The week ahead in Pittsburgh from April 27-May 3 brings your first opportunity to visit the Carnegie International, the revival of a landmark ’80s alternative-rock album as well as a world premiere at the New Hazlett Theater. Here’s our day-by-day guide to great reasons to get out of the house.
What’s Happening in Pittsburgh the Week Ahead April 27-May 3
Pittsburgh Classic Movie Club at the Carnegie Carnegie
Monday, April 27
Two weeks ago, I went to see The Big Heat at the Andrew Carnegie Free Library in Carnegie — the Carnegie Carnegie, for short. I was swiftly reminded why it’s one of my favorite places to see a movie. It’s a beautiful and historic building, obviously, and watching a movie from the middle of the last century — the kind of excellent and underseen gem that the Pittsburgh Classic Movie Club specializes in — feels like a very welcome step back in time. The club continues its free-to-attend Femme Fatale Noir series at the Carnegie Carnegie on Monday with Pickup on South Street, starring Thelma Ritter.
Paul Gilbert at Jergel’s
Tuesday, April 28
The biggest hit for guitar maestro Paul Gilbert is an acoustic number: The early-’90s hit To Be With You, from Gilbert’s relatively short-lived outfit Mr. Big. You’ll probably hear that one Tuesday night at Jergel’s, but that’s not why you’re there — you’re going to hear Gilbert’s remarkable virtuosity on the electric guitar. His skills even rank among the best and fastest shredders in the world. I love a trip to Jergel’s, and also Gilbert is one of the most skilled musicians you’ll ever see at the suburban venue.
The Silence of the Lambs in Cinemas
Wednesday, April 29
The iconic thriller The Silence of the Lambs wasn’t set in Pittsburgh, but it was mostly filmed in the region. Look for Soldiers & Sailors as the temporary holding location for the sinister Hannibal Lecter — and, of course, Buffalo Bill’s House, the Perryopolis-area filming location that now serves as a vacation rental and shrine to the Oscar-winning film. (I’ve stayed there myself, and it’s delightful.) Most importantly, though, revisit this masterpiece; it’s one of the best movies of the ’90s and established the tone for a generation of tense, creepy films. The Silence of the Lambs re-release is through Fathom Events in celebration of its 35th anniversary; it’ll be playing at several local multiplexes.Â
Live Album Series at Bottlerocket Social Hall
Thursday, April 30
One of my great musical regrets: I didn’t get to see The Replacements, the influential alternative-rock band, during their brief ’10s reunion. The notoriously moody band were scheduled to play Pittsburgh during a brief tour, but canceled due to illness; within months, the band had broken up. (Again.) So consider Thursday night’s show at Bottlerocket Social Hall the next best thing: Pittsburgh-based indie rock outfit TV’s Norm will play Tim, one of the Replacements’ most revered albums, in its entirety.
Speak from Prime Stage Theater
Friday, May 1
Young-adult novelist Laurie Halse Anderson’s lauded debut, Speak, has been read around the world, translated into more than a dozen languages since its 1999 publication; the National Book Award finalist was also adapted into a 2004 film starring Kristen Stewart. It had not, however, been adapted for the stage — until now. With a script by playwright Tammy Ryan, Prime Stage Theater presents the world premiere of Speak starting this weekend at the New Hazlett Theater. For those who grew up with the book, it’s likely to be unforgettable; for those unfamiliar, plan a stop at your bookstore of choice after the show. Friday’s performance is a pay-what-you-can preview; Saturday is opening night, with Anderson scheduled to attend. Speak continues next weekend.
First Public Hours for the 59th Carnegie International
Saturday, May 2
If you’re the type to support the arts in a more see-and-be-seen sort of way, you can get your first glimpse of the 59th Carnegie International on Friday night; the opening-night party costs a pretty penny, but you’ll get your first glimpse at the cutting-edge, international collection of contemporary art. If you’d rather take your time (and save your wallet), however, make plans to visit Carnegie Museum of Art this weekend. The museum will extend its hours — from 10 a.m.-8 p.m. on Saturday and noon-8 p.m. Sunday — to allow you to take your time. And while there’s no rush (the exhibition continues through January 3), trust me: You’ll want to go more than once.
Final Performance of Pittsburgh Opera’s Falstaff
Sunday, May 3
I think that Pittsburgh Opera may have the best roster of venues of any arts organization in the country. I’ve seen them in remarkably resonant churches, intimate auditoriums, their appealing Strip District space and — most vitally — the Benedum Center, where the high notes bounce off the ceiling and hit the back row. Sunday brings your final chance to see the comedy Falstaff, about Shakespeare’s scheming ladies’ man for an elevated afternoon at the Benedum that’s delightful.
Story by Sean Collier
Photo by Laura Slovesko, Courtesy of Prime Stage Theatre