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Entertainment calendar

New exhibit at Benedum Gallery, Pittsburgh

PITTSBURGH – The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust announces Interpretations, a visual and performance art exhibit conceptualized by Joy-Marie Thompson with photographs by Rachel Neville. Interpretations will be on display at the August Wilson Center in the Claude Worthington Benedum Gallery Dec. 17 through Feb. 26.

An opening reception featuring an original performance by Joy-Marie Thompson and her dance partner, Demi Remick, will be held 8 p.m. Dec. 17.

From classical to modern, from jazz to musical theater, photographs of Joy-Marie Thompson illuminate the dance choreography cannon and will celebrate the masters who have influenced her creative journey. The aim of Thompson’s revealing tribute is to celebrate the beauty and humanity of the African-American dance heritage and unite people of all races, ages and experiences.

For information, visit www.TrustArts.org.

‘Scrooge and Marley’ coming to West Liberty University

WEST LIBERTY — Charles Dickens’ beloved 1843 Christmas story will come alive this December as the West Liberty University theater department presents “A Christmas Carol: Scrooge and Marley.”

Curtain time is 7:30 p.m. today and Friday and Dec. 8-10; and at 3 p.m. Dec. 11 at the Kelly Theatre.

“Tickets are going fast, and we encourage people to call now for reservations,” said John Hennen, adjunct professor and director. For reservations, call (304) 336-8277.

The heart-warming story of Scrooge, Bob Cratchitt and Tiny Tim needs no introduction.

“This adaptation follows the Dickens’ original scrupulously but, in bringing it to life on the stage, adds elements of inventiveness and brilliant theatricality that enhance and strengthen its timeless virtues,” Hennen said. “The musical is a theater piece of unique eloquence, which will delight audiences and prepare our hearts for the festivities of the holiday season.”

A cast of 40 will bring the story to life. Wheeling actor Michael L. Aulick, a member of the WLU faculty, will play the role of Ebenezer Scrooge, the miserly businessman visited by the ghost of his former business partner Jacob Marley, played by Rich Ivaun, and other ghosts to show Scrooge the past, present and future.

Online ticketing and early bird discounts are available at wlucarol.brownpapertickets.com and will eliminate a wait at the ticketing window the day of the performance.

General admission tickets are $12.50 at the door. For senior citizens, university employees and students of other institutions, tickets will be $10. West Liberty students with university ID will be charged $5 at the door.

Bluegrass coming to

Stifel Center, Wheeling

WHEELING – The popular bluegrass and Americana music series Mountain Moon Coffeehouse returns to Oglebay Institute’s Stifel Fine Arts Center Saturday with local favorite Marsh Wheeling String Band.

An old-time string band at the core, Marsh Wheeling String Band has evolved into much more since hitting the local music scene in 2008. While the band remains true to its toe-tapping fiddle tunes and Appalachian roots, Liz Richter’s captivating vocals paired with the fiddle and vocal harmonies of Melissa Tracy have pushed this group beyond traditional, adding tastes of blues, country and gospel.

Doors open at 7 p.m. with music beginning at 7:30 p.m. Admission is $15 and includes non-alcoholic beverages and light snacks. Beer and wine are available for purchase. Tickets are available by calling (304) 242-6855 or visiting www.oionline.com.

New exhibit at SPACE

gallery, Pittsburgh

PITTSBURGH – The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust announces the opening of the Domesticity of Abandonment, an exhibition guest curated by Carolina Loyola-Garcia.

The exhibition opens Dec. 9 and continues through Jan. 29 at SPACE in downtown Pittsburgh. A special opening reception will be held from 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. Dec. 9. The exhibit will be on view during Highmark First Night Pittsburgh and the Cultural District Gallery Crawl Jan. 20.

SPACE is at 812 Liberty Ave. The gallery is free and open to the public. SPACE is a project of the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust. For information, go to http://www.spacepittsburgh.org.

Hedweg and the Angry

Inch coming to Pittsburgh

PITTSBURGH — Hedweg and the Angry Inch will be performed at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 24-25 at the Benedum Center, 2377th St.

This tour is part of the PNC Broadway in Pittsburgh series, presented by the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, Pittsburgh Symphony and Broadway Across America.

Tickets range $26 to $71 and are available at www.TrustArts.org; by calling (412) 456-4800; or in person at the Theater Square box office, 655 Penn Ave.

‘The Toxic Avenger’

extended at Pittsburgh CLO

PITTSBURGH — The run of “The Toxic Avenger” at the Civic Light Orchestra Cabaret has been extended through Jan. 15.

Tickets for all remaining performances are now on sale at CLOCabaret.com; by calling (412) 456-6666; or visiting the box office at Theater Square.

He’s out to save New Jersey, end global warming and woo the town’s blind librarian. Winner of the Outer Critics Circle Award for Best Off-Broadway Musical, “The Toxic Avenger” is an unexpected love story and laugh-out-loud musical horror-comedy. In an attempt to clean up New Jersey’s most polluted town, Melvin Ferd the Third is dumped into a vat of radioactive toxic waste, only to re-emerge as “The Toxic Avenger.” Our new hero is now a 7-foot mutant with superhuman strength and a heart as big as Newark.

‘Yes, Virginia’ coming

to Towngate Theatre

WHEELING — Towngate Theatre’s production of “Yes, Virginia, There is a Santa Claus” will be staged Friday through Sunday and Dec. 9-11 at Oglebay Institute’s Towngate Theatre.

The century-old tale is inspired by actual events set in action when an eight-year-old-girl writes a letter to the editor inquiring about the existence of Santa Claus. Her letter prompted one of the most famous newspaper editorials of all time.

Every December Towngate stages a holiday production. The show is different each year but always captures the spirit of the season.

On Christmas Eve, 1897, in New York City, 8-year-old Virginia is left pondering whether or not Santa really exists after a series of unhappy events have made her family’s Christmas hopes appear bleak. With innocent wisdom, the young girl seeks help from the source most trusted by her father, the irrefutable “New York Sun.” A down-on-his-luck newspaperman, who is dealing with his own personal struggles, is charged with writing a reply.

His historic response becomes an iconic commentary on the human spirit and the true meaning of Christmas. It since has become history’s most reprinted newspaper editorial, appearing in part or whole in dozens of languages in books, movies and other editorials and on posters and stamps.

Evening performances of “Yes, Virginia, There is a Santa Claus” take place at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday and Dec. 9-10. Matinee performances take place at 3 p.m. Sunday and Dec. 11.

Pre- and post-performance receptions will take place in Towngate’s lobby, which will be decked for the holidays. Guests will enjoy holiday cookies and punch and mingle with cast members. All are invited to come early and stay late and enjoy some holiday cheer with Towngate actors and staff.

Due to the popularity of the show, advanced reservations are recommended. For tickets, go to www.oionline.com or call (304) 242-7700.

‘The Best Christmas Ever’ staged by Hope Players

HOPEDALE — The Hope Players will present Barbara Robinson’s comedy, “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever,” at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday at Harrison East Elementary School at 410 Normal St.

Robinson’s play, adapted from her young novel for young readers of the same name, shows what happens when the Herdmans, children from the wrong side of the tracks, get involved in a church’s Christmas play and end up changing their own lives and the lives of the people they encounter. According to the play’s director, Savanah Mitchell of Bloomingdale, the playwright-novelist had strong ties to the states of Ohio and Pennsylvania.

Mitchell went on to note that Robinson graduated from Allegheny College in Meadville, Pa., with a bachelor’s degree in theater. After marrying John F. Robinson, the couple lived in Berwyn, Pa., a suburb of Philadelphia until her death in 2013 at the age of 85. In addition to “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever,” Robinson wrote a number other books for young readers, including “The Best School Year Ever,” which featured the further adventures of the Herdmans. Robinson also wrote many short stories for magazines, as well as several books of poetry. “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” was the only one of her works adapted for the stage. Advance tickets for “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” are $5 for adults and $3 for students. Prices at the door are $7 for adults and $5 for students. Advance tickets are available from any cast member or at the Hopedale Village Building from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays.

Tickets also may be purchased by calling (740) 937-2208 or (740) 937-2629. The Hope Players will hold auditions for their spring musical, “The Wizard of Oz,” from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Feb. 6 and 8 at Hopedale United Methodist Church. The play will be directed by Andrew Pelegreen III with musical direction by Judith Kuryn. For information, go to www.hopeplayers.org.

Vets can tell their stories

at Heinz History Museum

PITTSBURGH – Locals can show their appreciation for local U.S. veterans by supporting the Senator John Heinz History Center’s new Kickstarter campaign, “Save Our Stories,” which recently launched online at https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/298633652/save-our-stories.

Each donation helps the History Center and Veteran Voices of Pittsburgh transcribe dozens of audio and video oral histories of World War II veterans, housed in the museum’s Detre Library and Archives collection.

Since 2015, the History Center has partnered with Veteran Voices of Pittsburgh to serve as the official repository for hundreds of oral histories provided by Western Pennsylvania veterans. These first-person testimonials are an essential documentation of history, especially as the World War II “greatest generation” veterans pass on.

The transcription of these oral histories allows for the stories to be accessible to all so they may be properly researched, referenced and cited for academic and historical purposes.

The center’s “Save Our Stories” kickstarter campaign aims to raise $10,000 by Dec. 11. Per Kickstarter rules, if the $10,000 goal is not raised by the deadline, the center won’t receive funds.

Several enticing incentives are offered through the Kickstarter site for donations of all sizes, from free Heinz pickle pins and BOGO admission offers to private lunches with History Center archivists and executives.

For examples of World War II oral histories and a complete list of incentives, visit the Kickstarter campaign site at https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/298633652/save-our-stories.

‘Wooden Heart Follies’ to open at Masonic Temple

STEUBENVILLE — “Wooden Heart Follies,” presented by the Steubenville Nutcracker Village, opens at 2 p.m. Sunday at the Masonic Temple, 227 N. Fourth St., and runs Dec. 11 and 18. The show is sponsored by Franciscan University of Steubenville and the Center for Music and Art.

The musical is written and directed by and features Steubenville residents John and Von M. Holmes. It takes the familiar holiday music of Tchaikovsky and adds comic lyrics to tell the story of nine of the village’s nutcrackers brought to life.

Therese Nelson, the designer and artist behind the 100-plus nutcrackers that are part of the village at Historic Fort Steuben, makes a cameo appearance in the production as herself.

All of this adds another layer of complication to the accompaniment, which has to sound like the Nutcracker songs everyone has heard– “The Nutcracker March,” “Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairies,” “Dance of the Reed Flutes,” “Waltz of the Flowers”–and yet cue each singer in his or her own range, according to the couple.

Tickets are $7 for adults; $4 for students; and children younger than 6 are admitted free. Advance sale tickets are available at the Fort Steuben Visitors Center or at http://woodenheartfollies.brownpapertickets.com.

Holiday camps at Stifel

Fine Arts Center, Wheeling

WHEELING — Busy parents can take advantage of two days of daytime camps this holiday season at Oglebay Institute’s Stifel Fine Arts Center, 1330 National Road.

Holiday art camps take place from 9 a.m. to 3p.m. Dec. 22-23 and are available for kids in grades first through eighth.

Instructors will guide campers through hands-on, age-appropriate projects that inspire creativity and capture the spirit of the season. Different projects will be created each day.

Camps are $35 per day. Participants must bring their own lunch.

Pre-registration is required. Register by calling (304) 242-7700.

Choral concert at Franciscan University upcoming

STEUBENVILLE — The Franciscan University of Steubenville Chorale will present a Christmas concert for the community 7 p.m. Friday in Christ the King Chapel.

Under the direction of George Melhorn, the chorale will perform “Ceremony of Carols” by Benjamin Britte; “Christmas Day” by Gustav Holst; and Christmas carols such as “Joy to the World,” “What Child is This” and “Come all Ye Faithful.”

The chorale will be accompanied by professional harpist Marisa Knabe and trumpet player Lindsay Yount. The evening’s soloists include Madeline Appleby, Elizabeth Trkacik, David Forester and Steven Luster-Bartz. The concert is free and open to the public.

Oglebay holiday sale begins

WHEELING — Oglebay Institute’s annual Holiday Art Show and Sale runs through Dec. 30 at the Stifel Fine Arts Center on National Road and the Schrader Center in Oglebay.

Dine on heavy hors d’oeuvres at the Stifel Fine Arts Center and then head up to the Schrader Center for a dessert buffet.

This year’s show offers unique gifts; artwork fills both locations with different items — in a variety of styles and price ranges — at each facility. The show continues through Dec. 30.

Santa at Brooke Hills Park

WELLSBURG — Brooke Hills Park will host brunch with Santa from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday at the clubhouse.

The event is for children in fourth grade and under, and the cost is $5 per plate. Call to reserve a spot, as space is limited. For information and reservations, call (304) 737-1236.

At 5:30 p.m. the park lights up with an array of Christmas lights. Beverages and snacks will be provided.

The Brooke Hills Park Youth Basketball League signups are to be held from noon to 3 p.m. at the clubhouse for Brooke County children. The cost is $35 a child, with a discount for multiple children. No child is turned away. The park also is seeking coaches.

Michael Smith coming to Pittsburgh

PITTSBURGH — Coming live to the Benedum Center at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 14, Rich Engler Presents Michael W. Smith joined by Republic recording artist Jordan Smith, season nine winner of NBC’s “The Voice.”

Incorporating a 53-piece symphony orchestra at each performance, this seasonal crowd-pleaser will travel to nearly 20 major markets across the U.S.

Smith draws hundreds of thousands of people to his concerts each year.

For tickets, go to the Theatre Square box office; call (412) 456-6666; or go online to www.trustarts.org.

New theater work in Pittsburgh

PITTSBURGH — The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust announces Theatreworks USA’s performance of “The Lightning Thief” as part of the 2016-17 EQT Bridge Theater Series. Performances will take place at 10:15 a.m. and 7 p.m. Friday and 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Saturday at the August Wilson Center, 980 Liberty Ave.

General admission tickets for “The Lightning Thief” are $10.50 and are available at www.TrustArts.org; by phone at (412) 456-6666; or in person at the box office at Theatre Square, 655 Penn Ave.

Adapted from Rick Riordan’s young-adult novel, Theatreworks USA’s new musical production of “The Lightning Thief” tells the story of Percy Jackson and his quest to find Zeus’ stolen lightning bolt. Packed with mythological monsters and Mount Olympus gods, the performance follows Percy and his friends as they try to find the lightning bolt, catch the true thief and bring peace to a warring Mount Olympus. This hour-long production of “The Lightning Thief” is a fast, funny and imaginative introduction to Percy Jackson’s adventures as he takes on mythic Greek characters while dealing with modern-day challenges like dyslexia and fitting in with his peers.

New exhibits at Heinz History Museums, Pittsburgh

PITTSBURGH — The Senator John Heinz History Center, an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution, will host a robust slate of public programs this month, including the museum’s popular American flag folding ceremonies, books in the ‘Burgh author talks and the interactive Hop into History and Storyburgh programs for young children.

¯ Dec. 7 – American flag ceremonies and Pearl Harbor Day is slated at noon at the history center.

Visitors and U.S. veterans will join history center staff to help unfurl and fold a 36-foot American flag in the museum’s great hall as part of a patriotic ceremony. To help commemorate Veterans Day and Pearl Harbor Day, visitors will help sing the national anthem and observe a moment of silence for those who served. The American flag-folding ceremonies are included with regular museum admission.

¯ Dec. 14 — Hop into History will be offered from 10:30 a.m. to 11:15 a.m.

Hop into a fun exploration of the past as part of the hands-on Hop into History sessions designed for 2-to-5-year-olds and their caregivers. These future historians will be transported back in time through music, dance and games. Each fun and lively session is led by museum educators and music instructor Lynda Wingerd. Hop into History is free for kids ages 5 and younger. Adults must pay regular museum admission, which is good for the day. Online pre-registration is required at www.heinzhistorycenter.org/events.

Singing contest featuring Smoky Robinson as judge

PITTSBURGH — The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust announces the seventh-annual vocal competition for talented student singers.

The trust is accepting submissions for competition. A panel of previous winners will review all submissions and select five finalists. Award-winning, Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Famer and R&B icon Smokey Robinson will return as a guest judge to select the 2017 winner.

The winner will be announced prior to Highmark First Night Pittsburgh and will have the opportunity to participate in special media opportunities relative to the award, including a live performance opportunity as opening act at the Benedum Center on New Year’s Eve. Additionally, the winner will receive a $500 cash prize and a $1,000 donation to the school’s music department.

Individual students and student groups of 20 or fewer should upload a video of no more than 10 minutes in length to YouTube and then submit it to the contestant page on the Highmark First Night Pittsburgh 2017 website.

Participants are welcome from the following local counties, Belmont, Harrison, Jefferson and Monroe counties in Ohio and Brooke, Hancock, Marshall, Marion, Monongalia, Ohio, Preston and Wetzel counties in West Virginia.

The application deadline is midnight Monday, and late submissions will not be considered. For information, eligibility and requirements, or to submit an application, visit www.trustarts.org/singoff.

Call for artists in Pittsburgh

PITTSBURGH –The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust is accepting applications for participants in the 58th-annual Dollar Bank Three Rivers Arts Festival slated June 2-11.

The nation’s premier free arts festival seeks a diverse group of visual and performing artists of all disciplines and career stages. The festival attracts half a million visitors annually to enjoy music, performances, visual arts, crafts/art making activities and a renowned artists’ market.

This year’s call for visual and performing artists welcomes artists and performers who have never before participated in TRAF, emphasizing new art and original work. Applications will be accepted through Jan. 17. Application status notifications will be sent to all applicants in late March. For information, visit www.TrustArts.org/TRAF or call (412) 456-6666.

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