Islanders Take on Penguins; ‘Altar Boyz’ Continue Services at Cabaret Theater (Sat., 1/2/16)

1) The Pens are back in town from a quick trip to the Motor city to play the Red Wings and face off against the New York Islanders in the first game of the new year. Hopefully Sidney Crosby and Kris Letang can stay injury free for a good stretch of the season and the Pen’s resolution is to go deep into the playoffs this year. 7 p.m. Consol Energy Center. 1001 Fifth Ave., Uptown.

2) One of the more interesting venues in town is Pittsburgh CLO’s Cabaret theater, an intimate space where the group presents comical musical fare in extended runs. Up currently is Altar Boyz, a cheerfully irreverent send-up of two popular trends: boy bands and Christian-themed music. The fictional Altar Boyz of the title are a group with members named Matthew, Mark, Luke, Juan, and Abraham (he’s Jewish). Song-and-dance bits like “Church Rulez” and the hip-hop “Miracle Song” stop short of the outrageousness seen in The Book of Mormon but are quite rousing. The original off-Broadway production of Altar Boyz, by Gary Adler, Michael Patrick Walker, and Kevin Del Aguila, ran for five years, from 2005-10, and it has become a staple of regional theaters and fringe festivals worldwide. 2 and 7:30 p.m. Through January 10. CLO Cabaret, 655 Penn Ave., Cultural District. (MV)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0f80_H3BzhU

3) The holidays are full of traditions around these parts: Italians have the Feast of the Seven Fishes; Eastern Europeans have their 12-dish supper; and the Elf on the Shelf is here to stay. This year, the Carnegie Museum of Art wants to be part of your seasonal traditions with the Neapolitan presepio, a Pittsburgh tradition at the museum since 1957. This carefully preserved Nativity scene, which covers 250 square feet, offers a glimpse into 18th-century Italy with its life-size figures handcrafted by artisans between 1700 and 1830. While there, enjoy the Carnegie Trees display too. Both exhibits run through January 11 and are free with museum admission. 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. 440 Forbes Ave., Oakland.

Share on Social Media