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Implied Desire Is Made Explicit in ‘Wuthering Heights’

By
Kylie Thomas
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Margot Robbie in Wuthering Heights standing in a white gown.
A graphic for the Wuthering Heights movie.

Emerald Fennell’s bold and artful interpretation of Wuthering Heights uses the classic novel as a jumping-off point. The result is a film that’s distinctly of the moment.

Emerald Fennell’s Wuthering Heights

Adaptations of literature, whether high or low, often choose one side of a binary. They are either faithful adaptations that aim at preserving a novel’s intent (think of the fealty in Guillermo del Toro’s recent take on Frankenstein) or loose interpretations updating a tale to modern times (see the teen-targeted versions of classics popular in the ’90s, such as Clueless or 10 Things I Hate About You).

Those choices, however, do not always yield the finest results. While there are strong examples of each approach, many undeniable classics take ample liberties with their source material. All-time greats including Jaws, The Shining and Psycho are less “adapted from” as they are “inspired by.”

Emerald Fennell’s Wuthering Heights belongs in that camp. The proper nouns of the novel are present: Cathy and Heathcliff, Thrushcross Grange and the titular Wuthering Heights. So, too, are the rainy, windswept atmosphere and the dim light of the novel. Beyond those elements and several key story beats, however, there isn’t all that much of Emily Brontë’s gothic tragedy present on screen — and plenty of what does appear is worlds away from the stark, bleak world of the novel.

In this case, that’s a good thing. A faithful Wuthering Heights is certainly possible (though it might have to be a miniseries), but it would not have the electricity, artful flourishes and salacious thrills of Fennell’s film. Traditionalists, step aside: This is Wuthering Heights for 2026.

Robbie and Elordi are Catherine and Heathcliff Unbound

Here, adopted ward Heathcliff (Jacob Elordi) and downtrodden heiress Catherine (Margot Robbie) become star-crossed lovers as circumstance and stubbornness hold them apart. Devoted to one another as children, they grow into young adults reluctant to pursue one another’s affections. With a father (Martin Clunes) who drinks and gambles away the family fortune, a companion (Hong Chau) who acts like a governess and a house defined by decay, the notion of love seems alien.

Until, that is, Catherine has a brush with the finer things in life. Recovering from a sprained ankle in the posh home of bachelor Edgar Linton (Shazad Latif), Catherine sees a chance at comfort and pleasure — and an escape from her own dire fortunes. Her interest in Linton comes as a betrayal by Heathcliff; when he vanishes, she marries her drab but devoted neighbor, moving into a life where she is more doll than woman.

The film renders this literally, as her sort-of-sister-in-law Isabella (Alison Oliver) crafts an unsettling figurine of Catherine and places it in a scale model of their mansion. It’s appropriately eerie — as is the wallpaper that they model after Catherine’s cheeks, complete with freckles and veins.

Fennell focuses on such anatomic details (with more fascination than prurience) throughout Wuthering Heights, creating a meditation on the physical sensations of desire and discomfort. Bold choices abound; this is a film that never misses an opportunity for invention. While its narrative may be somewhat muted by a sense of inevitability, Wuthering Heights is a sensory delight — and a worthy, if wicked, interpretation.

Elsewhere at the Multiplex: Goats and Gunplay

The animated film Goat, about a diminutive, caprine basketball player, comes from Sony Pictures Imageworks. That group is responsible for the visual style of the Spider-Verse films, as well as last year’s hit KPop Demon Hunters — so Goat will certainly look good. Will it have the heart and wit of its predecessors? Head to the cinema to find out, preferably with a hoop-friendly young person in tow

Hopefully, a strong cast can elevate the thriller Crime 101 beyond its (perhaps deliberately) uninspiring title. The Amazon/MGM release stars Chris Hemsworth, Halle Berry, Mark Ruffalo, Jennifer Jason Leigh and many more… NEON is releasing Nirvanna the Band the Show the Movie, based on the similarly named Canadian comedy series, in select theaters this weekend. No, the film has nothing to do with Kurt Cobain’s band. Rather, it’s a mockumentary about a pair of friends determined to become rock stars despite lacking all the required talent

If you’re in the Pittsburgh area, sort out the Oscar season contenders and pretenders with me this Sunday afternoon. I’ll be a part of the second annual “Oscar Talk” event at the Lindsay Theater in Sewickley, alongside my fellow critics Lindsey Bahr, Megan McLachlan and Amanda Waltz. We’ll tell you which movies you actually should watch before Oscar night (catch up with Hamnet, for one) and which you can safely skip (F1, it’s an honor just to be nominated).

Story by Sean Collier
Photo Courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures’ Wuthering Heights

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Shopping Pittsburgh: Jacqueline Stone at Phoenix Boutique

By
Kylie Thomas
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Jacqueline Stone stands at a table with purses on a shelf behind her.

April will mark 12 years of operation for Phoenix Boutique in Lawrenceville, owned and run by Jacqueline Stone. She reveals her favorite items in the shop, the story behind her shop name, and shares a plea to Pittsburgh shoppers and beyond.  

Shopping Pittsburgh: An Interview with Jacqueline Stone at Phoenix Boutique

TABLE Magazine: Why Lawrenceville? 

Jacqueline Stone: Because I looked east, north, south and west. I really went all over this city prior to coming to Lawrenceville, looking for a space. And it was a total serendipitous moment where one of the ladies I used to work with worked next door [to this location] at a former boutique, and told me this spot was opening up.  

A black dress at Phoenix Boutique hangs from the ceiling.

TM: What’s your favorite part of being a Lawrenceville business owner? 

JS: The people. I love the people. From the day I opened, I’ve had regulars. I have people who have moved as far away as Wisconsin, Chicago and Florida who still ship me their stuff.  

TM: What is your favorite item currently in the shop? 

JS: Well, it left yesterday. It was a Chanel Grande tote. My favorite item in the store now is probably some of the Comme des Garçons that I have … It’s a lot of Comme des Garçons pieces that are in right now, like this velvet and tulle blazer. I’m loving the tops, the funk of it all. I have a lot of the Kooples brand in, too — that I really love. This is the designer rack, and I tell you, you can’t fit a sheet of tissue paper. 

TM: Have you noticed more foot traffic — or people consigning, or shopping here as a result of tariff price increases?

JS: I don’t think it’s changed. I haven’t seen a change because of the tariffs. What I have seen a change in is the original sellers — the high end, their prices have skyrocketed.  

TM: As a business owner, all of the economic stuff is worrisome, because it affects your business … 

JS: It affects every business here in Lawrenceville. I don’t worry just for myself. I worry for my neighbors, too. And it goes in waves. It’ll peak, it’ll plummet. It’s been like that for 12 years. I used to guess why: “Now it’s the weather, it’s the construction.” A lot of that has played a part. There has been so much construction down here. But it comes back … It’s like a roller coaster.  

Jacqueline Stone holds up a designer jacket.

TM: What inspired you to open the shop?  

JS: I started working at a consignment store in South Side 28 years ago. I was there for four years and then worked for a nonprofit which had a high-end consignment store that benefitted homeless women. I was there for eight years [and then] took a hiatus for two years knowing that I was going to do this, and now I’m here. 

TM: Why call it Phoenix Boutique? 

JS: I was trying to think of all different names and a friend of mine, who — God bless her soul, she’s passed now, at a young age. She said “Phoenix,” and I said, “absolutely.” She gave it to me. I wished I was the one who had thought of it. I think of her all the time. She gave me that old wooden bench behind the counter. 

TM: Anything you wanted to add that was not asked? 

JS: Please come down. Please shop small. Not just Phoenix. All small shops, because the big people — no names mentioned — are really just making little shops disappear … Shop small or this will be a thing of the past. It’ll be like when I grew up — I never thought we wouldn’t have a mom-and-pop candy store, and we don’t have them anymore. That will be the same going down the road if it continues. They’ve taken over. We need small. 

This interview has been edited for clarity. 

Story and Photos by Amanda Reed 

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Pointe in Time: The Dream Gala by Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre 2025

By
Keith Recker
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Two men in tuxes stand together.
Nicholas Dragga, PBT executive director and Adam W. McKinney, PBT artistic director

Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre’s largest event of 2025 raised over $725,000, including over $122,000 for PBT School scholarships. Planned by a committee chaired by Peggy and Steve McKnight, and Ann and LeRoy Metz, 430 guests enjoyed an evening of fine dining, dancing, season sneak- peek performances by PBT company artists, as well as auctions and raffles. Performances included, among others, a Stars & Stripes pas de deux danced by Tommie Lin Kesten and Colin McCaslin, as well as Three Preludes performed by Grace Rookstool and David O’Matz, and an excerpt from Giselle with principal dancers Hannah Carter and Lucius Kirst. Many of Pittsburgh’s staunchest arts philanthropists were on hand to show their support.

Pointe in Time: The Dream Gala by Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre, November 15, 2025

For more information on the 2025/2026 Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre season, check out Artistic Director Adam McKinney’s favorite moments of their key performances.

Story by Keith Recker
Photography Courtesy of Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre

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Neighborhood Nosh 2025 by Hello Neighbor

By
Keith Recker
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A man in a suit and a woman in a pink and purple dress stand together.
Corey O'Connor and Sloane Davidson

Hello Neighbor raised over $100,000 to support refugee and immigrant families through mentorship, case management, and community-based programs. Neighborhood Nosh, the organization’s largest annual event, took place on October 10 at This Is Red in Munhall. The celebration brought together neighbors from across the city to share food, culture, and connection. Guided by founder and CEO Sloane Davidson, guests enjoyed an international tasting menu from immigrant-owned restaurants, live music, and a moving program that honored partners Brian Stowell, Mayor Corey O’Connor, Kimpton Hotel Monaco, and Church of the Ascension, and shared the story of the Potoys, a Nicaraguan family rebuilding their lives in Pittsburgh.

Neighborhood Nosh by Hello Neighbor, October 10, 2025

To learn more about Hello Neighbor and other non-profits in the city, check out our roundtable discussion we hosted for community leaders.

Story by Keith Recker
Photography Courtesy of Hello Neighbor

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That 70s Bling Ding by Sweetwater Center for the Arts

By
Keith Recker
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A man in a disco outfit roller skating on a wood floor.
Martel Brown, Jr. of PghSk8 Collaborative

In celebration of its 50th anniversary, Sweetwater Center for the Arts stepped back in time to 1975 with a sold-out celebration. The evening started with dinners hosted at 19 houses in Sewickley and finished with an afterparty at the Edgeworth Club. More than 200 guests, some decked out in 70s-inflected duds, danced the night away to live music from the Sweetwater Cottage Band, enjoyed retro cocktails and desserts, and bid generously on a silent art auction. They raised over $100,000 to support Sweetwater’s capital campaign to renovate key spaces in its historic building. The organization looks forward to its next 50 years of creativity, education, and devotion to the enduring impact of the arts in our region.

That 70s Bling Ding by Sweetwater Center for the Arts, October 18, 2025

Visit Sweetwater Center for the Arts yourself and make a night out of the occasion with our guide to Sewickley.

Story by Keith Recker
Photography Courtesy of Sweetwater Center for the Arts

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8 Recipes for Your Mardi Gras Spread

By
Kylie Thomas
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A gumbo enriched with ham and andouille sausage for a Creole-style feast.

When you think of Mardi Gras, also known as Fat Tuesday, you probably think of bright colors, parades, shiny beads around everyone’s necks, and plenty of comfort cooking. This Carnival celebration is an all-out, all-rich-foods celebration right before Ash Wednesday starts the fasting season of Lent. Join in the festivities this year and cook up a feast fit for royalty! You don’t have to be in New Orleans to enjoy the traditional dishes of Mardi Gras. From flaky, delicious desserts to hearty, flavorful, seafood dinner dishes, we’re sure this spread will leave your stomach so full you’ll be happy the fasting season has arrived the next morning. 

Celebrate Mardi Gras with These New Orleans Recipes

King Cake

A braided bread with berries and other seasonings inside it, surrounded by small blue plates and various ingredients.

The King Cake is a tradition for Mardi Gras and the holiday of Epiphany (Three Kings Day) on January 6. This combination coffee cake and cinnamon roll is sweet and delicious with a baby hidden inside to represent baby Jesus. Whoever gets the slice with the figure wins a prize. We recommend decorating your king cake with the purple, yellow, and green frosting or sprinkles to really get into the Mardi Gras spirit. 

Jambalaya

Jambalaya in a bowl placed on a ceramic surface along with a spoon, spices, and lemon

What says New Orleans more than a big bowl of Jambalaya? It’s warm, spicy, and made from the heart. Our recipe piles the protein high with chicken, shrimp, and smoked sausage mixed into rice, celery, onion, green pepper, and a savory broth. It’s a recipe that reminds you there’s nothing quite like homemade cooking.

Green Gumbo

A gumbo enriched with ham and andouille sausage for a Creole-style feast.

Fat Tuesday is right before Lent so feel free to load up your gumbo with ham, andouille sausage, slab bacon, or all three! Our Green Gumbo starts with a rich stock of smoked ham hock or slab bacon, bay leaves, black peppercorn, and allspice berries. Then we add in your choice of protein, onion, celery heart, bell pepper, kale, collard greens, and so much more to make this a fulfilling dish for your celebration. 

Braised Beef Short Ribs with Cheddar Cheese Grits

Tender braised beef atop cheesy grits.

Grits are another staple of Louisiana, especially when they’re cheesy! In this recipe, we pair them with a Braised Beef Short Ribs recipe whose results are so tender, the meat falls off the bone. A perfect accompaniment to creamy Cheddar Cheese Grits. It’s truly a comfort dish at its finest level that’ll make you feel like you’re at a cafe on the streets of New Orleans. 

Turmeric Lemon Beignets

Powdered sugar topped beignets sit in a black bowl while a plate of beignets sits unfocused in the back.

Who would we be if we didn’t include beignets in our Mardi Gras menu? This recipe combines the vibrant flavors of turmeric and lemon to create a unique and unforgettable treat. These fluffy, golden squares of fried dough are not only delightful in their cloud-like texture but in their punch of flavor as well.

Zesty Shrimp Roll

A plate of mini shrimp sandwiches.

If you’re looking for a smaller bite that still incorporates essentials like shrimp and a little bit of spice, our Zesty Shrimp Rolls are your perfect appetizer. Grab your favorite bun and stuff it up with shrimp, celery, carrots, and fennel, then coat in a zesty, tangy sauce of mayonnaise, sour cream, chili flakes, lime, and lemon. So simple to make and just as easy to enjoy.

Wintertime Rice and Beans

Wintertime Rice and Beans served in a steel bowl

Every feast needs a side that matches its excellency. For Mardi Gras, that means red beans and rice which give you a cushion for spicy gumbo and other dishes. Our Wintertime Rice and Beans uses white rice, adzuki beans, black beans, Vindaloo curry spice, and a pinch of saffron for something a little more flavorful than your average recipe.

Oyster Shooter

A look in photo of an etched shooter glass with an oyster on the half shell resting on the top of the glass on a black surface, with another oyster shooter in the background along with a dish of oysters.

What better way is there to end a Mardi Gras dinner than with an Oyster Shooter? This combination of deliciously salty oyster with a rich Bloody Mary shot is simple decadence. We welcome you to dress up your oyster as well though our Bloody Mary mix uses horseradish Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, and fresh ground black pepper.

Story by Kylie Thomas

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Violinist Mia Asano on Rocking the Classical Music World

By
Kylie Thomas
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Mia Asano in a black dress with her red flying v violin over her shoulder.

Throw everything you knew about classic music and violin out the window because Mia Asano is here to change it all. A skillful, classically trained artist, Mia uses the violin in ways you would never expect or really be able to imagine. With the use of an electric style violin, she shreds as if it’s a mini guitar, transforming music in other genres with the touch of her bow. Think Metallica hits with a wailing, melodic but nearly gritty violin over top. Better yet, see her for yourself at Crafthouse Stage & Grill in Pittsburgh on March 13. 

We sat down with Mia ahead of the performance to get the inside scoop on what killer songs could be in store and what exactly to expect when she and her violin hit the stage. 

Talking Pittsburgh, Classical Music, and More with Violinist Mia Asano

TABLE Magazine: How would you describe your genre?

Mia Asano: This is a great question, because what I do really spans a lot of genres. The best way I can describe it is classical crossover meets symphonic metal. You could also call it violin rock—there are a bunch of ways to describe it—but classical crossover makes the most sense to me. I’ve actually charted on the Billboard Classical Crossover charts. I’m taking a very traditional instrument and turning it into something you’ve probably never heard before, so that’s what I’d call my genre.

TM: What makes the violin so special to you?

MA: Like I mentioned before, the violin isn’t just a traditional instrument. It’s capable of so much more. With electric violin, I can make it sound like almost any instrument, especially an electric guitar. It’s incredibly diverse—I can play so many styles of music, whether it’s something beautiful and symphonic or heavy rock and metal. That versatility is what I love most, because it lets me express my very diverse music taste through one instrument.

Mia in a black dress on stage playing her violin.

TM: How do you blend modern and traditional playing styles to create your own sound?

MA: When I was young, I was a huge fan of rock music—alternative rock, metal, all of it. I realized early on that I could play my favorite songs on the violin. I started by learning the vocal melodies, but pretty quickly I figured out I could play guitar parts, synth lines, even bass parts. With my seven-string violin, I basically try to learn every single part of the song I’m covering.

Now that I’m writing my own original music, I’ve taken everything I’ve learned from all these different styles and put it into one record. It’s a mix of symphonic music, metal, electronic, pop—basically all my favorite genres—and I’m really excited about it.

TM: What’s one word you’d use to describe your tour?

MA: Electrifying. It’s going to be so exciting and very rock-focused. You’ve never seen anything like this with a violin. I’ll be headbanging, dancing around, shredding—I have an amazing band. There’s really no better word for it.

TM: What are you most excited about playing in Pittsburgh? Have you been there before?

MA: Yes, I’ve been to Pittsburgh a few times. I’ve played at City Winery before, and I love the city. I used to live on the East Coast—I went to music school in Boston—so I spent a lot of time bouncing around different East Coast states.

I’m especially excited because I’ve never played a solo headline show in Pittsburgh before. It’ll be my first time at Crafthouse. It’s going to be a huge party, and I’m so excited.

Mia Asano on stage in front of a large crowd.

TM: What do you hope audiences take away from your show?

MA: I hope people walk away realizing that the violin isn’t just a classical instrument—it’s capable of so much more. I also hope they enjoy hearing my unreleased original music, because I’ll be debuting it live at these shows for the first time.

It’s going to be a big party. I’ll also be playing a lot of fan-favorite covers that have gone viral online, so there’s something for everyone. It’s a show you can bring your grandma to, or take your friends to—there’s a little bit of everything.

I’m also excited because my good friend Billy Wilkins will be opening for me—he plays guitar with DragonForce—and my bass player, Alicia, is actually also the bass player for DragonForce. It’s going to be a super fun show, and I can’t wait to play in Pittsburgh!

Story by Kylie Thomas
Photos Courtesy of Mia Asano

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Pittsburgh Events: Your Guide to February 16-22

By
Kylie Thomas
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One man moves another mans head to look upward on a Pittsburgh stage.

Though Valentine’s Day is over and Saint Patrick’s Day is on its way, there’s still plenty happening in Pittsburgh besides the main holiday events. The Steel City is a treasure trove for memorable performances, festivals full of flair, as well as learning all along the way. This week from February 16-22, dive into what the city has to offer before the holidays have us back on our toes again.

Pittsburgh Events Happening February 16-22

A little girl Annie sings into a mop while standing on a desk.
Photo Courtesy of Annie

Annie

February 19-March 1, Byham Theater

You’ve seen the movie, you’ve heard the music, but now the Tony Award-winning musical Annie is here in the ‘Burgh thanks to Pittsburgh Musical Theater. This heartwarming classic is the perfect way to get the whole family into going to the theater.  Follow little red-headed orphan Annie as she attempts to escape the miserable Miss Hannigan. Along the way also meets billionaire Oliver Warbucks and the dog, Sandy.

Pittsburgh Winter Beerfest
Photo Courtesy of Pittsburgh Beerfest

Pittsburgh Winter Beerfest

February 21, David L. Lawrence Convention Center

Shake off the chill with samples from more than 150 craft breweries, distilleries, and wineries at the Pittsburgh Winter Beerfest. Your ticket gets you four as well as a half-hour of open sampling in an 8 oz souvenir mug. Besides the aisles and aisles of brews you can also check out plenty of food vendors and other booths such as products from PSquare Scents and live caricature artists. 

Lewis Hine Pictures America woman cleaning the ground
Photo Courtesy of The Frick Art Museum

Lewis Hine Pictures America

February 21-May 17, The Frick Art Museum

Wisconsin-born photographer Lewis Hine trained his lens on (often harsh) scenes of reality at the dawn of the 20th century. His art depicts crowds of immigrants arriving at Ellis Island, child laborers toiling under dangerous conditions, as well as laborers sweating in punishing industrial environments. His touring exhibit of more than 70 rare photographs on display even includes some of Hine’s work in the Pittsburgh region within the steel industry. 

One man moves another mans head to look upward on a Pittsburgh stage.
Photo Courtesy of Pittsburgh Public Theater

An Enemy of the People

February 4-22, O’Reilly Theater

Pittsburgh Public Theater brings Amy Herzog’s re-envisioning of Henrik Ibsen’s masterpiece to the stage. At the center is Dr. Thomas Stockman, a physician who uncovers a deadly secret that is invading his town’s new spa. Both urgent and unsettling, this drama transforms the 19th-century classic into a contemporary warning about environmental responsibility with a reflective  political spin.

The Lisette Project plays on stage with string instruments and a solo singer in the front.
Photo Courtesy of Chatham Baroque

The Lisette Project: Haitian Creole Music

February 22, Levy Hall at Rodef Shalom Congregation

Explore the origins of Lisette quitté la plaine, the earliest known song text in Haitian Creole, written in the mid-18th century showcasing the story of an enslaved African man. This program from the Chatham Baroque traces the song’s fascinating journey across Haiti, France, Cuba, and then New Orleans, weaving together African, Caribbean, and European traditions.

Story by Kylie Thomas
Featured Photo Courtesy of Pittsburgh Public Theater

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Alexis Allen Co. Puts On a ‘Where the Wild Things Are’ Kids Party

By
Abdul Rafay
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Children at a "Where the Wild Things Are" themed birthday party sitting on plush floor pillows around a rustic driftwood table in a mystical forest setting.

Turning a beloved children’s book into a party is a work of art. Alexis Allen, the professional who made this gathering happen, says you can do it, too!

If bedtime stories are, or were, a ritual at your house, you know Max. In Maurice Sendak’s Where the Wild Things Are, he dresses in a wolf suit and tells his mother, “I’ll eat you up!” Sent to bed without dinner that night, his room becomes a forest by the sea where a boat sails him to the kingdom of the Wild Things. There, Max tames the ferocious beasts who crown him King of the Wild Things. Enthroned, he sends the beasts to bed hungry but, feeling homesick, sails home to find his dinner in his room, still warm. The tale speaks to a child’s anger and mastery of fear, as well as to parents’ unconditional love and how food helps quell “the beast.”

A tiered layer cake decorated to look like a birch tree trunk topped with a gold crown, featured at a "Where the Wild Things Are" themed birthday party.

The Perfect Kid’s Party Theme: Where the Wild Things Are

The 1963 kiddie lit classic turned out to be the perfect theme for a children’s birthday party. Alexis Allen Co., event experts who curate weddings, fundraisers, mitzvahs and birthdays, planned it. “It’s a marriage of everything I love. Business, creativity, and people,” says Alexis. She founded the five-person firm two-and-a-half years ago after working on events for nonprofits for many years.

Two young girls sitting on floor cushions at a "Where the Wild Things Are" party table, enjoying cheeseburger croissants and sun butter pinwheels.

Staying true to Sendak’s text and illustrations, lead planner Meredith Roteman got to work. Her earthy tones turned the spacious Rialto Suite at Hotel Monaco into a mystical forest. The elementary school-aged guests explored it gleefully.

A tiered wooden display featuring gourmet cupcakes decorated with gold crowns and green forest-themed frosting at a themed children's party.
A collection of "Where the Wild Things Are" themed cake pops and decorated cookies, including designs featuring Max, the Wild Things, and a gold crown.

All About the Décor from Alexis Allen Co.

The backdrop for the setting was a large drape featuring a beautiful forest image. Lush plants and faux greenery from greenSinner layered in front of the backdrops created a three dimensional effect. The “wild” forest theme continued with a rustic driftwood table draped with greens, a faux fur runner, and more. Shimmering leaf-patterned placemats and lively dinnerware added a sense of fantasy. The kids quickly found their places on cushy fleece pillows around the candlelit scene.

A colorful crudité appetizer served in a stemless acrylic wine glass featuring cucumber, carrots, and tomatoes at a themed children's party.
A young boy in a white button-down shirt toasts with a small glass milk bottle of apple juice and a striped straw at a candlelit forest-themed party.

A Buffet for Kiddie Kings

The buffet offered healthy options. Cheeseburger croissants, ham and cheese tea sandwiches, sun butter and jelly pinwheels, and French toast sticks were tempting! Colorful crudites in stemless acrylic wine glasses provided crunch. And tons of sweets. There were three tall, frosted layer cakes. One sported a gold crown. One dripped with greenery. The third resembled a tree trunk with a hidey hole. Each looked almost too good to eat, as did cake pops inspired by Sendak’s Wild Things and their king. Similarly appealing, cookies decorated with “I’ll Eat You Up” and “King of the Wild Things” were gobbled up quickly. The kids toasted with apple juice served in small glass milk bottles with fun paper straws, and dug in.

Elaborate children’s parties are trending. Perhaps driven by a social media environment for the photo ops, many parents aim high for their kids’ parties. Alexis, herself the mom of one of the guests, says with humor, “At the end of the day, the kids just want to run around.”

Two young girls smiling at a candlelit forest-themed party.

A DIY Approach to Kid’s Party Planning

Not everyone can afford a professional planner like Alexis, but a limited budget shouldn’t rule out a magical event if you’re willing do the work, she adds. DIYers might borrow some tips from Meredith, who spent a month bringing the Wild Things party to life using imagination, reliable vendors, and lots of spread sheets.

The first step any special event is researching and conceptualizing the vision and sharing it with vendors. “It’s great because everyone is creative and an expert in their field,” says Meredith of the bakers, chefs, floral designers, and others who provide themed invitations, decorations, refreshments, linens, tableware, favors, seating, and other essentials.

A young girl in a brown faux fur coat and green headband smiling while holding a fan of "Where the Wild Things Are" themed playing cards.

Planning a party like this takes 15-30 hours, but setup only takes a few hours because the planners coordinate the logical order in which vendors need to come: “There’s incredible detail on the backend, so the vision comes to life seamlessly” Alexis says. Of course, sometimes “stuff “happens, which is why they always have a backup plan and are ready to pivot and problem solve, she adds.

French toast sticks being dusted with powdered sugar, served with fresh blackberries on a decorative plate at a themed party.

Meredith measures the success of an event by the guests’ level of engagement, which at this Wild Things party included using the decorations for an impromptu pillow fight. “Something can look gorgeous, Meredith says, “but if the logistics aren’t in place for guests to relax and enjoy themselves, that can make or break an event.”

Story by Susan Fleming Morgans
Photography by Laura Petrilla
Production by Alexis Allen and Meredith Roteman, Alexis Allen Co.
Florals by Green Sinner
Linens by Party Mosaic
Rentals by The 1978 Collection
Desserts by Bella Christie’s Sweet Boutique
Cookies by Becca Bakes Cookies
Acrylic Tabletop Displays by SpeedPro Pittsburgh North
Food by Common Plea Catering
Shot on location at Hotel Monaco

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‘Go See a Show’ Every Night in Pittsburgh with a New Campaign

By
Kylie Thomas
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Two men on stage look at a bowl in a kitchen scene area.

A new campaign aims to make it easy for Pittsburghers to “Go See a Show” in venues large as well as small across the city.

The Go See a Show Campaign Launches in Pittsburgh Thanks to City Theatre and Pittsburgh Public Theater

The mission, and function, of the Go See a Show campaign is simple.

As James McNeel, managing director of City Theatre, puts it: “You can see theater every night, if you want. Here’s where to find it.”

At the Go See a Show Pittsburgh website, an easy-to-navigate list of current and upcoming theater productions includes shows big as well as small. Community groups sit alongside Cultural District institutions. Each show listing links to a ticketing site — not to mention most offer a significant discount on tickets.

“There’s something about being a community committed to arts and culture,” says Shaunda McDill, managing director of Pittsburgh Public Theater. “The reality is that we know, for a fact, that we are better together — and by utilizing something like Go See a Show, we are able to invest in other organizations.”

A man in a play walks on stage in a white suit and red hat while the other stands at a kitchen sink.

Finding Theaters (and Audiences) Throughout the Region

Inspired by similar efforts in Portland and Washington, D.C., the Go See a Show campaign was developed with funding from the Allegheny Regional Asset District (RAD); earmarked for a future collaboration between City Theatre and the Public Theater, the companies opted (with RAD’s blessing) to put the money toward an initiative that would lift companies throughout western Pennsylvania.

“There are cultural districts across this region,” McNeel says. “This is a way of lifting [them] up. It’s just smart business, too … While we do have crossover amongst our audience, obviously, it wasn’t as much as we thought, and it wasn’t as much as we had prior to the pandemic,” when theatergoing habits changed profoundly. Combined with a downturn in media coverage for arts events — “We have a real deficit in terms of how you get the word out about this culturally rich community,” McNeel says — the need to amplify shows throughout the region was clear.

One-Stop Shopping for Live Theater

The Go See a Show website, which will be active at least through July, lists the next event from each of the more than 20 (and counting) organizations that are taking part in the campaign. The website does not charge partner organizations for inclusion; they only ask them to keep information current, McNeel says.

In an era when many arts organizations face reduced funding, McDill says efforts like Go See a Show help remind locals of the abundance of art in their communities.

“There’s so many things happening in the city; how do we put forth something together, in a unified fashion, that speaks to the arts portion of arts and culture?”

The Go See a Show website is live, with links to 17 current and upcoming performances, now.

Story by Sean Collier
Photos by Kristi Jan Hoover for Malcolm X and Redd Foxx City Theatre

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