Brian Setzer Brings ‘Stray Cat Strut’ to CHMH; ‘An Act of God’ Continues at The Public (Tues., 6/20/17)

1) Brian Setzer revived rockabilly in the early ’80s with the Stray Cats and brought back swing music with The Brian Setzer Orchestra in the ’90s. BSO reinterpreted classical music on 2007’s Wolfgang’s Big Night Out, earning a Grammy nomination for Best Classical Crossover Album in 2008. The orchestra has released multiple Christmas albums too, most recently 2015’s Rockin’ Rudolph. At this point, Setzer could release a polka album, and it would probably be a smash. For now, though, Setzer is back to rockabilly again, touring his 2014 solo album, Rockabilly Riot! All Original. The genre may date to the ’50s, but as the album suggests, all 12 songs are new, including the single “Let’s Shake.” The tune harks back to the Stray Cats’ hits, such as “Rock This Town” and “(She’s) Sexy + 17.” Setzer, a three-time-Grammy winner, also was a sideman in The Honeydrippers, a band fronted by Robert Plant. 8 p.m. Carnegie of Homestead Music Hall. 510 E. 10th Ave., Munhall. (EC, CM)

This is God in danger mode, swirling out of the whirlwind. (See Job 38:1 and following.) Photo by Michael Henninger.

2) Do you ever wonder what God thinks of us? Is he happy, sad, or understanding about how we are doing here on Earth. An Act of God is the name of a play by David Javerbaum, who’s won 13 Emmys, 11 of which he received as a writer for “The Daily Show with Jon Stewart.” The play is based on Javerbaum’s book The Last Testament: A Memoir By God. Act of God takes a satirical look at heaven, where God, who admits to having some wrath-management issues, develops a new and improved set of commandments, relates some stories about Adam and Eve, and gives his thoughts on bedtime prayers. He’s aided in his irreverent social comedy by his two “wingmen,” angels Gabriel and Michael. Marcus Stevens, a Point Park grad who has seen action on stages in New York and Pittsburgh, portrays God. This is the season finale for Pittsburgh Public Theater. An Act of God is directed by the noted Ted Pappas. God and his angels can get a little salty, so the play is recommended for audiences ages 17 and above. 7 p.m. Performances continue through July 2. O’Reilly Theater, 621 Penn Avenue, Cultural District. 

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