Lewis Black to Rant at Heinz Hall; Trust Arts Hosts Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo; Playhouse Has ‘The History Boys’ (Sat. 4/13/19)

1) There is an F-word that comedian Lewis Black loves to use, and it’s not “funny.” Although Black himself is. Some have even said he’s funnier than the S-word he also likes to use, and if you’re in the mood for a rant, Black is your man. This is the technophobic guy who brought his iPhone to an Apple store to ask for “an app that will turn this piece of [S-word] into a TELEPHONE.” On social and political topics, Black is belligerently liberal—don’t get him started on religion, or on Donald Trump, for he is a self-starter who needs no encouragement. And what makes his ranting effective, as comedy, is that he doesn’t only foam at the mouth and scream. He is a finely controlled ranter with a dead-on sense of comic timing. Black has also appeared in over 40 films and TV shows and written six books. He has a sizable amount of fans, and his official fan club is named Frustrated Union of Cynical Kindreds Universal. Black is currently on his The Joke’s On Us Tour. 8 p.m. Heinz Hall, 600 Penn Ave., Cultural District. (MV, RH)

2) Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo do not come from Monte Carlo. The comical ballet troupe began, in New York, as an offshoot from Charles Ludlam’s Ridiculous Theatrical Company. Older Pittsburgh theater fans may remember Ludlam well. He famously performed Ibsen’s Hedda Gabler here in 1984—playing Hedda in drag, while managing to be seriously dramatic and only somewhat ridiculous. The Trocks, as they’re called, are seriously ridiculous. They are accomplished male dancers who wear tutus and have mastered the ballerina’s art of dancing en pointe, along with the fine art of physical comedy. They’ve been spoofing classical ballet and modern dance on international tours since the 1970s. Pittsburgh Dance Council presents the Trocks at the Byham Theater for a one-night stand. 8 p.m. 101 6th St., Cultural District. (MV)  

3) Alan Bennett’s The History Boys proves that a Tony Award-winning play and hit movie can be made about history students and teachers. Of course, there’s drama and comedy involved. The boys are aiming for admission to Oxford or Cambridge, and they’ve got three history teachers with different styles and agendas—one of them resembling the very contrary real-life historian Niall Ferguson—plus all sorts of sexual and other shenanigans unfolding. One does not necessarily learn history by watching The History Boys but reportedly a good time can be had. Point Park Conservatory Theatre is performing The History Boys but omits the article, calling it History Boys. This is the kind of thing that can happen with theater people; they take liberties. 2 and 8 p.m. Ends tomorrow. At the new Pittsburgh Playhouse, 350 Forbes Ave., Downtown. (MV)

4) Appalachian bluegrass band Jakob’s Ferry Stragglers will perform at the Funhouse at Mr. Smalls. Poison River, which was released in 2018, is the group’s latest. The album’s closer, “When the Redbud Blooms,” is perfect for springtime. The band has played the AmeriServ Flood City Music Festival, WYEP’s Alternative Souper Bowl, and Market Square on Earth Day. Tyler Westcott opens. 8 p.m. 400 Lincoln Ave., Millvale. (CM)

5) Ryan Hoffman and the Pioneers describe their sound as a “harken back to narrative songwriting, brought to life by modern synth folk arrangements.” To hear this intriguing musical description in action simply listen to songs such as “Underground” from their just released debut album, In the Alps. The band is composed of Ryan Hoffman (vocals, guitar), Amy Linette (vocals, sax, guitar), Brad Collins (guitar, bass. vocals), and Mike Smales (drums, vocals). They are performing today at 4 p.m. as part of the Record Store Day program at The Government Center (record store and community hub). Also on the bill are Fuck Yeah Dinosaurs (8 p.m.), Old Game (6 p.m.), and Lindsay Dragan (2 p.m.). No cover. 519 E. Ohio St., North Side.

A Riverhounds forward takes a shot on goal as a defender closes fast. Photo: Chris Cowger.

6) One of Pittsburgh’s hottest sports teams takes the field tonight—The Riverhounds. The squad takes on the Hartford Athletic at 7 p.m. at Highmark stadium. See some good soccer action up close and in person. 510 W. Station Square Dr., Station Square.

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