courtesy: PSO)

Though the opening tune was one that is frequently associated with vampires emerging from their caskets or spooky Halloween scenes, it was no scary start to the Grand Classics concert Friday night at Heinz Hall. Led by conductor and music director Manfred Honeck, the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra played works of three great composers Bach, Beethoven, and Brahms.

The PSO opened with Bach’s “Toccata and Fugue in D minor” for organ, transcribed for orchestra by Leopold Stokowski. Complete with the bombastic but still eerie beginning, the wall of sound was impressive. But it was the intricacy of crazy quick fugal sequences, originally meant for nimble keyboard hands, that was a true test and showcase of precision.

Helene Grimaud
(photo courtesy: PSO)

Sandwiched between Bach and Brahms was Beethoven, the star of the show. Symphony No.4 in B-flat major, Opus 60 opened with swells of dramatic flare and then quickly contrasting, quiet suspenseful passages. The second movement featured a beautifully played clarinet solo by Michael Rusinek! The piece culminated in an exhilarating dance of flurry which is “classic” Beethoven and fun to hear played so well.

The final piece, Concerto No. 1 in D minor for Piano and Orchestra, Opus 15 by Brahms, featured Ms Helene Grimaud of France. Though it features robust orchestration paired with the piano soloist, Gimaud held her own well and was not washed out by the full sound. She also played the rich and expressive solo passages with great skill and brought out the passion filled melodies beautifully.

The Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra hit the trifecta with this concert and received a fitting standing ovation from the audience.

Additional Concert Times:
Sunday, February 2nd, 2014 at 2:30 PM

By: Stephanie Curtice
Good News and Cultural Reporter
PositivelyPittsburghLiveMagazine.com
RovingPittsburgher.blogspot.comTheNewGirlintheBurgh.blogspot.com

(c) PositivelyPittsburghLiveMagazine.com 2013