“Endless Lawns” Sprouts Up at Playhouse; Union Tanguera Tangos in the Cultural District (CPs Sat., 3/28/15)

1) A true meeting of the city’s theater minds is unfolding at Pittsburgh Playhouse, as Point Park University’s Playhouse REP company presents the world premiere of a play written and directed by a pair of Carnegie Mellon drama professors. Endless Lawns is billed as “a collision of tragedy, comedy, and cocktails.” The play revolves around two elderly sisters whose dearly departed dad was a renowned actor, and be forewarned that explicit references to lawn mowing are made. Playwright Anthony McKay is an associate professor of acting at CMU. McKay’s colleague Gregory Lehane, a drama and music professor with a distinguished global resume in directing, is director of Endless Lawns. Studio Theatre at Pittsburgh Playhouse. 2 and 8 p.m., continues through April 12. 222 Craft Ave., Oakland.

For dancers of Union Tanguera, the toast comes with a sizzle. photo: Union Tanguera.

2) Saturday, March 28 is Tango Night in Pittsburgh. This will not be one of those “anyone can tango” events at which even people who have never tried it are invited to come out on the floor and learn … although, after watching Union Tanguera, you might be tempted to give it a whirl. Pittsburgh Dance Council is bringing the French-Argentinean company to town because these dancers do tango as it’s never been done anywhere. Union Tanguera mixes traditional tango moves with the acrobatic, hyper-expressive styles of modern dance. The music, played live by a Buenos Aires quartet, is likewise a blend of traditional and out-there. 8 p.m. Byham Theater, 101 6^th St., Cultural District.

3) Gett: The Trial of Viviane Amsalem – A courtroom drama currently sweeping the festival circuit about an Israeli woman trying to get a divorce from her husband. Because religious laws govern divorce in Israel, Viviane is, in effect, put on trial because, per Orthodox tradition, the husband must grant his wife a divorce … and Viviane’s husband is a nasty piece of work. The film was Israel’s entry to this year’s Best Foreign Language Film Oscar competition. Check Fandango for screens and times.

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