We’re defying gravity — wait, no that was the first movie. Still, we’ll be visiting Elphaba this week, plus we’ll get a visit from Trombone Shorty — and a certain lawyer and her chihuahua. Read on for movies, nature, music, and theater in this week’s Hot Tickets in Pittsburgh round-up for June 22-28.
Get Hot Tickets for Shows and Performances Around Pittsburgh June 22-28
Wicked: For Good
Monday, June 22, Highland Park
Here’s an unpopular opinion: The second half of the Wicked story is better, at least on the big screen. Sure, the first part has “Defying Gravity,” the iconic song that has come to define the show. But you know what the second film, Wicked: For Good, does have? An ending. The first movie cut off at intermission. Pay another visit to Elphaba, Glinda and Fiyero this Monday night; the film will play on Reservoir Drive in Highland Park as part of the city’s Dollar Bank Cinema in the Park lineup. Expect the first high notes to be hit around sunset — and if you have a good time, there’s a loaded schedule of films throughout the city’s parks, all summer long.
Frick Gardens Tree Walk
Tuesday, June 23, Frick Pittsburgh
It’s not all historic artifacts and priceless works of art at the Frick — though there’s a lot of that, too. (Check out Sunday’s entry.) The charming, beautifully maintained grounds are full of carefully prepared landscape architecture, trees and more. Sign up for the Frick Gardens Tree Walk for a tour of the grounds; you’ll learn about both contemporary flora and what lined the paths around Clayton a century ago. Act fast, though, as recent Tree Walk sessions have filled up.
Trombone Shorty
Wednesday, June 24, Stage AE
You can’t replicate the musical quality of New Orleans’ French Quarter, in all its shaggy glory. A second-line parade led by exuberant horn players rounding one corner; a hell-for-leather bar band trying to hold attention in a dive; a blues master seated with a guitar on the corner. You have to be in the Crescent City to experience it … but going to see Trombone Shorty is as close as you’re going to get without travel. The virtuosic trombonist and bandleader returns to Pittsburgh Wednesday night for a gig at Stage AE, with special guests Dumpstaphunk.
Dog Day Afternoon (with Pizza)
Thursday, June 25, Row House Lawrenceville
In Sidney Lumet’s 1975 drama, bank robbers played by Al Pacino and John Cazale try to rob a bank — somewhat unsuccessfully. During the ensuing standoff, the would-be bandits request pizzas for their hostages. In the film, that’s a bit of a sticking point; this Thursday at Row House, it’ll be no trouble at all. Slices will be available at the concession stand for one show only; enjoy and appreciate the ease with which we can all access a decent pie. (Dog Day Afternoon plays throughout the week, but only once with pizza on hand.)
Legally Blonde
Friday, June 26, Lincoln Park Performing Arts Center
Saddle up and head west (okay, not that far) for a visit to Lincoln Park Performing Arts Center, an outpost of top-tier musical theater in Beaver County. The beautiful auditorium will light up with music, pink attire and at least a few yaps from an obedient chihuahua this weekend, as the organization — which pairs professional performers with outstanding students from Lincoln Park Performing Arts Charter School — presents Legally Blonde: The Musical. The film is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year; the musical has become a staple of regional productions.
Hamlet: The Bad Quarto
Saturday, June 27, Cathedral of Learning
Don’t let the word “bad” fool you. This text — with distinct differences from the Hamlet you’ve seen before, including more action and somewhat less soliloquizing — is perhaps a performance edit, director’s cut or early draft. Either way, it’s an alternate look at one of the most famous stories ever told. Director/producer Jeremy Seghers presents this intimate Hamlet in the Cathedral of Learning’s Rauh Studio Theater.
The Sounds They Loved
Sunday, June 28, Frick Pittsburgh
There may be no better accompaniment to French Moderns, the elegant new exhibit at the Frick Pittsburgh, than this afternoon of music and multimedia. Actress and pianist Leslie Amper offers a multifaceted look at the music and culture that shaped the work of the painters featured in the exhibition, giving the audience a taste of the sonic environment in which Matisse and Renoir painted. You’ll have to arrive early (and buy a separate ticket) to see the exhibition, but stick around for an illuminating performance.
Plus, check out our events calendar for other happenings this week and beyond!
Story by Sean Collier
Featured Photo Courtesy of Brooklyn Museum
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