From Pacific skies to prehistoric scrap, we’ve got something great thing to do in Pittsburgh for each day of the week. Get ready for dance, jazz, theater … and, of course, dinosaurs at these best Pittsburgh events from May 18-24.
The Best Events in Pittsburgh May 18-24
Top Gun 40th Anniversary
Monday, May 18, Select Theaters
It has been a full four decades since Tom Cruise and Kelly McGillis nestled onto the back of a motorcycle, the synth melody of Berlin’s Take My Breath Away sounded and America got really excited about beach volleyball. (There were also fighter jets in the film, I think, but they weren’t really the main point.) Top Gun, the beloved military romance directed by the late Tony Scott, is back in theaters now, including some IMAX screenings; see it in a premium format to appreciate the impressive aerial photography.
Scraposaurs
Tuesday, May 19, Pittsburgh Botanic Garden
There’s plenty of whimsy at Pittsburgh Botanic Garden, the sprawling (and growing) site dedicated to turning an abandoned patch of industrial land into a beautiful destination. It’s not all trees and gentle pathways; there are surprises to be found in this forest. This summer, that will include … metallic dinosaurs, naturally. (You were expecting something more arboreal, perhaps? That wouldn’t be very surprising.) The installation Scraposaurs consists of 15 prehistoric creatures crafted by artist Dale Lewis; he uses recycled materials to create sturdy, fun pieces that can also withstand outdoor installation. Take time to explore (and maybe grab lunch at the excellent cafe).
Michael Zagaris: 60 Years of NFL Photography
Wednesday, May 20, 707 Gallery
We know: The Draft is over and Training Camp is still a long way off. And yet, this Downtown photography exhibition is worth getting another dose of off-season football. Michael Zagaris: 60 Years of NFL Photography features photos from the career of the legendary photographer who has spent decades as the team photographer for the San Francisco 49ers, capturing this game of inches in lyrical detail. The exhibition continues at 707 Gallery through Nov. 8.
Foolish Assumptions from Corningworks
Thursday, May 21, Point Park University
For the latest installment in the Glue Factory Projects, internationally lauded choreography Beth Corning utilizes just two dancers and two chairs. It’s still more than enough: Corning’s work is expressive and precise, so there will be plenty to read in every gesture and movement. Corningworks’ Glue Factory Projects, original works of dance theater that spotlight performers over the age of 40, have received raves in venues far and wide; Corning is just back from a run of last season’s original, STAND BY — an allegory, in New York; she’ll debut this show May 14-17 and 20-23 at Point Park’s George Rowland White Theater.
Sixty Nine-Seventy
Friday, May 22, City Theatre Campus
The Pittsburgh premiere of playwright Michael Eichler’s drama Sixty Nine-Seventy may be set nearly 60 years ago, but the resonances are clear: Muddy military conflicts, unpopular politicians and young folks eager to take action. Set in a student union, the team behind this independent production — led by director Alex Manalo, a Pittsburgh theater favorite — have opted to stage their show in the lobby of the City Theatre campus, placing the audience in tables surrounded by the performers for an immediate, immersive interpretation. Sixty Nine-Seventy continues through Sunday.
An Evening with Tamara Tunie
Saturday, May 23, MCG Jazz
While nationwide television audiences know Tamara Tunie best for her decades-long run on Law & Order: SVU, Pittsburghers have been fortunate enough to get to know her as a talented, dynamic stage actress and singer. The CMU alum and proud Pittsburgher will lead a top-notch jazz ensemble — including Grammy-nominated pianist Christian Sands — this Saturday night at MCG Jazz; two shows are scheduled, for 6 & 8:30 p.m.
Working from Front Porch Theatricals
Sunday, May 24, New Hazlett Theater
The stage musical Working had unusual source material: The book by the same name by Studs Terkel, which collected first-person testimonials from people speaking frankly about their jobs. Those essays were turned into songs by a roster of songwriters including Stephen Schwartz, James Taylor and Mary Rodgers; it didn’t connect on Broadway, but found new life in regional productions. Now, Front Porch Theatricals brings an all-star cast to the show. As Working begins, it’ll feel like a curiosity; when you hear songs such as Millwork and Something to Point To, you’ll fight off tears. Sunday marks the final performance of Working at Front Porch so don’t miss it.
Plus, check out our calendar for other events for the week and beyond!
Story by Sean Collier
Photo Courtesy of Pittsburgh Botanic Garden by Scott Goldsmith Photography
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