Go in person to Pittsburgh theater, ballet, opera, and symphony performances for a moment you won’t soon forget.
Go See Pittsburgh’s Theater, Opera, Ballet, and Symphony for Something Beautiful
Being present for a live performance is a form of rebellion against the domination of pixels and algorithms. It frees you to turn to the humanity of actors, musicians, dancers, comedians, singers, and other talented performers.
In that warm embrace, you enter an ancient and sacred relationship. As a member of the audience, you are nourished by the exchange of beauty and meaning. As an eager witness of the emotional and aesthetic testimony offered up in a performance, you affirm and enrich the people who create it. And, as a willing interpreter of the ideas contained within the work at hand, you stretch yourself with a reminder of how vast and multifaceted this world is. You remember that the human experience is broader and deeper than any one person or lifetime. That the realness of others does not take away from your own but only expands it.
Why Your Ticket Matters
Last, but not least, you, as patron, help the institutions fostering and shepherding the work to thrive.
Please pause the doomscrolling long enough to experience something that can’t be paused or rewound. Speak to someone in the lobby at intermission. Applaud like mad. Head to a bar to discuss it or chat about it on the way home. The next day, mentally review the vivid emotions you experienced. Keep the spark alive!
My dear old friend, Patrick Moore, formerly at the helm of the Andy Warhol Museum, said once in these pages, “It’s not enough to love something. Sometimes you have to show up for it.”
Pictured Above: Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre artists Jack Hawn and Abigail Huang performing Angels In the Architecture, a tribute to the dreams of Shaker communities, set to Aaron Copland’s iconic Appalachian Spring. The ballet is part of PBT’s Spring Mix, April 10-12, 2026.
Story by Keith Recker Photography by Justin Merriman
A task such as introducing an entire subcontinent’s cuisine through six recipes is not only a monumental task, but an impossible one. The breadth and depth of Indian cuisine is so wide that choosing representative recipes would inevitably do an injustice to the diverse communities of India. So, in choosing these particular recipes, I wanted to highlight some less familiar recipes from the southern region of India where I am from, touch upon some common techniques used in Indian cooking, and possibly remove some inaccurate presumptions made about Indian cuisine.
Techniques of Indian Cooking
Indian cooking techniques like blooming whole spices in oil to release their flavor, tempering recipes using mustard seeds and curry leaves, using ghee or clarified butter to impart a unique buttery flavor to the food, and even soaking the basmati rice before cooking are all important ones to learn if one wishes to cook Indian food properly.
The Hariyali Paneer Kebabs are my nod to the northern part of India and paneer’s origins from Persian and Afghan influences during the Mughal period during the 16th and 17th centuries.
The Kerala Style Dry Beef Stir-Fry is to highlight the diverse religious and cultural communities in India as well as show how regional agriculture affects ingredient usage. The abundance of coconut groves in Kerala makes this ingredient ubiquitous in their recipes.
India is known for its multitude of rice dishes, ranging from complicated biriyanis to simple daily recipes like this one. In South Indian households, a variety of vegetarian rice dishes, like coconut rice, tomato rice, or lemon rice (and carrot rice) are staple quick recipes made for lunches or picnics.
Mangalorean Chicken Roast originates from the South Indian town of Kundapur in Mangalore, Karnataka in the kitchen of the Shetty Lunch Home. It has a signature deep red color and smokiness from the Byadgi chilies, a tanginess from the tamarind, as well as richness from the ghee, or clarified butter.
I hope that this small introduction peaks your interest in learning more about the diversity and history of Indian food, beyond what can be found in your local Indian restaurant.
Story and Recipes by Veda Sankaran Styling by Anna Franklin Photography by Dave Bryce
In an age where socialization and health-forward thinking define the average person’s values, the world is seeing an upward trend in NA (non-alcoholic) or sober lifestyles as a way to meet both goals without sacrifice. Rather than having to sit at home while the rest of your friends meet up at a party or gather at a local bar, NA options have turned Dry January on its head, making any time of year the best time to cut back on your alcohol consumption.
Non-Alcoholic Beer, Spirits, and Other Beverages Taking Over 2026 Trends
Little Saints is one of the NA brands making a splash in 2026. Their combination of available ready-to-drink non-alcoholic cocktails (such as Classic Margarita, Ginger Mule, Negroni Spritz, and Paloma) and spirits (in a range of gin, rye and bourbon, and even functional spirits that use varieties of mushrooms) showcase how tasty going the NA can be. While their brand builds on the growing movement, there’s a core reason why interest keeps up-ticking.
Photo Courtesy of Little Saints
“We think it’s pretty simple: Accepting being hungover on a regular basis is a thing of the past,” explains Megan Klein, founder of Little Saints. “People still want to have a drink at night, because they like the ritual and the elevated flavor profile that signifies ‘it’s time for my reward’ at the end of the day. We believe that post-Covid, people are more comfortable advocating for their own well-being, and less likely to be peer-pressured into something that doesn’t make them feel good. Even the rise of GLP-1s is fueling the increased demand for NA, especially for NA that is zero sugar.
Non-Alcoholic Beverages Are For Everyone
That balance of having something special while still treating your body well is key. Many people look at an NA lifestyle as the consequence of an action. But, that landscape is changing as more and more people realize there are other reasons for foregoing alcohol than just something like alcoholism. BERO, a premium non-alcoholic beer brand run by Spider-Man actor Tom Holland and Pittsburgh-native John Herman, are working on changing that misconception by crafting a beer that is just as delicious as those from a brewery but with less than .5% alcohol.
Photo Courtesy of BERO
“Non-alcoholic drinking is not this niche category of, ‘Oh, he’s drinking O’Doul’s, he has an issue,’” says BERO co-founder John Herman. “It’s not about that anymore. It’s about great-tasting optionality, the ritual of sharing a drink with people, making memories. I’m not on a full sobriety journey. But my daughter doesn’t understand a Saturday hangover and sleep is becoming that much more important as I age. It really opened my eyes to what the potential of this category could be.”
It’s not just those in their later, parental years of life who are making the change either. According to Datassential, “Gen Z is at the forefront, with nearly half planning to reduce alcohol consumption. They show the highest engagement with tea during social occasions and are most likely to question alcohol’s role in enhancing experiences.” As all age groups take into consideration what comes out of drinking, the more important businesses like BERO and Little Saints become, especially as the consensus around mocktails shifts.
The “Mocktail” You Know is a Thing of the Past
The “mocktail” that most know is slowly disapearing, but not for a bad reason. Whenever the mocktail was first on the rise, it didn’t take much to address a non-alcoholic customer. Most places chose to mix sodas and juices but there was still this need for something more, something that didn’t feel like you were an outcast relegated to the kid’s table. Hence, the addition of products like non-alcoholic spirits, cocktails, beers, and wines that add a sophistication to non-alcoholic drinking.
“We believe that the most rapidly growing channel of NA will be on-premise menu placements incorporating non-alcoholic spirits,” says Megan Klein of Little Saints. “While most bars and restaurants have an NA menu, many of those are still full of juice mocktails, which we know that people do not want, mainly due to high sugar content. All of our markets are reporting increased interest in menu placements that go beyond juice into the categories of top-shelf NA cocktails, such as NA martinis, negronis and margaritas, made with top-shelf NA spirits.”
Photo Courtesy of Little Saints
The Non-Alcoholic Sector in Pittsburgh
While there is still a long way to go before these products make it into every establishment, cities like Pittsburgh are already putting NA values front and center at many of the bar programs around the city. Usually you see these trends excel on the coasts and work their way in, but the City of Steel actually got a handle on the NA trend early.
“Pittsburgh somehow over-indexes here, and I think a lot of that goes back to the progressive and really great food scene,” says Herman. “You have a lot of leaders and they’re pushing for a higher quality of menu and selection than what traditionally existed. We went to Spork a couple weekends ago, and they had a full non-alcoholic pairing. It was so thoughtful and curated, tied into everything. That would have been advanced for the trendiest neighborhood in Southern California—what they’re putting out in Pittsburgh is incredible.”
Pittsburgh is also lucky when it comes to a supportive NA landscape that collaboration is one of the largest drives of menus and new products. Small, local restaurants, bars, breweries, distillers, and other professionals come together to introduce the community to a better, newer way of going alcohol-free. It provides the space needed for community engagement without pushing for people to over-consume alcohol.
“I think so much of the redevelopment and thought process of this town is being driven by the creative geniuses in food and restaurants,” explains Herman. “You have chefs trying to bring a higher-quality menu and selection, and that’s showing up in non-alcoholic offerings too. While Pittsburgh still has a strong beer culture, you’re now seeing some of those same breweries help define what NA beer can be. It’s both traditional and progressive at the same time.”
Photo Courtesy of Little Saints
The Future of Drinking
As bigger cities like Pittsburgh continue to place an emphasis on NA values, it’s becoming crucial that smaller cities follow its lead. As more people find out what their night-life and every-day could look like, there’s no going back from what expectations for NA options look like.
“General traffic at bars and restaurants is down, so you need to make sure you’re satisfying every consumer with great options and high-quality options,” says Herman. “That’s what’s driving a lot of this—it’s not just a trend, it’s a necessity. It’s becoming less of a decision of, ‘Do you want a mocktail or a beer or wine?’ It’s really about giving optionality. It’s not about saying, ‘You’re a wine drinker, so here’s a fruity mocktail.’ Instead, it’s about giving people choices that actually match how they want to drink in the moment.”
In case you’re interested in trying a taste of non-alcoholic beverages at home, Chef Richard Sandoval’s Art of Zero-Proof collection provides the perfect starting point for mixing up a delicious mocktail at home. You could even use Little Saints selections for curating the best flavor possible.
Or, take things easy and order up a case of BERO for sipping during the next big game or on a lovely sunny afternoon.
Story by Kylie Thomas Featured Photo Courtesy of Little Saints
To state the obvious: Movies are made for movie theaters. Whether you’re watching a timeless classic or an under-appreciated quirk of cinema history, the art form comes ready for a big dark room full of people. Fortunately, Pittsburghers have plenty of options for repertory showings; there’s always a bit of the past gracing local screens (alongside those sparkling new releases).
Pittsburgh Movie Events Happening in April and May
Think of the Pittsburgh Classic Movie Club as a live, in-person Turner Classic Movies, presenting classic films at (mostly free) events throughout the region. The group, which focuses on films from the silent era through the 1960s, hosts events on screens small (the back patio of the Northern Tier Regional Library in Gibsonia) and large (the Rangos Giant Cinema) — including at the stately Music Hall at the Andrew Carnegie Free Library. (That’s the Carnegie Carnegie, to avoid any confusion.) The club’s Femme Fatale series continues this month with The Big Heat, directed by Fritz Lang, the German auteur turned American emigre and film noir specialist. Look for Jocelyn Brando, sister of Marlon, as Katie.
As unlikely Best Picture nomineeF1demonstrated, we love watching automotive action on the big screen. The Harris Theater’s Asphalt Legend series continues with The Driver, a latter-day Los Angeles noir from 1978 starring Ryan O’Neal, Isabelle Adjani, and Bruce Dern. The Harris — part of the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust — typically has several ongoing series active. Right now, they’re also in the midst of the newspaper-film series Print It! (including a showing of Call Northside 777on April 19) and their continuing International Art House Classics run, featuring several upcoming showings of the Italian genre classic Bitter Rice.
When it looked like a certain 2025 vampire flick had a shot at winning Best Picture, you might’ve heard that Sinnerswould be the first horror movie to win the top prize at the Oscars since The Silence of the Lambs. Well, Sinners lost that race to One Battle After Another— so Hannibal Lecter is still on his throne.
Silence of the Lambs is also one of only three films to win the “Big Five” at the Oscars — Best Picture, Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Director and a screenplay award — alongside It Happened One Nightand One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest. If you’ve seen the film, you know why it was so lauded; as tense as it is artful, it’s one of the best thrillers ever made. If you’ve never seen it, do so on the big screen; Fathom Events will revive director Jonathan Demme’s classic for its 35th anniversary. Watch out for its Pittsburgh locations, which include the old, old airport and Soldiers and Sailors Memorial.
The Lindsay Theater wraps up its series of events in honor of America’s 250th with a bit of an oddity. The Spirit of ’76is a sci-fi comedy about a visit from time travelers: A group of history seeking explorers from the year 2176 aim to visit America’s founding, but miss it by 200 years and wind up in the groovy ’70s. Lucas Reiner who is the son of Carl and brother of Rob, both of whom appear in the film, directs this feature. Plus, it’s co-written by the director and Roman Coppola. Sewickley Valley Historical Society programs this series and will be on hand at the screening.
The films of animation auteur Hayao Miyazaki are known for whimsical, surrealistic settings, memorable characters and deep wells of emotion. No surprise, then, that they became beloved by anime aficionados passing around VHS copies and early DVD releases. Miyazaki’s films also look fantastic, though, making theatrical screenings a vital experience for those who have only seen them at home. The massive screen at the Kamin Science Center is an appropriately grand venue; in May, you can catch favorites My Neighbor Totoro(May 1), Ponyo(May 8), Princess Mononoke(May 15), The Boy and the Heron(May 22) and Spirited Away(May 29). The latter two films both won the Academy Award for Best Animated Film. Each movie only screens once, so get your tickets in advance; despite the size of the theater, some recent screenings have approached capacity.
In advance of the legendary director’s 100th birthday, Row House will revive a trio of Mel Brooks’ best comedies. (And they’re doing so at one of the few cinemas that actually predates Brooks’ birth.) Brooks made the definitive parodies of both the classic western and the early monster movie — Blazing Saddlesand Young Frankenstein— and he did so in the same year, as both films were released in 1974. Thirteen years later, he would lovingly skewer the runaway success of the Star Warsfranchise with Spaceballs; a sequel to that film is due out next year.
If there’s one thing that screams Pittsburgh it’s the area code 412. If you’ve lived or even stepped foot in the city, you know how important 412 is to every day life. It’s a motto of strength, of black and gold, and of community. In honor of that magic number, the city celebrates 412 Day each April 12. It’s a day for businesses to show off their spirit and for the community to get involved first hand. Whether you’re stopping in for a quick drink or looking for a family day out, these events help you to appreciate the city and the fabulous life we have out here in the 412.
Over in East Liberty, right on Spirit Street, you can celebrate all things 412 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Throughout the day you can expect live performances from local artists, snack on eats from the best Pittsburgh establishments like Groove Coffee Co. and Kyuramen, plus plenty of other Steel City creatives and organizations. Eastside Bond runs it all along with giveaways and prizes for those who visit on-property businesses.
Plan your Sunday over at Bakery Square with their excellent establishments and their 412 Fest for all ages. Visit from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. for plenty of black and gold featuring food, games, and hometown pride. Look forward to a Pittsburgh-inspired vendor market, live performances, Burgh Bus Comedy shows, Pittsburgh photo-ops, mascot visits, live painting, flash tattoos, Fry12 Station, and many more surprises.
Instead of trying to get around the busy weekend traffic in the city, shop a variety of local vendors and creatives at the 412 Day Vendor Market put on by Southern Tier Brewing Co. Don’t you wish you could have Pittsburgh’s precious pierogis on a pair of earrings? Or, how about a puzzle that memorializes the staple yellow bridges over the Three Rivers? You can discover all this and so much more from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
It’s hard to find a draft beer under $5 nowadays but on 412 Day, anything is possible. Head over to Allegheny City Brewing on the North Side to save your wallet from harm and meet up with your favorite people. All day long, any Allegheny City Brewing draft beer is just $4.12. Plus, new for this year, the brewing company is doubling down on the action with cocktails, wine, and cider for $7.24.
What better way could there be to commemorate Pittsburgh than by lending a hand to make Downtown a little cleaner and brighter. With the NFL Draft coming up fast, this effort from the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership helps showcase the best of our city. Feel like you’re making a difference by simply enjoying the fresh air with your community while weeding, picking up litter, sweeping side walks, and painting. There’s a way for everyone to help.
Pittsburgh Opera’s 88th season will cover some serious chronological territory — from the 18th century to 2027. The five-show season will feature audience favorites, a world premiere, as well as other fantastic productions.
Verdi, Handel and More in Pittsburgh Opera’s 2026-27 Season
The 2026-27 season, which begins in October, will feature five operas performed in four different locations, in addition to several other shows and gatherings.
“I’m excited for all the upcoming productions, as each offers something unique and wonderful to our community,” says William Powers, the new general director of Pittsburgh Opera, “from the great chestnuts of the ever-popular Rigoletto and passionate Romeo & Juliet, to our creating a new production of Gluck’s compelling [Orpheus & Eurydice].”
A Tragedy Turned Comic
In Working for the Macbeths, the Scottish tragedy gets a comedic rewrite. The show focuses on lady-in-waiting Florinda as she tries to defy a Wiccan prophecy and also not ruin the lives of her employers. The show was commissioned by the American Lyric Theater.
“It’s hard not to be fired up about Pittsburgh Opera expanding the repertoire with another world premiere,” Powers says. “Working for the Macbeths is going to be a fantastic show, with some great humor and playful physical comedy.”
Elsewhere on the calendar, Pittsburgh Opera will also host two Outside the Salon events (with wine pairings), present its annual Rising Stars concert (scheduled for September 19), host another installment of its popular fashion show and more.
Season tickets as well as the all-access Opus Pass are available now; single tickets to go on sale in August.
Mario (Chris Pratt), Yoshi (Donald Glover) in Nintendo and Illumination’s The Super Mario Galaxy Movie, Directed by Aaron Horvath and Michael Jelenic.
Every Mario game has levels you love to play and levels you hate. The former are fun, fast-paced and imaginative; the latter are clunky, difficult and irritating.
The Super Mario Galaxy Movie Review… It’s-A Not So Great…
The Super Mario Galaxy Movieis like a level you hate. It’s oddly humorless, deadly dull and sorely lacking in the energetic whimsy that makes Nintendo’s video games fun. Sure, it throws a lot at you. Trips to different galaxies! Yoshi! A parade of villains from the series’ 40-year history, in case you really needed an appearance by 1988 frog-boss Wart!
All that excess, however, simply reduces coherence. It’s an experience that leaves you inclined to put down the controller and give up.
More Princesses, More Castles
The previous film in this series, 2023’s Super Mario Bros. Movie, was unambitious but slightly more pleasing; it made room for jokes and cleverly played with video-game mechanics. Fundamentally, though, the studio Illumination (also responsible for the Minionsempire) doesn’t seek to craft particularly thoughtful films; it churns out 90-minute features that will entrance kids and sneak in enough easter eggs to keep parents occasionally amused.
The low bar set by the 2023 film was apparently too high this time around. The focus here is on visual flourishes, action sequences and — horror of horrors — plot development. We could’ve been having fun; instead, we’re (slowly) exploring Princess Peach’s backstory and seeing if Bowser can complete a redemption arc. (And no — we do not get a proper follow-up to Peaches, the surprise hit ballad from the last movie.)
That’s Not What Mario Sounds Like
Add a clunky story (a different princess, Rosalina, has been kidnapped, sending a plea for help across the stars to the Mario brothers), and the cracks in the franchise have plenty of room to show. The leading plumbers do the film no favors with their poor performances; Chris Pratt remains disinterested and lazy in his take on Mario, while Charlie Day overcorrects and gets irritating as Luigi. (Keegan-Michael Key, as Toad, is better; his appearances are refreshing.)
The film has been relentlessly marketed, so parents are likely already stuck taking the kids this weekend. (The film is expected to do huge business; it’s a win for cinemas, at least.) If you’re a grown-up fan hoping for a worthwhile journey, though, adjust your expectations; the slog isn’t worth the nostalgia hit.
Unfortunately, this isn’t one rough level in a good game — it’s a completely disappointing experience. Save the trip and play Nintendo instead.
The horror-comedy Dead Loveris also making its way to arthouses. The film, by Canadian director Grace Glowicki, has been well-received; it’s a deep riff on Frankenstein, one of many to hit theaters and streamers as of late.
A gorgeous basement renovation by
Interiors by Seashal.
Basements, foyers, and laundry rooms can be renovation goldmines. Local realtors and designers help us gauge each space’s potential and guide us into balancing everyday joy with future resale value. Is your next project worth the work? Read on for some expert perspectives.
Is the Work Worth It to Renovate Overlooked Spaces?
The most transformative home renovation projects often happen in the most overlooked spaces: basements, foyers, and laundry rooms. These workhorse areas quietly shape how a home feels and functions day-to-day, yet they’re easy to ignore. They’re also easy to overdo. Is it more important to elevate your own daily life or to appeal to future buyers? Can you do both? We asked four experienced realtors and several local designers how to read a space’s true potential, avoid common renovation missteps, and strike that sweet spot between personal delight and smart resale value.
Basements Matter!
Veteran Pittsburgh Howard Hanna realtor Roz Neiman says that basements are the most important home renovation: “I hear over and over before a showing: Is the basement finished? Is the basement finished? I would add that basement game rooms take first place. They provide flexibility for the next homeowners to make the space their own, as it’s more of a blank slate and can become multipurpose.”
Donna Tidwell, a Berkshire Hathaway broker with followings in Western Pennsylvania and Florida, agrees that flexibility in a basement renovation is key. “Buyers respond best to spaces that feel multi-purpose rather than overly specialized. Comfortable family rooms, casual entertaining areas…or a lounge area with a full bathroom tend to work extremely well.”
Basement Renovation by Interiors by Seashal
Interior Designer Seashal Belldina notes, “Our clients are business owners with four young children who truly love to entertain, so their basement needed to perform on every level.” “We designed a full-scale bar along with a pool table, poker table, and a custom lounge tailored for movie nights. A separate kids’ playroom allows the adults to host friends, family, and clients without compromise. I color-washed the space in a rich, deep green, layered with jewel-tone accents and a gold ceiling. The result is a sophisticated, immersive retreat that feels both elevated and livable.”
Allison Pochapin of Compass Realty recommends that you assess your basement honestly before deciding it’s eligible for a renovation. “Trying to fully finish a basement that doesn’t lend itself to extended use—because of low ceilings, moisture issues, or limited light—can be a poor investment. Walk-out basements are especially appealing, offering natural light and usable space at or near ground level,” she counsels. If you decide your basement is a worthy target for a refresh, she sounds a note of sanity: “Buyers respond best to basements that feel like a natural extension of the home rather than a novelty.”
Do Bars, Wine Cellars, and Pantries Add Value?
As an amenity for parties and cocktail hours, built-in bars get high marks. Tidwell says that “wet bars and small kitchenette areas are popular.” Interior designer Kristina Conway of Bespoke Kitchens and Baths agrees. “I’ve seen a remarkable surge in demand for beautifully designed basement bars, driven by the desire to stay in and gather at home. People need meaningful spaces for connection.”
A properly engineered wine cellar balances precision climate control with architectural beauty, preserving collections while transforming bottles into a curated display by DB Design Center
Neiman advises caution, however, before spending hard-earned dough on a pricy, climate-controlled wine cellar. “They’re at the bottom of my list. Some people are wine aficionados, and some people just can’t relate to it. It’s very personal,” she says. “It may not pay off in a resale context.” Broker Heather Edmondson, who works with Keller Williams, is even less optimistic about wine cellars, unless your home is in the multi-million dollar luxury category: “Some buyers might see it as a waste of space.”
By DB Design Center
A pantry replete with shelves and drawers designed for efficient and pleasing-to-the-eye storage, however, is a home run. Pochapin waxes enthusiastic here: “A well-designed pantry—or butler’s pantry—reads as both practical and aspirational. While butler’s pantries may feel like a trend, their function is timeless: better organization, improved flow, and easier entertaining.” Conway agrees. “Generous concealed storage allows everything to stay organized and within reach–exactly the kind of upgrade that real estate professionals recognize as lifestyle-enhancing and adding value to the property.”
By Bespoke Kitchens and Baths
Interior designer Colleen Simonds is in accord here. “A well-designed butler’s pantry holds quantities of household essentials, and doubles as part of the entertaining area. It’s not ‘back of the house’ anymore – it’s functional and beautiful and needs the same amount of style as other kitchen and kitchen-adjacent spaces.”
By Colleen Simonds
What about Mud Rooms and Laundry Rooms?
Because mud rooms and laundry rooms address the daily functional needs of families, paying attention to them can pay off in both quality of life and resale value.
By California Closets
“Clients want spaces that simplify daily routines, reduce clutter, and blend with the rest of the home’s aesthetic. They love mudrooms and laundry areas because these high traffic spaces can be transformed into beautifully organized command centers. With the right mix of cabinetry, seating, and work surfaces, a chaotic drop zone becomes a calm, efficient flow between outdoor activities and daily home life. Current favorite features for us include ergonomic folding counters for sorting and folding laundry, as well as hooks and valet rods that help families maintain order even on the busiest days,” comments Alexa Fries, Marketing Manager of California Closets’ Pittsburgh team.
By Babb and Mack
“Well-designed laundry rooms and mudrooms carry significant weight, particularly when they are treated as intentional spaces that are beautifully adorned rather than utilitarian afterthoughts,” adds Liza Barry Christ, a Sewickley-based broker with Piatt Sotheby’s.
Should Colors and Materials be Classic or Personal?
Should you design your renovation to suit yourself or the tastes of an eventual buyer? Pochapin suggests a cautious approach: “The most successful homes strike a balance between timeless structure and personal expression. Homeowners should enjoy their homes while also making informed decisions that will age well.”
Because neutrals are very much in fashion right now, the choice between trendy and enduring may not be complicated. “Clean lines, warm whites, natural stone, and quality wood tones provide longevity and broad appeal,” says Tidwell.
Echoing Oscar Wilde’s aphorism to maintain moderation in all things, including moderation, Liza Christ counsels a “middle path” when it comes to neutrals. “From a resale perspective, the goal is not to strip a home of personality, but to make thoughtful, enduring choices. The strongest resale results come from getting the permanent finishes right — the elements that define the home and are costly to change, including flooring, millwork, cabinetry, stone, tile, and high-quality windows and doors. When executed well, these elements should feel timeless, but timeless does not mean static. Great design balances longevity with a sense of relevance and style.”
Roz Neiman’s decades of perspective give rise to a somewhat freer vision. “I think it’s 50/50 in what I see in the marketplace these days. Half will choose to go for what’s better for resale, and the others go the other way, saying “this is my space and want it to feel like that.”
Story by Keith Recker Principal Photography by Dave Bryce and Erin Kelly
Treasure Treasure stars in Hedwig’s triumphant return to Pittsburgh — and she’s taking the band downtown.
Hedwig and the Angry Inch Rocks Pittsburgh Again Starring Treasure Treasure
The audacious musical Hedwig and the Angry Inch begins with a confrontational introduction: “Ladies and gentlemen, whether you like it or not: Hedwig!”
The title character, a drag-coded punk rocker with a defiant streak, then conquers the stage with the show opener, Tear Me Down. The song is a statement of intent: No circumstances, no societal rejection, and certainly no audience can stop Hedwig.
Now, Hedwig returns to Pittsburgh to command — nay, demand — attention at the Greer Cabaret Theater. Staged as a rock concert, Hedwig and the Angry Inch recounts its star’s journey from East Berlin to glam-rock obscurity. Having endured a botched gender-transition surgery to flee her country, Hedwig has since been used and rejected by a young rock idol. Now, she’s leading her deadpan band, the Angry Inch, to play in dives and restaurants.
The sleek lines and curated cocktails of the Greer bear little resemblance to the Jane Street Theatre, a misfit venue in New York’s Meatpacking District and the first home of the show. So: How did Hedwig get to the Greer?
“There’s something about great art that has relevance no matter where you stage it,” says Clare Drobot, artistic director of City Theatre. “I think our audiences love our South Side home, but the Greer is such a dynamic venue … It really does feel like a chance to open us up to new audiences. We hear so often that City Theatre is the best-kept secret on the South Side; we don’t want to be a best-kept secret!”
A Start in 2003, A Return in 2026
City Theatre first staged Hedwig and the Angry Inch in 2003. Anthony Rapp, best known for originating the role of Mark Cohen in Rent, played Hedwig. Drobot says she hears again and again from patrons who recall attending.
Treasure Treasure and Robert Ramirez
“City doesn’t [generally] do reimaginings or restagings,” she adds. “If you’re going to revisit a production, having an opportunity to do it in a new venue felt really exciting artistically.” (Drobot adds that this production was conceived alongside Monteze Freeland, her former co-artistic director; Freeland left City Theatre in 2025.)
Treasure Treasure Embodies Hedwig
Stepping into the ostentatious heels worn by Mitchell and Rapp — not to mention luminaries such as Neil Patrick Harris, Michael C. Hall, and Taye Diggs — is no easy task. Fortunately, performer, playwright, and artist Treasure Treasure has the right mindset.
“I’ve always felt that, whatever crowd I’m in front of, it’s life and death,” Treasure says. “Something kicks in and I will survive — I’m being thrown out to the wolves and I will survive … Sometimes, it’s surrender; a moment emerges and it’s like, ‘We’re on a journey together now.’”
Treasure, who memorably played Hamlet in 2023 for Quantum Theatre, worked with Trask at the Atlantic Theater Company. A longtime fan of the show, she feels “like I was always supposed to do it. And I don’t entirely know why; I’m still finding it.
“We are all in transition. Not only [in terms of] gender, but our identities are shifting all the time; you can’t pin a human being down. You can’t build a wall. There is no binary; there is no clear separation … That is nature, to accept that you cannot tear me down because I am constantly in transit.”
Why Hedwig Still Matters Today
The character of Hedwig, as Mitchell put it in 2014, “[is] a gender of one, and that is accidentally so beautiful.” Director Robert Ramirez says the character has always been vitally relevant — but carries added resonance in 2026.
“Right now, this time that we’re living in politically, socially, I think queer art is really important … I think it’s important to stay loud and to stay clear about what matters to you.” Ramirez, the head of Carnegie Mellon’s School of Drama, has “been in love with this show for quite some time,” having seen the original off-Broadway run.
Hedwig and the Angry Inch has not endured solely for its cultural commentary, Ramirez stresses: It’s exceptionally entertaining, as funny as it is moving. You can’t deny its power strictly as a piece of drama — or the power of the music in and of itself.”
Story by Sean Collier Photography by Laura Petrilla
A solid work relationship between designer and homeowners is often the result of being on the same page from the get-go. So it was encouraging when Gage realized early on that she and her clients were definitely in sync. During a virtual consultation in the middle of COVID, they were discussing a possible color for the kitchen cabinets, and everyone said—at nearly the exact same time—“blush pink.” (Fast forward: those cabinets are now in Benjamin Moore Monticello Rose.)
Adding a Touch of Magic
In addition to the hue, the homeowners love fantasy, sci fi, mythical worlds, Lord of the Rings, and the like—worlds with a magical feel to them. “The one thing that our firm really tries to do is make sure that the homes look like the client,” says Gage. “It was fun taking cues from them.”
The fantasy theme gets subtle nods in wallpaper prints and textile patterns throughout the home. The wife of the couple is also a professed linen snob, and wanted to make sure all the textiles used in the house were really gorgeous. “The upholstery we brought in was really supple and yummy,” says Gage. She and her children also love to bake, so the kitchen was designed with that in mind. It’s not a huge room, and thus a tall order to make ample room for baking needs. It’s not only highly functional, but has a lot of storage, some snuck in. At the back of the room, Gage also added a custom purple velvet banquette (with a channel-tufted back), near a window facing the backyard. The charming wallpaper is from Ferrick Mason, the window treatments from Radish Moon.
Something for Every Moment
Gage divided the main living area, which is both large and long, into sections. On one side is a cozy fireplace area and on the other a place where the family can enjoy games and puzzles. On the gaming side, a large burl coffee table from Made Goods is intentionally quite sturdy to allow the energetic daughter to dance on it. “It’s a gorgeous piece of furniture, but it can also hold up to real life. They have kids who are creative and like to express themselves, and we didn’t want to limit that in the space,” says Gage.
The green sofa is the client’s own, and the accent chairs are from Highland House. While the group agreed on most everything, the couple didn’t love the first chandelier Gage showed them, stating that they were looking for something “more geometric and less arabesque”, so she selected one in metal and glass that ended up working perfectly.
Starting with the Walls and Moving Inward
The dining room wallpaper, from Designers Guild, was chosen to match the clients’ personalities.“The cats swat at the birds in the mural because they are unable to tell that it’s not real life.” The chandelier is also from Visual Comfort. The drapery fabric, a botanical print that complements the landscape depicted in the wallpaper, is from Walter G, an Australian fabric house, in an ochre block print. The boldly colored buffet is from Julian Chichester.
Letting Unique Details Shine
Large-scale, Japanese cornflower wallpaper from Iksel turns the primary bedroom into a lush and intimate space, the aubergine background and explosion of warm, caramel-colored foliage both warm and artistic. Another piece from Julian Chichester, the vanity, adds an unexpected dash of contrasting color. The custom bed was designed in-house and fabricated in Philadelphia then shipped to Pittsburgh. Wherever possible, local labor (the general contractor and wallpaper installer) was used.
The bright and welcoming entryway has clovers and shamrocks climbing the walls—the paper is from Svenskt Tenn—lending an enchanted forest feel. (The homeowners have dubbed the house the Forest Home.) Although there is a lot of nature outside, it made sense to also have that woodsy sensibility cross over into the interiors. The unusual overhead light fixture is again from Visual Comfort. And while the rug and carpeting look charmingly time-worn, they are actually new, adding a bit of faded grandeur to the mix.
Placed throughout the home is a collection of artwork that is a mix of the owners’ own and fourteen pieces, all originals, that Gage sourced in Paris. Some sit in a frame and some do not, and Gage was methodical about placement, even making an art map to determine the best position for each. (The unframed kitten portrait over the banquette area is everyone’s favorite.) Giving her free rein to obtain such personal items on their behalf was further proof of the special relationship between Gage and the owners. “Not every client is that trusting.”
Story by Stephen Treffinger Photography by Erin Kelly
