‘Folie à Deux’ debuts as failed musical experiment

Spencer Thomas | editor-in-chief | If a movie sequel wants to match up to its predecessor, then it has to either continue the previous story in a way that isn’t clearly a far-fetched money grab or have something entirely different to say. “Folie à Deux” had such high expectations because it felt like both were possible. Not only did “Joker” end with Arthur (Joaquin Phoenix) … Continue reading ‘Folie à Deux’ debuts as failed musical experiment

Fifty years young: Frankenstein musical review

Virginia Guerra Saldivar | staff writer From the well-known classics of writer, director, producer and actor Mel Brooks, the electric performance of the musical comedy adaptation of “Young Frankenstein” comes alive at the Greer Cabaret Theatre. The Pittsburgh Civic Light Opera (CLO) recently extended the run until Sept. 29. The show begins with the scientist Dr. Frederick Frankenstein (Dan DeLuca) explaining his discoveries and how … Continue reading Fifty years young: Frankenstein musical review

“All Together Now!” cabaret tributes contemporary theater

Mia Lubrani | staff writer Nov. 11, 2021 In conjunction with hundreds of performing arts groups across the country, this weekend, Duquesne’s Red Masquers are set to perform “All Together Now,” a cabaret-style musical revue.  To the average theater-kid, the name Musical Theater International (MTI) will likely ring a bell, as they are the company from which theater troupes purchase the rights to musicals. This … Continue reading “All Together Now!” cabaret tributes contemporary theater

Dear Evan Hansen movie adaptation talks on mental health

Zoe Stratos | opinions editor Sept. 30, 2021 This past week, the highly acclaimed, award-winning musical Dear Evan Hansen premiered in movie theaters across the country with an important message, but a misfire in the package.  Among the recent wave of musical-turned-movies like In the Heights and the forthcoming Steven Spielberg adaptation of West Side Story, Dear Evan Hansen is heavier, current and chock-full of … Continue reading Dear Evan Hansen movie adaptation talks on mental health

Masterful Mean Girls musical adaptation comes to Pittsburgh

Hanna Boucher | Staff Writer 10/31/19 The current trend of revamping pop culture’s most beloved films into musicals has selected a new target: Mean Girls. After enjoying more than a year of success on Broadway, Mean Girls is making its way around the country, with its current stop being Pittsburgh. Fifteen years after debuting in theaters, Mean Girls is still just as relevant as it … Continue reading Masterful Mean Girls musical adaptation comes to Pittsburgh

Come From Away explores small-scale effects of 9/11

Ollie Gratzinger | Opinions Editor 04/11/19 On April 9, the award-winning musical Come From Away came and landed in front of an almost sold-out crowd at Pittsburgh’s own Benedum Center. Set in the tiny town of Gander in Newfoundland, Canada, the musical takes place in the week following the terror attacks on Sept. 11, 2001. When planes full of passengers are rerouted around the newly … Continue reading Come From Away explores small-scale effects of 9/11