New ‘Seagull’ Set to Fly at Quantum Theatre; Pittsburgh Blues and Roots Festival Kicks Off (Fri., 7/25/25)

July 23, 2025/Mike Vargo

Quantum Theatre's new production of 'The Seagull' is located on the grounds near the pond on Chatham University's campus. Pictured here are Trigorin (Brett Mack) and Arkadina (Lisa Velten Smith). Photo by Jason Snyder. — Quantum Theatre’s new production of ‘The Seagull’ is located on the grounds near the pond on Chatham University’s campus. Pictured here are Trigorin (Brett Mack) and Arkadina (Lisa Velten Smith). Photo by Jason Snyder.

1) Few plays have been as famous and influential as Anton Chekhov’s The Seagull. When it was staged in Moscow in 1898, audiences were transported by the story’s unique mixture of satiric humor, unrequited-love pathos, and realism ringing true to life. The Seagull came to be seen as a landmark in the development of modern theater. Stanislavski’s then-new Moscow Art Theatre, which had produced the play, chose the image of a seagull in flight as its company emblem. In recent years contemporary adaptations have been done. A few years ago, 12 Peers Theater of Pittsburgh staged Aaron Posner’s Stupid Fucking Bird, a play with music and a marvelous new version, despite the naughty title. Now Quantum Theatre opens its 35th season with Joanie Schultz’s Seagull. New twists here include gender-switching: The character Konstanin—a daring but not-so-good young playwright, in love with his leading lady—now becomes Constantine, a young woman in love with her leading lady. There may be more that’s new; Quantum is known for pushing envelopes. Seagull officially opens tonight at 8 p.m. Through August 17, outdoors next to the pond at the Chatham University campus, 107 Woodland Rd. between Shadyside and Squirrel Hill. (M.V.)

2) The annual Kip London Memorial Pittsburgh Blues and Roots Festival will take place today through Sunday at the Syria Shrine Center Pavilion in Cheswick. Getting the fest off to a great start tonight is the Jason Born Trio and Blues Guitar Attack Showdown This evenings performances are free, donations only. The strong lineup of blues musicians includes headliners The Nighthawks (Saturday) and Solomon Hicks (Sunday). Also on the bill are David Granati and Git Shorty, Bub McKeg & The Aces, The Sun King Warriors, Jimmy Adler & The Soulville Horns, Band Together Pittsburgh Performers, and more. 1 to 10:30 p.m. Saturday; 1 to 9 p.m. Sunday. The nonprofit groups Band Together Pittsburgh and Autism Pittsburgh are the beneficiaries of the event. There will also be performances from musicians on the autism spectrum. The festival is produced in association with Ron Esser, owner of Moondog’s Pub and John Vento. Syria Shrine Center, 1877 Shriners Way, Cheswick.