Pittsburg, PA
Pittsburgh Musical Theater transports audiences to 1950s with ‘Grease’ – The Pitt News
In the historic halls of Pittsburgh’s Byham Theater, the air was alive with the iconic melodies and nostalgic charm of the 1950s. From March 7 to March 17, the venue became the vibrant stage for Pittsburgh Musical Theater‘s rendition of the classic musical “Grease.”
Through the flowing costumes that breathe life into characters of yesteryear and the
electrifying beats of rock ‘n’ roll that reverberated through the air, PMT whisked audience members away to the iconic halls of Rydell High School. The musical chronicles the romance between the charismatic bad boy, Danny Zuko, and Sandy Olsson, a timid but sweet newcomer.
Jeremy Eiben, the costume designer for “Grease,” said the creative process of designing costumes for the characters required a balance of accurate representation and historical inspiration.
“To do my design the process, I begin by reading the script and getting to know each character,” Eiben said. “A lot goes into looking at research from the 1950s, and it’s important to stay away from looking at production photos and the movie, because the movie was loosely based on the ‘50s and more inspired by the ‘70s, which is when it was filmed.”
He said that PMT’s rendition of the timeless musical blended traditional elements with a fresh perspective and innovative additions, especially in terms of his role as costume designer.
“A lot of people take ‘Grease’ to be edgier, and I wanted to shift away from that,” Eiben said. “Instead, I looked at photographs and decided to bring actual people’s high school memories onto the stage. By copying what I’ve seen in yearbooks and photos, I simply strived to portray real people on the stage.”
Zanny Laird, the actress portraying Betty Rizzo, said while the musical exudes fun and lightheartedness through its joyful songs, it also delves into weighty societal issues prevalent during the 1950s, particularly regarding the roles of women in society.
“There’s so much fun and love in our production of ‘Grease’ but also hard hitting things that we try to tackle especially when it comes to things like the expectation of women during the time period,” Laird said. “I hope that people see that Rizzo very much tries to go against the grain and what was expected of women at the time. Sandy and Rizzo are like two sides of the same coin, and they realize that at the end.”
Laird said she felt connected to the role of Rizzo. She said the complexity of Rizzo made her fascinating to portray.
“I’ve always loved the role of Rizzo, and I’ve always been fascinated with the softness and the hurt that underlies the tough exterior of Rizzo,” Laird said. “A lot of Rizzo’s dark humor is very similar to my own, so that was really easy to tap into. I also understand what it’s like to be hurt and trying to put up a front, so approaching the character was easy because I have experience in being in pain on the inside and putting a hard shell on the outside.”
While finding resonance with her character brought Laird a sense of joy, it was the opportunity to collaborate with a dear friend on stage that elevated her experience.
“The actor who played Kenickie is one of my best friends, so we both got very lucky, because if we didn’t have such a close friendship it would be very difficult to display that romance,” Laird said. “We both trust each other so much on the stage and feel so safe with each other, so it’s been one of the easiest times I’ve had with an actor on stage.”
Ellie Tongel, sophomore business major and member of the ensemble in the musical, said being in “Grease” while attending Pitt full time required a lot of time management and organization.
“In college, all the work is up to you, it’s your responsibility to get things done, so I had to be really well time managed as a student in the show,” Tongel said. “I always had my backpack with me and any break I had, I got some work done.”
Tongel said despite her major being entirely unrelated to theater arts, her passion for performing empowered her to effectively manage her time and commit to both pursuits.
“I’m from the suburbs of Pittsburgh, and I grew up doing classes with the Pittsburgh Musical Theater, but that was four years ago,” Tongel said. “Theater has always been what I’ve enjoyed the most, and I knew that I would want to keep that no matter what I ended up doing. That factored into my decision to go to Pitt because the area has so many great opportunities to perform even if you’re not going to school for it.”
Despite the demanding juggle of academic responsibilities alongside rigorous rehearsals, Tongel said she found solace in the rewarding moments of being under the spotlight.
“I’m having the best time of my life, especially with the show being ‘Grease,’” Tongel said. “I get to be in all the fun musical numbers like ‘Born to Hand Jive’ and ‘We Go Together.’ Being together with everyone on stage turns your entire day around, and it’s truly the best feeling.”
Despite the exuberance that permeated each performance, the journey to a successful opening night was fraught with challenges. Eiben said he encountered many struggles in costume design, including the intricate hand-sewing of detailed designs.
“‘Beauty School Dropout’ was the most challenging set of costumes to bring to the show,” Eiben said. “All the rhinestones that were seen, I hand-glued them down. In total, there were over 10,000 rhinestones glued down by hand. Teen Angel is my favorite costume; it was such a fun process to make the angel wings and rhinestone wings, but that alone took two days.”
Alexa Holleran, a local mental health specialist who attended the musical, said she feels a huge difference watching the “Grease” musical compared to the film. She said she always recommends watching a live performance of a show instead of a film since that allows for better connection to the characters.
“I feel like when watching a play or a musical you get more emotionally involved than you would in a movie because everything is happening right in front of you,” Holleran said. “The emotions of the characters on a stage is something you can really feel when you’re watching a show live. I always loved Rizzo, and the person that’s playing her right now is really good and you can just feel that. The chemistry between her and Kenickie is another thing that you can see in musicals a lot more than movies, which just shows the value of catching a show live.”
Pittsburg, PA
14+ things to do this weekend, from Juneteenth and Monster Jam to Summer Splash and Bubblesburgh
What’s going on in Pittsburgh this weekend, June 18-21? Find out here. Know of a cool event? Email us.
Thursday, June 18-Sunday, June 21
Western PA Juneteenth and Black Music Celebration at Point State Park, Market Square and Liberty Avenue
11 a.m.-10 p.m.
Honor the holiday commemorating the ending of slavery in the U.S. at the largest Juneteenth festival in North America. For the 161st anniversary of Juneteenth, Stop the Violence Pittsburgh presents this four-day festival celebrating “freedom, culture and resilience.” Energizing Downtown Pittsburgh’s newly refurbished Market Square along with Point State Park and Liberty Avenue, the signature festival showcases live music and entertainment, cultural experiences, vendors and more.
The Main Stage will sizzle with performances by Lloyd, Leela James, Ill-Harmonic Orchestra, Musiq Soulchild, Fabolous and Marsha Ambrosius. The Juneteenth in the Square Stage will host a range of live music, from Final Draft, Big Jus & Steel City Horns and the ReaL DeaL Band, to Keith Washington, Brother Marlon Gospel Showcase and Evelyn Champagne King.
On Saturday, join the Grand Jubilee Parade stepping off at 11 a.m. from Freedom Corner pulsing with a high-energy steppers, dancers, horses and community groups. Support Black entrepreneurs at the Small Business Vendor Plaza lining Liberty Avenue with handmade goods, curated items and delicious cuisine. The free festivities also include a voting rights forum and youth fishing programs. Kicking off on the official U.S. federal holiday, the celebration culminates with Sunday’s All White After-Party at Club Enclave. Information. Read more about Juneteenth in NEXT.
Thursday, June 18
Made Local with Lisa Olszak Zumstein at Carnegie Library Lecture Hall
7 p.m.
Presented by Pittsburgh Arts & Lectures, the Made Local series showcases prolific local authors and books with strong ties to the region. Next up to take the mic for Made Local is Pittsburgh-based author Lisa Olszak Zumstein, whose newest book examines the emotional, everyday and long-term effects of a catastrophic flash flood that ravaged Brady’s Bend 46 years ago. In just 40 minutes, a “record-breaking thunderstorm unleashed a disastrous amount of water” on the tiny town located in Clarion County along the Allegheny River as residents ran for their lives and nine people tragically drowned. Author of “The Brady’s Bend Flood of 1980,” Zumstein “reveals how this devastating storm mirrors numerous others in the Appalachian corridor.”
A native of the tightly knit rural Appalachian community of Brady’s Bend — where she grew up with eight siblings — Zumstein is focusing on writing after retiring from a 30-year career as a small-business owner. “The Brady’s Bend Flood of 1980” is available for purchase from White Whale Bookstore. Register for free.
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In Bed By Ten featuring HUNY XO. Photo courtesy of Ava Grace Studios.
Friday, June 19
In Bed by Ten Juneteenth Party at Spirit
6-9 p.m.
The dance party you love to stay out not too late for is back with a special Juneteenth edition. A celebration of music from the Black American diaspora, In Bed By Ten’s groovy Juneteenth soundtrack is curated by DJ Huny XO, who will be joined by DJs Femi and Yamez spinning R&B, hip-hop, house music and more. It’s a party with a purpose because proceeds benefit Sibyls Shrine, an art collective and residency program rooted in radical care, rest and support. Don’t actually need to be in bed by 10 p.m.? After bonding with all your new besties on the dance floor, stay late for the after-party by Mostbeautifullest, also curated by Huny XO. Tickets.
Saturday, June 20
“French Moderns: Matisse / Renoir / Degas” at The Frick Pittsburgh
10 a.m.-5 p.m.
This summer, Pittsburghers have the chance to experience landmark works by some of history’s most well-known artists when The Frick Pittsburgh opens it newest exhibition this weekend. Featuring approximately 60 artworks that “position France as the artistic center of international Modernism from the mid-19th to mid-20th centuries,” the exhibition runs through Oct.11. The exhibition includes paintings, drawings and sculptures by renowned artists Paul Cézanne, Marc Chagall, Camille Corot, Gustave Courbet, Edgar Degas, Jean-Léon Gérôme, Henri Matisse, Berthe Morisot, Gabriele Münter, Pierre-Auguste Renoir and Auguste Rodin.
Visitors will also examine major avant-garde art movements, from realism, impressionism, post-impressionism and symbolism, to Fauvism, cubism and surrealism. To augment the exhibition, the Frick is also presenting dozens of public programs, including film screenings, workshops, lectures and collaborative events with BB&Bur Pastry Kitchen and Bakery and Pittsburgh artist Ron Donoughe. Tickets.
Saturday, June 20
Festa Di Limoncello at Vallozzis Pittsburgh
2-5 p.m.
Sure, we don’t have the Amalfi Coast … but we do have the Festa di Limoncello. Raise a glass to the first weekend of summer with the perfect al fresco libation. Dubbed “Cello Fest” the event celebrates everything limoncello, transforming the restaurant’s open-air lounge into a breezy tableaux. An entire afternoon dedicated to the classic and irresistible Italian lemon liqueur, the sixth annual festival showcases new, unique limoncello flavors and an upgraded VIP experience. Sip 10 flavors of house-made cello while exploring an expanded festival footprint that includes the Fifth Avenue sidewalk and continues around the corner to McMasters Way.
Admission includes unlimited tastings, two drink tickets for craft cocktails, Italian-inspired bites, games and entertainment. Oh Snap Pgh will be on site to help revelers capture the fun on film, while DJ Wade Anthony will keep the party hopping with energetic beats. This year’s newly upgraded VIP experience includes early admission at 1 p.m., along with a swag bag full of limoncello-themed goodies, a specialty food spread, concierge service and exclusive access to a private lounge in the newly renovated Fresh Mozzarella bar. Tickets.
Saturday, June 20, & Sunday, June 21
Antique Skyscrapers Rooftop Tours in Downtown Pittsburgh
10 a.m., 1 p.m. & 4 p.m.
Local author and skyscraper aficionado Mark Houser wants Pittsburghers to “keep looking up.” Literally. If you’re looking for a creative gift for that father figure in your life, or a special outing to experience together, why not try a skyscraper rooftop tour? Join Houser and other intrepid tour-goers to climb atop four historic Pittsburgh skyscrapers. Take in breathtaking views and explore the remarkable stories behind these local landmarks from way above the Golden Triangle.
See all the way to Oakland from the 29th floor balcony of the 1929 Art Deco Koppers Building, and admire the ornate Beaux-Arts terracotta cornice of the Oliver Building designed by renowned Chicago architect Daniel Burnham. Head to the top of the Clark Building for a close-up rooftop view of the baroque red-domed skyscraper next door, and then “face off against the courthouse tower” from the balcony of the rooftop Union Club in the Frick Building. At each stop on the Downtown walking tour, attendees will discover new perspectives and “hear entertaining and surprising stories about the people behind the buildings.” Tickets.
Saturday, June 20
PONY UP: A Celebration of the Year of the Fire Horse at Tree Pittsburgh
6-10:30 p.m.
Celebrate the Year of the Fire Horse at magic hour along the Allegheny River. Taking place on the cusp of the summer solstice, the one-of-a-kind festivities are presented by the Pittsburgh-based Asian American & Pacific Islander artist collective JADED. The festival will highlight collective rituals, while making space for shared feeling. Featured performers include Viii Dorsey, philophilm, DJ Formosa, and LEXCD.
Pittsburgh’s queer line dancing group 412 Step will be lead attendees in guangchangwu. A central aspect of public life in China and other parts of Asia, guangchangwu or auntie plaza dancing is a tradition spanning many generations. The event will also include a public mourning ritual led by Monkey Wenches LLC. Says JADED organizer: “This is a party that aims to return us to radical dreaming in the face of ICE kidnapping our neighbors and US-backed war in Palestine, Iran and Lebanon. How do we grieve what our communities have lost, what has been taken forcibly? How do we ground in our desires for this Year of the Fire Horse and forge our own ways forward?” Information.
Saturday, June 20
Bubblesburgh at The Waterfront
1-4 p.m.
Float on over to Homestead to frolic with millions of bubbles. The Waterfront ushers in the season of summer fun with this festive afternoon dubbed Bubblesburgh. Celebrate all things bubbly — bubble machines, interactive bubble zones, balloon animals and more. Compete in a bubble-blowing contest, bounce around to live beats from kidmental and shop in the vibrant vendor market. Offering hands-on activities for kids (and kids at heart) of all ages, the free event will also feature local food and beverage vendors. Information.
Saturday, June 20
Summer Splash at Kamin Science Center
10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Dive into summer with this splash-tastic day of hands-on science, outdoor excitement and riverfront activities presented by ALCOSAN. Get moving with outdoor games, blow giant bubbles and visit an interactive rain garden. Strike a pose at a riverside dance party with DJ Vanessa, and meet our local aquatic neighbors, including fish, amphibians and reptiles that call our rivers home. Cool off by building a mini snowman, join a summer-themed photo scavenger hunt and hop aboard history to visit a real Cold War-era submarine. Explore the fascinating science of water as you discover how ALCOSAN keeps our rivers clean and healthy. Soak up the sun’s rays as you take in dramatic views of Pittsburgh’s three rivers from the terrace. All activities are included with general admission.
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All photos courtesy of Monster Jam. -
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Saturday, June 20
Monster Jam at Acrisure Stadium
12:30-3:30 p.m. & 5 p.m.
Watch from the edge of your seat when the North Shore stadium roars to life with mind-blowing live motorsports action. World-class athletes driving state-of-the-art trucks to perform gravity-defying stunts can only mean one thing: Monster Jam is back. Follow all the full-throttle thrills and heart-pounding races as 12,000-pound trucks defy the laws of physics, stand on two wheels and soar through the air during competitions of speed and skill. Be there when the world’s top drivers tear up the dirt on perfectly engineered tracks, battling it out for event championship titles in three competitions: racing, skills and the fan favorite freestyle.
Get ready to cheer on Tyler Menninga in the famed Grave Digger and Ryan Anderson celebrating 15 years with Son-uva Digger. Don’t miss Sparkle Smash, “the 6-ton unicorn with a bold attitude” driven by Kayla Blood, and find Bryce Kenny behind the wheel of the new Tech Deck Wreck Deckä, inspired by skateboarding. Even cooler? Fans will be right in the heart of all the action, helping to crown the Event Champion as they score drivers in real-time based on skills, stunts and saves. Start the fun early at the Monster Jam Pit Party, a must for selfies with the trucks, autographs from drivers and family-friendly activities. Don’t Miss the Monster Jam Trackside Experience happening about an hour before the opening ceremonies, to enjoy driver interviews, pit crew sneak peeks and special giveaways. Tickets.
Saturday, June 20
Fiesta Del Sol
6 p.m.
Location details will be provided with ticket purchase
There’s never been a more critical time to support the work of Casa San José. If you’re inspired to help Pittsburgh’s immigrant neighbors as violent ICE activities occur around the country, Fiesta Del Sol is a positive way to get involved while also celebrating Latino heritage and culture. Enjoy an evening “dedicated to community, connection and meaningful impact,” while helping to raise critical funds for Casa San José. The festivities will feature music by DJ TI|ZA, a photo booth, a raffle with 20 Latin American-themed baskets and a wine pull. The silent auction features art, memorabilia and specialty pieces, including three items autographed by Bruce Springsteen especially for Fiesta Del Sol. Join supporters, families and local leaders who are committed to continuing the nonprofit’s work, strengthening community and uplifting lives. The VIP Party starting at 5 p.m. includes an exclusive wine tasting, Argentinian cuisine, valet parking and live music by Geña & Peña. General admission festivities start at 6 p.m. Tickets.
Sunday, June 21
Make Music Day Pittsburgh at Schenley Plaza and the Schenley Park Visitor Center
11 a.m.-9 p.m.
Nature, music and community will converge to welcome summer in Oakland. Join the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy to explore the musical side of the city during this special edition of the organization’s Family Day series. Showcasing Pittsburgh’s diverse musical community, the daylong celebration features performances ranging from opera and jazz to folk, bluegrass and acoustic music throughout Schenley Plaza and the Schenley Park Visitor Center. The festivities also include sensory-friendly programming and hands-on musical experiences for all ages. While there, be sure to hop on the PNC Carousel for a free ride. Schenley Plaza will burst with music from Pittsburgh Festival Opera, Azure Family Concerts, The KRUNK Movement and Center of Life Jazz, and the Shade Tree Collective. Performing over at the Schenley Park Visitor Center will be Wild Orchids, Donna Occhipinti, Ray Pelletier and Mars Loves You. Information.
Sunday, June 21
Disco Sunday Disco at Trace Brewing
3-9 p.m.
Dance for a very important local cause when Disco Sunday Disco fills Clement Way with life-affirming summer solstice vibes. Commune on the open-air dance floor along the color-soaked “Graffiti Alley” with hundreds of your newest BFFs alongside the Bloomfield brewery. There is no such thing as the Sunday Scaries here. Under the disco ball tent and on the decks for the June edition will be resident DJs Hoagie Dreams and Dini Daddy keeping dancers jovial. Stay sated with bites from the Streets on the Fly Food Truck parked out front. Sway into the sunset to help raise money for the Pittsburgh-based nonprofit ARYSE, which supports immigrant and refugee youth. Information.
Sunday, June 21
Summer Sounds with Weather Permitting at Hazelwood Green
6-10 p.m.
Unwind after the weekend and get recharged for the week ahead when one of the city’s favorite outdoor concert series returns. Weather Permitting and Hazelwood Local team up to bring the summer vibes, with huge helpings of global music and cuisine, to the bucolic green space along the Mon. Based in Naucalpan on the outskirts of Mexico City, Son Rompe Pera will fill the site’s Woodlawn Meadow with their unforgettable marimba-infused music and unique blend of punk and cumbia sounds. Arrive with an appetite because Kilimanjaro Flavour will be serving up East African dishes, and local breweries will be on site. Free for all ages, the event also includes family-friendly games and local vendors. A limited number of lawn seats are available, and attendees are welcome to bring chairs and blankets. Information.
Find more summer concerts here
9 more things to do in Pittsburgh this weekend
Thursday, June 18: Midsummer Mingle at Allegheny RiverTrail Park, 6:30-10 p.m.
Thursday, June 18 : The Black Studio presents a screening of “Chocolate Babies” at Bottom Feeder Books, 7-9 p.m.
Friday, June 19, & Sunday, June 21: Resonance Works presents “Roméo & Juliette” at the New Hazlett Theater, 8 p.m. & 3 p.m.
Saturday, June 20: POGOH Community Slow Roll Series at the Tioga Street and Homewood Avenue POGOH station, 10 a.m.
Saturday, June 20: World Refugee Day Conference at the Allegheny Center Alliance Church, 8 a.m.-12 p.m.
Saturday, June 20: PA Running Series 5K at Altered Genius Brewing Co., 11 a.m.
Saturday, June 20: Carnegie Celebrates Juneteenth at the Andrew Carnegie Free Library & Music Hall, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
Saturday, June 20: Mount Oliver Borough Juneteenth Block Party along the 100–200 block of Brownsville Road, 6-10 p.m.
Saturday, June 20: fireWALL Dance presents “COVEN” at the Greer Cabaret Theater, 8 p.m.
Penn Township has voted to ban e-bikes and e-scooters from the township’s Municipal Park Complex.
During a commissioners meeting on Wednesday evening, the board passed an ordinance that will prohibit e-bicycles and e-scooters from operating within the townships Municipal Park.
“The decision was based on safety concerns for park visitors as well as the riders of the bikes and scooters,” said Penn Township secretary/manager Mary Perez.
Earlier this week, Perez told KDKA that the township has received complaints regarding the use of bikes and scooters in the park complex and that the board had considered other options like helmet requirements and speed limits, but found those difficult to enforce.
The Municipal Park Complex off of Raymaley Road is where the township’s municipal offices are located along with the library, a fishing pond, dog park, skate park, pavilions, and nearly a dozen baseball fields.
With the passing of an ordinance related to e-bike usage, Penn Township becomes the latest municipality in the Pittsburgh area to bring the topic to the forefront of discussion.
Earlier this month, Center Township Police in Beaver County urged parents to talk to their children after police said children on e-bikes caused serious damage to a new park.
After an e-bike crash happened in Bethel Park earlier this year, police took to social media to remind parents and families that even if kids are old enough to ride e-bikes, they still have to abide by the rules of the road — following traffic lights, the signs, and the signals.
Around the time of the Bethel Park reminder, Brentwood Borough also sent out a reminder, saying “motorized recreational vehicles” are not allowed anywhere in the borough, which includes streets, sidewalks, and parks.
Pittsburgh flash flooding: NWS expert explains June sorm threat
After multiple tornadoes and rounds of heavy rain, Pittsburgh faces rising flash flood risk as National Weather Service experts urge extra caution.
Pittsburgh is in the middle of a volatile June weather pattern, with the National Weather Service warning that severe storms and flash flooding remain a real concern across western Pennsylvania. The region saw multiple rounds of severe weather over the past week, including tornadoes confirmed near Pittsburgh and elsewhere in western Pennsylvania, according to NWS Pittsburgh and recent storm reports.
Meteorologists say the pattern is not unusual for this time of year.
“June is our prime month for severe weather, for flash flooding, and it can stay active into July,” said Alicia Miller, a senior service hydrologist with the National Weather Service in Pittsburgh. She added that having “two back-to-back weeks with several tornadoes is rare, but not completely unusual” for the region.
Weather, with showers and thunderstorms possible tonight and Thursday, along with periods of heavy rain.
Officials urge residents to stay weather-aware and avoid driving through flooded roads. The National Weather Service explains the difference between flood watches and warnings and stresses that people in flood-prone areas should move to higher ground when flooding is imminent. For anyone headed outdoors, the message remains: if thunder roars, go indoors — and if water covers the road, turn around.
This story was created with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Journalists were involved in every step of the information gathering, review, editing and publishing process. Learn more.
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