“Pippin” Opens at Benedum (CPs Tues., 1/20/15)

1) Rising out of Agoura Hills, Calif., Linkin Park became the biggest rock group in the world with their monster debut album, Hybrid Theory, which achieved Diamond-sales status and spawned hits like “In the End.” Another of the band’s top songs is “Burn It Down,” from their fifth studio album, 2012’s Living Things. Linkin Park’s sound is derivative—like AC/DC before them—of being able to rock very hard while retaining melody and great rhythm. They are touring in support of their latest album, The Hunting Party. Special guests are Rise Against and Of Mice & Men. 7 p.m. Consol Energy Center, 1001 Fifth Ave., Uptown. CANCELLED DUE TO BAND MEMBER INJURY.

Sasha Allen (arms spread) is the Leading Player in the spectacularly hooped-up new version of “Pippin.”

2) Long ago in early medieval France there lived a prince who hoped to be king. He never knew that his ultimate fate was to be the subject of a Broadway musical. Pépin, a son of Charlemagne, aspired to his father’s throne but lost out in the intrigues of the time. Centuries later, composer Stephen Schwartz turned the story into Pippin, a surreal musical tale about a young man’s quest for identity and meaning in life. An initial version played at Carnegie Mellon University in 1967 when Schwartz was a student there. Reworked for Broadway, Pippin became a hit in the 1970s. Now comes the traveling production of an amped-up Pippin by Stephen Schwartz and Roger O. Hirson, which won the 2013 Tony Award for Best Musical Revival. With acrobatics by the Montreal circus troupe Les 7 doigts de la main (7 Fingers of the Hand), it’s a dazzling show. Tonight’s the opening performance at 7:30 p.m. Runs through Jan. 25. Benedum Center, 237 7th St., Cultural District.

3) Olé! It’s taco (and burrito) Tuesday from 7 – 11 p.m. at Cappy’s Cafe in Shadyside: $1.50 tacos, $3 burritos, and $3 Mexican beers. 5431 Walnut St.

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