Cirque Du Soleil ‘Ovo’ Continues at PPG Paints Arena; Bayernhof Museum Tours (Sun., 1/26/20)

1) In its 36-year lifespan, Montreal-based Cirque du Soliel has turned circus routines into a fine science. The company ties eye-popping acts of agility and acrobatics around a loose storyline and creates memorable costumes with a show-specific design and color scheme. Under this modus operandi, they’ve unveiled over two dozen shows, more than a few of which have warranted bringing back for a revival. Ovo first debuted in 2009 and is being produced on a tour that stops at PPG Paints Arena through January 26. It takes inspiration from the world of insects and the movement of life. Characters include: The Foreigner, a principal character, who is a fly from a far-away land and brings with him the mysterious ovo; The Ladybug is another principal character who brings life and joy to the world of insects, and ends up falling for the Foreigner, singing cockroaches, spiders, butterflies, fireflies, ants and more. Ovo is Cirques’ largest flying act in its repitoire and utilizes 80 cables. 1:30 and 5 p.m. Ends today. 1001 Fifth Ave., Uptown. (MV)

2) Charles “Make-a-Buck Chuck” Brown, was a humble, but eccentric bachelor-millionaire who made his fortune in gas light manufacturing. He died in 1999, but he left behind one of the world’s most peculiar museums.  And it’s right here in O’Hara Township, on a ridge, overlooking the Allegheny River. The Bayernhof Museum was Brown’s residence, but it’s a many-level estate that features secret passageways, a cave, an observatory, a corporate boardroom (with no apparent exit), and an indoor grotto and swimming pool. If the rambling architecture alone doesn’t impress, more than 30 nearly-unique automated musical machines will.  Brown was a passionate collector of all things audio-mechanical. From tiny “birdsong” music boxes to grand Wurlitzer “Nickelodeons,” visitors can watch and listen to 100 year-old machines that play drums, keyboards, trumpets, and banjos. One even plays a violin. Admission is just $10, but call ahead for tour schedules. (EC, RH)

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