Tag: Date Night

A New Pittsburgh Cultural District Space – Liberty Magic

This post contains information suited for our adult readers. Liberty Magic is a new Pittsburgh Cultural District Space opening in February 2019 and is recommended for ages 18+. We like to share adult events on our site when they are date-night opportunities for our parent readers. In exchange for our promotion of this event, we have received tickets for an upcoming performance. All opinions are 100% our own.

811 Liberty Avenue is now “Liberty Magic”

This February, a brand new Pittsburgh Cultural District space has opened up. 811 Liberty Avenue is now “Liberty Magic”, an “intimate, speakeasy magic arts space” that opened this past week with the nationally-acclaimed magician Eric Jones. The space will seat 70 attendees and include an option for Skeleton Key VIP Experience ticket holders to sit right up front for private tricks, be part of the show, take part in an after-show experience with the performer, and purchase exclusive merchandise.

Up first, Jones brings his show IMPOSSIBLE from February 6 to March 20, 2019. Pittsburgh Cultural Trust says Jones “will leave audiences in wonder as reality transforms into the unreal, coins multiply and cards fly. By the show’s conclusion, guests will have been left in amazement by Jones’ canny ability to blur the lines between reality and illusion”.

Source: Pittsburgh Cultural Trust

Information from Pittsburgh Cultural Trust on What to Expect:


Liberty Magic seating is general admission, priced at $40 per ticket. Performances are: Wednesdays at 7:30 p.m., Thursdays at 7:30 p.m., Fridays at 7:30 p.m., Saturdays at 5 and 8 p.m., and Sundays at 6:30 p.m.

There is a special Skeleton Key VIP Experience for $65 reserved for the truly adventurous. The Skeleton Key VIP Experience unlocks the first two rows in our intimate theater, a chance to become part of the performance (if you wish) and an exclusive meet and greet with the artist after the show, which includes private, close-up mysteries. Members of the Skeleton Key VIP Experience also have the opportunity to purchase merchandise not available for sale to the general public.

The Liberty Magic experience is recommended for ages 18 and up, and no one under 12 will be admitted. Liberty Magic also offers a special space for private groups, corporate off-sites, staff member rewards, client entertaining, and many special occasions including anniversaries, birthdays, bachelor/bachelorette parties, and family gatherings. Student, corporate, and group sales discounts are available for select performances. Visit TrustArts.org/Groups to learn more. 

While there is no dress code, we encourage guests to dress in cocktail or party attire, making for an extra-special night out.

Liberty Magicis a BYOB speakeasy, and one of the most affordable in town! Bring your own beer, wine, cocktails, or soft drinks to sip on while you are amazed by our world-class magicians. There is a $5 per guest corkage fee.

CINDERELLA on Tour

I received tickets to CINDERELLA in exchange for bringing you the details of the show and my thoughts following attendance. All opinions are 100% my own. 

Back in the 1980s, I had an obsession with Rodgers + Hammerstein’s CINDERELLA in the way of the 1965 made for TV movie with Leslie Ann Warren as the leading lady. When I found out that this classic tale with a few twists and surprises was coming to Pittsburgh, I knew I had to go and take my mom along. We were delighted to be guests at Heinz Hall last night for opening night!

Tatyana Lubov and Louis Griffin in Rodgers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella. © Carol Rosegg

RODGERS + HAMMERSTEIN’S CINDERELLA on Tour

The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust and Broadway Across America present RODGERS + HAMMERSTEIN’S CINDERELLA from May 22 to May 27, 2018 at Heinz Hall in Pittsburgh. While it’s not quite the same story you might have read in storybooks, watched on animated movies, or (like me) saw in the 1965 version or the 1997 version starring Brandy (how I am that old?!?!), you’ll recognize this one easily.

I won’t go into the details of what makes this story different from the others (this is the version that is a 2013 Tony® Award-winning Broadway musical), but I will say it was so timely following the Royal Wedding’s message by Bishop Curry. Love and kindness prevail, especially when we care for those that others sweep to the side.

If you’re a fan of the made for TV version, you’ll recognize favorite songs like “In My Own Little Corner,” “Impossible/It’s Possible,” “Ten Minutes Ago” and “Do I Love You Because You’re Beautiful?” and likely want to sing along. Resist the urge and listen – this cast is full of incredible voices!

I’m still trying to decide what my favorite parts were – the step-sisters had me laughing throughout, the addition of Jean-Michel, or what I’m about to tell you next…

Know Before You Go: Cinderella in Pittsburgh

Can I stop and tell you that if you have tickets, be ready to be amazed at the costume magic. I was just shaking my head in amazement as Crazy Marie transformed into the Fairy Godmother and Ella transformed from rags into princess-worthy gown not one but three times. Simply stunning work by the costume team (led by six-time Tony Award Winner William Ivey Long)!

CINDERELLA on Tour
Leslie Jackson (left) and Tatyana Lubov in Rodgers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella. © Carol Rosegg

And if you don’t have tickets…Time to get them! Cinderella will be in Pittsburgh for four more days until May 27. Prices start at $30 and can be purchased at the following official Pittsburgh Cultural Trust ticket sources: online at TrustArts.org, by calling Guest Services at 412-456-4800, or in person at Theater Square Box Office.  Showtime is about two hours with one 20-minute intermission.

This is the kind of show I’d definitely see again. Hopefully, you’ll be able to catch it before they head out on their next stop!

Broadway Across America

Broadway Across America (BAA) is part of The John Gore Organization family of companies, which includes Broadway.com and The Broadway Channel.  Led by 11-time Tony-winning producer John Gore (Owner & CEO), BAA is the foremost presenter of first-class touring productions in North America, operating in 44 markets with over 400,000 subscribers. Current and past productions include Beautiful, Cats, Chicago, Dear Evan Hansen, Groundhog Day, Hairspray, Hello, Dolly!,Million Dollar Quartet, On Your Feet!, The Producers,School of Rock and Waitress. Broadway.com is the premier theater website for news, exclusive content and ticket sales. For more information please visit BroadwayAcrossAmerica.com and Broadway.com.

Pittsburgh Cultural Trust

The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust has overseen one of Pittsburgh’s most historic transformations: turning a seedy red-light district into a magnet destination for arts lovers, residents, visitors, and business owners.  Founded in 1984, the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust is a non-profit arts organization whose mission is the cultural and economic revitalization of a 14-block arts and entertainment/residential neighborhood called the Cultural District.  The District is one of the country’s largest land masses “curated” by a single nonprofit arts organization.  A major catalytic force in the city, the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust is a unique model of how public-private partnerships can reinvent a city with authenticity, innovation and creativity.  Using the arts as an economic catalyst, the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust has holistically created a world-renowned Cultural District that is revitalizing the city, improving the regional economy and enhancing Pittsburgh’s quality of life.  Thanks to the support of foundations, corporations, government agencies and thousands of private citizens, the Trust stands as a national model of urban redevelopment through the arts.

 

PNC Broadway in Pittsburgh: RENT

Parents – Date Night Alert: RENT is Coming to Pittsburgh! The Cultural Trust sent us details on this upcoming 20th Anniversary tour stop and as a couple who is all about embracing the 525,600 minutes we have been blessed with, we’re super excited to share the details with you!

RENT Pittsburgh

PNC Broadway in Pittsburgh: RENT

from the Press Release:

The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust is thrilled to announce the RENT 20th Anniversary Tour will play at Heinz Hall, 600 Penn Ave., for a limited engagement from Tuesday, March 27 through Sunday, April 1, 2018. This tour is part of the 2017-18 PNC Broadway in Pittsburgh series, presented by the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust and Broadway Across America.

In 1996, an original rock musical by a little-known composer opened on Broadway… and forever changed the landscape of American theatre. Two decades later, Jonathan Larson’s RENT continues to speak loudly and defiantly to audiences across generations and all over the world. And now, this Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award®-winning masterpiece returns to the stage in a vibrant 20th anniversary touring production. A re-imagining of Puccini’s La Bohème, RENT follows an unforgettable year in the lives of seven artists struggling to follow their dreams without selling out. With its inspiring message of joy and hope in the face of fear, this timeless celebration of friendship and creativity reminds us to measure our lives with the only thing that truly matters—love.

How to Get Tickets to RENT

Performances:

  • Tuesday 3/27 – Thursday 3/29 at 7:30 PM
  • Friday 3/30 – Saturday 3/31 at 8:00 PM
  • Saturday 3/31 at 2:00 PM
  • Sunday 4/1 at 1:00 PM and 6:30 PM

Tickets start at $30 and can be purchased at TrustArts.org, by calling 412-456-4800, or by visiting Theater Square Box Office at 655 Penn Avenue.

Follow Pittsburgh Cultural Trust on Twitter @CulturalTrust, and like them on Facebook.

Date Night Downtown

After a few failed attempts at a stellar date night, Mr. Burgher and I needed a really good evening out together. Saturday was my cousin’s Bridal Shower, so my parents were taking advantage of some extra time with their grandkids. We had a free evening to enjoy ourselves, and enjoy we did.

First, my work’s Young Professional Organization hosted a volunteer opportunity at our beautiful, new Children’s Hospital for a game night hosted by Family Centered Care. We loved the concept of the center–they believe healing is family based and brings opportunities for patients and families to engage in activities that are as close to being at home as possible (like movie nights, coffee bars, and game nights like we did).

While we were setting up the tables and games, I noticed to UPMC police officers standing in the middle of the (beautiful) atrium, but didn’t really think of it. After a few minutes, I heard a soft, gentle voice speaking to one of the children. She introduced herself as Annie, and I went back to my work. As I glanced at Mr. Burgher through some windows, I noticed a reflection of Anne Hathaway. I turned around and couldn’t believe it, the soft voice of “Annie” belonged to Anne Hathaway! She is in town filming Magnus Rex (the new Batman movie), and took a few hours out of her day to visit with the children. A new family had walked into the atrium, and I went over to greet the little girl. After a minute of us speaking back and forth, Anne came over to say hello to her as well. The little girl was amazed by her beauty and Anne told her that “[this] was only temporary, and true beauty was forever”. There is no way I would EVER have been able to use such amazing words off the top of my head. I was blown away, and went to tell Mr. Burgher about it. We were simply in awe of her beauty, grace, and poise.

During the evening, we enjoyed doing activities we probably would have done at home and learned some new games. I got my butt kicked by an adorable Justin Bieber fan at Trouble (who cracked us up with her smack talk to her mom when she won). Mr. Burgher and I were embarrassed by our lack of Nickelodeon knowledge while at the same time disappointed in the complexity of a kids’ game. We had fun catching butterflies with two little girls who completely lit up the room (with their shoes, smiles, and laughs), and found a game we need to add to Lil Miss A’s birthday list, Elefun (and while searching for A, I found one for ‘Lil Man, too!). The interaction with families and opportunity to give them some laughs and peace was incredible. Honestly, we can’t wait to go back again!

When we went to leave, our next thought was late dinner. Since we haven’t been to Las Velas since it reopened, there was no question where we were headed. Upstairs we went to enjoy some cool beverages, chips & salsa, enchiladas, and traditional Mexican style “Mango-Chipotle” Chicken. All amazingly delicious. Parking was incredibly interesting–the filming of Magnus Rex has dahntahn all crazy–so we only had an hour at our meter. After 10, Market Square parking is free, so we found a spot and walked down the vacated “set” of Grant Street to see what had changed for the movie. The biggest thing we noticed was the remnants of “snow” on the street, so we had to take advantage of a photo op:

When we’d had too much of the humidity, it was time to head home and catch up on about 3 weeks of DVR (we still have lots to get through). All in all, the best date night ever. Thanks, Mr. Burgher!