Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella at Heinz Hall; Powerhouse Phase IV Band in Concert at Jergels (Fri., 5/25/18)

1) The Rodgers and Hammerstein musical Cinderella opened in 1957 in living rooms across the nation. Aired by CBS, it was the duo’s only musical written for TV. Now there is new stage version with an updated plot. Playwright Douglas Carter Beane—who did the stage adaptation of Xanadu, the notoriously bad movie—was able to work with more promising material when he rewrote the book for Cinderella. But it’s still a pretty major rewrite. The new Cinderella is a social activist, persuading the prince to address injustices done to his subjects. She has acquired a friendly stepsister, in love with a rebel who wants to overthrow the government. Together they must counter the evil prime minister who’s been manipulating the prince. Good thing they’ve got a fairy godmother on their side! Somewhat amazingly, this Beane-enhanced Cinderella retains many of the original’s songs, even adding a few from the Rodgers and Hammerstein repertoire. Titled Rodgers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella, the show premiered on Broadway in 2013. A touring production visits Heinz Hall as part of the PNC Broadway in Pittsburgh series. 8 p.m. Performances through May 27. 600 Penn Ave., Cultural District. (MV)

2) Phase IV is a rockin’ cover band from Cranberry, which is nice since they are playing Jergel’s Rhythm Grille tonight in the neighboring community of Warrendale. The Phase IV band is a highly social animal, playing well-known covers and prized back-catalog goodies from the ’70s, ’80s, and ’90s, while making sure the audience is having a great time. The band is composed of the talented and charismatic Anthony Bertonlino on bass guitar, Dustin Bush handling lead vocals and guitar, Ron Roman on drums and backing vocals, and Mark Redilla on guitars and backing vocals. Hit songs in Phase IV’s repertoire include “Big Country,” “Hard to Handle,” “American Girl,” and “Hey Jealousy.”  This is a fun band to get out and party with. 9 p.m. 285 Northgate Dr., Warrendale.

3) Our battlin’ Bucs take on the St. Louis Cardinals tonight in a 7:05 p.m. game. It’s also Free Shirt Friday, with the first 20,000 fans receiving a Pirates T-shirt. Stop on out to the ball yard and enjoy some peanuts and Cracker Jack. PNC Park, 115 Federal St., North Shore.

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