“‘Twas the Night Before,” Cirque du Soleil’s first ever Christmas show, is now open at the Texas Trust CU Theatre in Grand Prairie!

From an acrobatic act set on a hotel bellcart suspended in the air to a disco-inspired roller-skating duo to hilariously cheeky, hoop-diving Santa’s reindeers, each set of this festive show is inspired by a verse of Clement Clarke Moore’s poem “A Visit from Saint Nicolas,” more popularly know as “‘Twas the Night Before Christmas,” and features a cast of 26 artists from all over the world and a soundtrack of Christmas favorites reinvented by Cirque du Soleil for this show.

This family-friendly show is a great way to kick off the holiday season, & entertaining for both kids & adults! Dates run through December 11 at the Texas Trust CU Theatre.

Remaining Show Dates:

Wednesday, Nov. 30 7:30 p.m.
Thursday, Dec. 1 7:30 p.m.
Friday, Dec. 2 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 3 1 p.m., 4 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, Dec. 4 12 noon, 3 p.m. & 6 p.m.
Wednesday, Dec. 7 7:30 p.m.
Thursday, Dec. 8 7:30 p.m.
Friday, Dec. 9 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 10 1 p.m., 4 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, Dec. 11 12 noon, 3 p.m. & 6 p.m.

Tickets: https://www.axs.com/events/445207/twas-the-night-before-by-cirque-du-soleil-tickets

Hadestown takes you on a journey to the underworld and back while intertwining the tragic love story of Orpheus and Eurydice with the notorious romance between King Hades and his wife Persephone. The show may be based on ancient Greek myths, but its themes relate heavily to issues in today’s world such as famine, poverty and climate change.

Above ground, the story is set in a New Orleans-esque jazz club where winter seems never-ending. Down below, we find a factory setting where workers toil and sweat to build a wall for Hades. Worlds and characters collide when Persephone comes above for her annual six-month reprieve and Eurydice chooses to go below, provoking Orpheus to set out on a seemingly futile rescue of his lover.

Performed by an incredibly talented ensemble of just 19 actors, dancers and musicians who remain on stage throughout the entire performance, Hadestown is a haunting and hopeful theatrical experience that will stay with you long after you’ve left the theater. 

Additionally, single show tickets are now available for several other shows included in the 2022-2023 PNC Broadway in Pittsburgh Series. From Tony® Award-winning modern musicals to popular revivals, there is something for everyone to enjoy this season. Theater fans who appreciate dynamic female leads with powerhouse voices in particular are sure to be pleased with this season’s lineup! 

In addition to season specials Les Misérables (Tue, Nov 22 – Sun, Nov 27, 2022) and Dear Evan Hansen (Tue, May 2 – Sun, May 7, 2023), the remaining Broadway shows making a stop in the Steel City as part of the 2022-2023 PNC Broadway in Pittsburgh Series are:

• Hairspray: Tue, Jan 3 – Sun, Jan 8, 2023
• Jagged Little Pill: Tue, Jan 24 – Sun, Jan 29, 2023
• Beetlejuice: Tue, Feb 21 – Sun, Feb 26, 2023
• Six: Tue, Mar 14 – Sun, Mar 19, 2023
• Tina – The Tina Turner Musical: Tue, Apr 4 – Sun, Apr 9, 2023

Hadestown may be a tough act to follow, but I’m already warming up my vocal chords to sing along to some of my favorite show tunes when I see Hairspray in the New Year. See you at the theater! 

Disclaimer: I was provided press passes for the show and all opinions shared here are my own. Photo credit: pittsburgh.broadway.com

How the study was conducted

The study began by researching the most renowned locations to hold a destination wedding, according to wedding blogs, websites and review sites, before cutting the shortlist down to over 100 of the most prominent locations with comparable data. Next, the researchers grouped the costs involved in hosting and attending a wedding into two categories: Costs for the Couple, and Costs for Guests.

The first category

Costs for the Couple, includes items that the couple getting married generally pay for when hosting a wedding, incorporating the venue, decoration, photographer, food, cake, and drinks. To collect price data for the venue, the researchers found the most renowned wedding venues in each location before taking a sample of the most representative venues and identifying the median price. They then sought typical prices for the decoration, photographer, food, cake, and drinks in each location. In cases where prices for multiple items were bundled together, regular prices in each location were identified and removed from the given cost to avoid double counting. The researchers then calculated the typical overall cost to the couple of hosting a destination wedding in each location.

The second category

Costs for Guests, includes costs that are generally paid by attendees, incorporating accommodation and return travel to the wedding location from each city in the study. To obtain this data, the researchers found the median cost of accommodation in each location for two time periods in July and August 2022, and calculated the cost of staying for five-nights. Additionally, they researched the price of return transport for two time periods in July and August,from a range of countries to each wedding destination. They then selected the minimum possible price for each destination.

The researchers then calculated the estimated overall cost to guests of attending a destination wedding in each location. The resulting index provides a representative comparison of how much it costs to host and attend a destination wedding in 2022 in popular wedding locations around the world.

Findings

The list below reveals a sample of results for the locations where hosting a destination wedding costs the most. The ‘Total Wedding Cost’ incorporates the price of the venue, decoration, photographer, food, cake, and drinks for 100 guests.

The next list below reveals a sample of results for the locations where hosting a destination wedding costs the least. The ‘Total Wedding Cost’ incorporates the price of the venue, decoration, photographer, food, cake, and drinks for 100 guests.

The Most Expensive Wedding Venues in the World

While the main study looks at the cost of a typical wedding in popular venues in each location, the researchers also collected data on some of the most expensive wedding venues in the world to reveal what is available for couples with a larger budget. Below is a list of five of the most expensive wedding venues in the world.

For this section, prices were collected for 100 guests. If prices weren’t available for 100 guests, they were normalized to make them comparable. Venues were selected based on wedding blogs and websites. Prices were sourced by contacting the venues directly. Some prices were provided separately for each item; others were provided as a bundle price. Where prices were provided in a different currency, they were converted using an average of the exchange rates on the following dates: 4/20/2022; 5/20/2022.

*Minimum spend for food and drinks.

**Combined price for venue + food and drinks (minimum spend).

What are your thoughts on these findings? We’d love to hear what you think in the comments below!

Date

Price:

Directed by The Public’s Resident Director Justin Emeka, the cast features Melessie Clark, Brian D. Coats, Ananias J. Dixon, Justin Emeka, Wali Jamal, Brenden Peifer, and Brian Starks creating a masterful ensemble. Two Trains Running is presented by Highmark.

In 1969, as the civil rights movement ignites across America, Memphis faces a battle of his own in Pittsburgh where the city wants to raze his Hill District restaurant for an urban renewal project.

Theater goers will be drawn to the drama as the play begins and curious to see more on how the story unfolds. The setting takes places in Memphis’ diner during the entire play, and we are introduced to a few characters who have different stories but are more similar than they think. Each character takes a leap of faith to find what they seek, from love to luck and justice.

The story continues to show the characters’ struggle among finding stable jobs, street demonstrations, racial justice and overall bonding with each other for the support they need day after day. I felt connected to the characters and wanted to see each one succeed and find what they’re looking for in their lives. The actors did a wonderful job bringing the characters to life, especially in the intimate theater setting at the O’Reilly Theater. Overall, the story reminds of us of our country’s historical events, struggles and seeing how far we’ve come, plus what we need to work on for a kinder future, and one that has opportunity for everyone regardless of race.

The creative team is comprised of Justin Emeka as Director, Richard Morris, Jr. as Scenic Designer, Alethia Moore-Del Monaco as Costume Designer, Sherrice Mojgani as Lighting Designer, Angela Baughman as Sound Designer, and Ruby Fludzinski as Assistant Director. Thomas Dieter is the Production Stage Manager and Ashley Southers and Taylor Meszaros are the Assistant Production Stage Managers.

Performance Schedule

Tuesdays         7:00 pm

Wednesdays     8:00 pm

Thursdays        2:00 pm* & 8:00 pm

Fridays             8:00 pm

Saturdays         2:00 pm* & 8:00 pm

Sundays           2:00 pm & 7:00 pm*

*Select dates.

Complete performance schedule is available at ppt.org/twotrains

Tickets

Tickets start at $32 and are available online at ppt.org/twotrains, by phone at 412.316.1600 or by visiting the O’Reilly Theater Box Office. Discounts for groups of 10 or more are available by emailing groupsales@ppt.org. 26 and younger/full-time students are just $16.50 with promo code HOTTIX. (Valid ID required.) Because of the intimate seating set-up and the in-the-round staging of our productions, masks are required inside the O’Reilly Theater.

Additional Events at the theater

Pittsburgh Public Theater will host a series of events to complement to production of Two Trains Running.After the final performance on June 19, the company will host a Juneteeth celebration on the stage. Additional events include:

August Wilson Archives Panel Discussions | Sunday, June 5 | 5:00-5:30pm, following the matinee performance

The University of Pittsburgh Library System recently acquired the archive of native Pittsburgh playwright August Wilson, which will open for research use in January 2023. Staff from Archives & Special Collections will talk about their experience working with the archive and what types of material it contains, especially as it relates to Wilson’s play, Two Trains Running. The archive not only documents all ten of his American Century Cycle Plays, but also several unpublished writing projects and poetry. Staff will highlight specific content in the August Wilson Archive, such as his extensive writing notepads. They will also discuss preservation challenges and the many ways that various audiences will be able to engage with the archive.

Actor Talkback | Sunday, June 12 | 5:00-5:30pm, following the matinee performance

Director of Education & Engagement Parag S. Gohel will facilitate an audience-centered discussion with the actors. Fielding questions from the audience, he will engage the actors in a dialogue about their processes, experiences, and insights they gained while preparing for their roles and the discoveries they made that enriched to their performances.

The Meaning of Juneteenth and August Wilson’s 100-year journey to Freedom | Friday, June 17 | 2:00pm | Part of TCG National Conference

Two Trains Running Director Justin Emeka and actor Wali Jamal will participate in a panel conversation on what Juneteenth represents and share thoughts about it recently becoming a national holiday. Panel members will then move on to discussing how August Wilson’s ten plays represent the long journey and struggle for Black people still searching for freedom in the 20th century and the role art and theater continues to play in achieving personal and collective freedoms.

The panel will include Caroline Jackson-Smith, Oberlin College (moderator); Wali Jamal, Pittsburgh-based Actor; Justin Emeka Pittsburgh Public Theater Resident Director/Oberlin College; Dr. Cristal Chanelle Truscott, Northwestern University; and E.G. Bailey, Minneapolis-based Director/Artist.

Juneteenth Celebration | Sunday, June 19 | 5:00-8:00pm, following the matinee performance

Pittsburgh Public Theater is excited to honor Juneteenth as a true celebration. At the closing of the final performance of Two Trains Running, the audience is invited to feast and break bread with the cast, crew, and company. Catered by Sugar x Butter, the Summer BBQ menu will include Honey Fried Chicken Tenders, Baby Back Ribs, Black Eyed Pea Salad, Mac N Cheese Bowls, Sweet Corn on the Cob, Coconut Cake Slices, Chocolate Chip Cookies, as well as vegetarian and vegan options. More than fantastic food and company, the celebration with feature the incomparable song stylings of Etta Cox and her quartet.

Disclaimer: I was provided a press pass to attend the show, and all opinions are my own. Photo credit: Pittsburgh Public Theater

Over 75 years after Rodgers & Hammerstein reinvented the American musical, this is OKLAHOMA! as you’ve never seen or heard it before – reimagined for the 21st century. This revival takes a classic into modern day realism starting with the stage where the chorus and orchestra was on onstage to the costumes with trucker hats and skinny jeans.

The first collaboration between Rodgers & Hammerstein shows two different love triangles. Curly and Jud’s rivalry for Laurey that turns deadly versus Will Parker, Ali Hakim, and Ado Annie’s comedic relief.

Stripped down to reveal the darker psychological truths at its core, Daniel Fish’s production tells a story of a community circling its wagons against an outsider, and the frontier life that shaped America. Upending the sunny romance of a farmer and a cowpoke, this OKLAHOMA! allows the classic musical – and our country – to be seen in a whole new light.

OKLAHOMA! is proud to the first gun-neutral show on Broadway and National Tour. For every visible gun in OKLAHOMA!, both on stage and around the theatre, OKLAHOMA! will make a minimuum donation of $100 per gun on behalf of the show to Gun Neutral’s 501c3 non-profit, a non-partisan initiative open to all storytellers, producers and financiers, calling for greater social responsibility to offset and account for gun violence in entertainment.

Due to mature content in this production, it is recommended for children ages 12 and up. This production contains fog, loud gunshot effects, moments of darkness, and violence.

Run Time: 2 hours and 45 minutes with 1 intermission

2403 Flora St, Dallas, TX 75201

*Parking is an additional cost

Disclaimer: I was provided with a media pass to attend the show, and all opinions are my own.

Enjoy hearing from iconic comic creators to the best of comics, plus see cosplay, pop culture vendors, celebrity panels, and more attractions. 

This year’s celebrity guests include:

• Elijah Wood, Sean Astin, Billy Boyd and Dominic Monaghan: the four hobbits from The Lord of The Rings
• Cobra Kai’s, William Zabka, Martin Kove and Peyton List
• Katee Sackhoff, Giancarlo Esposito and Ming-Na Wen, known from The Mandalorian
• Michael Rooker from Guardians of the Galaxy and The Walking Dead
• Trailer Park Boys “Bubbles” Mike Smith, “Julian” John Paul Tremblay and “Ricky” Robb Wells
• A CLERKS Super-reunion of Kevin Smith, Jason Mewes, Brian O’Halloran, Trevor Fehrman and Jeff Anderson
• Tyler Hoechlin and Bitsie Tulloch from the fan-favorite Superman & Lois
• Brent Spiner and LeVar Burton, stars of Star Trek: The Next Generation
• The Princess Bride’s Chris Sarandon
• Caity Lotz and Jes Macallan from Legends of Tomorrow
• And Ashley Eckstein, Her Universe founder and Star Wars: The Clone Wars  

Anime and Voice Actors 

Fan Expo Dallas is also the only place to host an epic gathering of My Hero Academia voice actor stars: Christopher Sabat, Justin Briner, Luci Christian, Clifford Chapin, David Matranga, Colleen Clinkenbeard, Monica Rial, Josh Grelle, Ian Sinclair, Brina Palencia, Chris Wehkamp, Jason Liebrecht, Justin Cook and Kristen McGuire. Christy Carlson Romano and Will Friedle of Kim Possible will be on hand as well as Troy Baker (The Last of Us) and Bret Iwan (Mickey Mouse).

Dates

Fan Expo Dallas runs Friday, June 17 through Sunday, June 19, 2022 on the following times:

Friday, June 17 from 4:00pm to 9:00pm

Saturday, June 18 from 10:00am to 7:00pm

Sunday, June 19 from 10:00am to 5:00pm

Location

Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center located at 650 S. Griffin St. Dallas, TX 75202

Tickets

Tickets start at $27 and children 5 and under are free.  Hours and information are available at fanexpodallas.com.

These are the amazing stories that were told through toe-tapping musical numbers and epic monologues from phenomenal actors during the 2021-2022 PNC Broadway in Pittsburgh series. While I’m sad the season has officially come to a close, some of the more memorable numbers pop into my head from time to time—and then I find myself playing the soundtrack on repeat thanks to Spotify. 

Thank goodness for that since we’ll have to wait until October for the next Broadway tour to come through the Steel City. I’m already counting down since the 2022-2023 PNC Broadway in Pittsburgh Series continues to Pittsburgh Cultural Trust tradition of bringing the best of Broadway to Steel City.

From Tony® Award-winning musicals to popular revivals, there’s truly a show for everyone this season. Theater fans who appreciate dynamic female leads with powerhouse voices in particular are sure to be pleased with the lineup.

The touring Broadway shows coming to Pittsburgh next season include:

• Frozen: Wed, Oct 5 – Sun, Oct 16, 2022
• Hadestown: Tue, Nov 15 – Sun, Nov 20, 2022
• Hairspray: Tue, Jan 3 – Sun, Jan 8, 2023
• Jagged Little Pill: Tue, Jan 24 – Sun, Jan 29, 2023
• Beetlejuice: Tue, Feb 21 – Sun, Feb 26, 2023
• Six: Tue, Mar 14 – Sun, Mar 19, 2023
• Tina – The Tina Turner Musical: Tue, Apr 4 – Sun, Apr 9, 2023

In addition to the seven-show series, season specials include Les Misérables (Tue, Nov 22 – Sun, Nov 27, 2022) and Dear Evan Hansen (Tue, May 2 – Sun, May 7, 2023). It should come as no surprise that this theater lover audibly gasped when the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust announced this remarkable lineup!

Single tickets for these incredible shows will go on sale throughout the season, but the best way to secure seats is through a season subscription. Season tickets range from $237 to $801 per subscription and are now available for purchase. Subscribers get more than the best ticket prices and great seats. Other perks include swap-a-show, exclusive exchange privilege, priority ticket offers, dining discounts at select restaurants, reserved parking in one of four garages, and more.

Will you be there when they raise the curtain once again for the best of Broadway at the Benedum Center for the Performing Arts in October?

Disclaimer: I was provided press passes for select shows from the 2021-2022 PNC Broadway in Pittsburgh series, and all opinions shared here are my own.

The Festival’s key attractions are conveniently located within a few blocks of each other this year, bound by Ft. Duquesne Boulevard and Liberty Avenue between 7^th Street and 9^th Street. The pedestrian-friendly layout brings guests into the Cultural District neighborhood, which includes nearby parking and transportation options as well as a dynamic mix of local businesses and restaurants that will add to the Festival’s atmosphere and benefit from hundreds of thousands of visitors.

This year’s attractions

A major highlight of this year’s festival will be performances by STREB EXTREME ACTION. MacArthur Award-winning choreographer Elizabeth Streb is known for “her loud, unflinching explorations of physics” and has “devised what looks like her own Olympic sport,” according to The New York Times. The company’s performance of Time Machine marks their first appearance in Pittsburgh in more than a decade, as well as the third time that the Trust’s own Pittsburgh Dance Council series has co-presented a spectacle performance at the Festival. Performances are slated for the first weekend: Friday, June 3 at 5 pm, Saturday, June 4 at 2 and 5 pm, and Sunday, June 5 at 5 pm.

STREB EXTREME ACTION is just one of many attractions that can be found in the Backyard at 8th & Penn—a brand-new central hub for this year’s Festival and a new summer-long destination in the Cultural District that embraces artistic exploration, collaboration, and creation. During the Festival, the arts park will host daily music performances on the Backyard Stage and feature a variety of artistic installations including a new mural by artist Naomi Chambers. Guests can expect classic outdoor furniture, new landscaping with EcoGrass, and a food court as a comfortable backdrop for casual gatherings with friends and family. Next month, the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust will announce a full schedule of weekly visual, performing, and culinary arts events that will make the Backyard a hot spot for residents and visitors through September.

One block away at the intersection of 9^th & Penn, the Dollar Bank Main Stage will host the Festival’s Featured Music Concerts. A full lineup of regional performers is now available at TrustArts.org/TRAF, supporting previously announced headliners: GRAMMY-Award winner Cory Henry; Madeline Edwards of CMT’s “Next Women of Country” fame; multi-year Mandolin Player of the Year, Sierra Hull; the world-renowned Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra; acclaimed vocalist Lizz Wright, wild rock and soul singer Bette Smith; a massive triple-bill featuring The Dirty Dozen Brass Band, Eric Krasno & The Assembly, and The Devon Allman Project; Nick Lowe’s Quality Rock & Roll Revue Starring Los Straitjackets; legendary hip-hop group Goodie Mob featuring Big Gipp, Cee-Lo, Khujo, and T-Mo, which will be followed by an after-party in the Backyard, Late Night with UNION; and Afrobeat powerhouses Femi Kuti & The Positive Force. Additional music performances will take place on the Acoustic Stage in EQT Plaza, including performers from 91.3 WYEP’s Reimagination project.

The annual Juried Visual Art Exhibition moves to SPACE at 812 Liberty Avenue this year, featuring exceptional new art by regional artists. Coordinated by Tereneh Idia, the theme this year is “___alachian [ah-LATCH-en],” and the selected pieces explore the many cultures, communities, identities, and topographies of the Appalachian region. It’s supported by the Bessie F. Anathan Charitable Trust of The Pittsburgh Foundation and Elizabeth Firestone Graham Foundation. Additional gallery exhibitions include Little Girl Urn by Shori Sims, curated by Tara Fay Coleman at 707 Penn Gallery; Simply Devine: A Retrospective of Danny Devine (1982-2021) at 820 Liberty Gallery; and the recently-opened U.S. Premiere by Cinzia Campolese at Wood Street Galleries.

The Artist Market features 200+ independent artists in an open-air setting, selling handmade fine art and fine craft from 12-8 pm daily. Guests can stroll through booths in five locations: Penn Avenue between 7^th and 9^th Streets, 9^th Street between Penn Ave. and Ft. Duquesne Blvd., the parking lot at 8^th Street and Ft. Duquesne Boulevard, the Backyard at 8^th Street and Penn Avenue, and the intersection of 7^th Street and Penn Avenue (weekends only). Each of this year’s Artist Market locations features two sessions – first half and second half – meaning that you can discover new artists when you visit a second (or third) time.

For kids and families, there’s the Giant Eagle Creativity Zone, located at the Trust Oasis at 131 7^th Street. Guests will find hands-on artistic activities curated by some of the region’s most treasured arts and community organizations, 12-6 pm every day.

A place of respite for families with young children, The Anthropology of Motherhood sponsored by AHN doubles as a functional amenity and art installation. Curated by Fran Flaherty, the space provides a semi-private feeding area, diaper changing tables, a play area for siblings, art by local artists and more at the Encore on 7^th at 100 7^th Street, with an entrance on Fort Duquesne Boulevard.

Sponsors

The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust thanks presenting sponsor Dollar Bank for its stalwart support of the Festival. Additional funding comes from Creativity Zone Presenter Giant Eagle, Allegheny Health Network, the Greater Pittsburgh Arts Council, the Bessie F. Anathan Charitable Trust of The Pittsburgh Foundation, The Buhl Foundation, the Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation, Colcom Foundation, The Elizabeth Firestone Graham Foundation, The Fine Foundation, The Grable Foundation, Laurel Foundation, and The Pittsburgh Foundation. Media partner support is provided by 91.3 WYEP, 90.5 WESA, and KDKA-TV. Operational support is provided by Flyspace Productions.

Funded by a growing community of foundations, corporations, and Festival guests, the Dollar Bank Three Rivers Arts Festival is for everyone who believes in the arts. It cannot happen without individual support. Gifts made at TrustArts.org/TRAFdonate will help make this year’s Festival possible.

North Texas is a haven for youth passionate about filmmaking. However, despite the increasing accessibility to filmography equipment and tools, exposure often stands between artists, and the support and recognition they deserve.

The Pegasus Film Festival was created in 2015 by Dallas educator and artist Niloo Jalilvand with these dreamers in mind. Her team seeks to close the gap by giving filmmakers the chance to present their art to both an audience and a panel of judges. Through this, they will learn invaluable lessons, make meaningful connections with industry professionals, and become familiarized with the film festival experience.

The festival provides students with paid internship positions as festival leaders with industry professionals. Students learn analytical skills and make meaningful connections with peers and industry pros while running a major film festival. For the last seven years, Pegasus Film Festival has been able to support hundreds of high school students from underserved communities.

Join a wonderful group of young filmmakers on the red carpet while seeing their flicks, Q&A sessions, the awards celebration and an art sale.

Location

Angelika Film Center, Mockingbird Station

5321 E Mockingbird Ln, Dallas, TX 75206

Date

Monday, May 30, 2022

Tickets

Tickets start at $15 and can be purchased here.