‘Not Medea’ Opens at off the WALL; Lincoln Park Opens ‘Matilda: The Musical’ (Fri., 10/4/19)

She’s not really Medea, but sure looks like Medea raging at Jason while the Chorus restrains her in ‘Not Medea’ at off the WALL. Actors, L to R are Allan Snyder, Drew Leigh Williams, and Elizabeth Boyke. (photo: Mark Simpson Photography)

1) Too bad “edgy” is a cliché, because it sums up the kind of live theater you’ll see at off the WALL productions. The company produces plays by or about women, always choosing ones that push the envelope in terms of subject matter, style, or both. Last season included Sarah Kosar’s riotous Mumburger, in which a dead woman has willed her remains to be eaten by next of kin, and Johnna Adams’ World Builders, a love story of two mental patients who have clashing fantasy worlds. This season kicks off with a meta-theater takeoff on an old classic: Allison Gregory’s Not Medea. A frazzled working mom attends a performance of the Greek tragedy Medea—about a jilted sorceress who lashes out in murderous revenge—and sort of identifies with her, but figures the play could use some alterations. Not Medea was a hit of the 2016 American Contemporary Theater Festival. Allison Weakland directs it for off the WALL. Carnegie Stage. 8 p.m. Performances continue through October 19. 25 W. Main St., Carnegie. (MV)

2) Roald Dahl ranks with Lewis Carroll and J.K. Rowling in the category called “British authors of children’s literature that adults love, too.” A mercurial man, Dahl engaged in fierce combat as a fighter pilot during World War II, then turned to writing wild stories for kids and grown-up kids. Those made into movies include James and the Giant Peach, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (twice), and Matilda—a surreal tale of a five-year-old girl with telekinetic powers. Danny DeVito’s 1996 film used “Send Me on My Way” by Pittsburgh’s Rusted Root as its theme music. Playwright Dennis Kelly and comedian Tim Minchin then adapted Matilda as a full-blown stage musical, premiered in 2010 in England by none other than the Royal Shakespeare Company. Journey with us now to Midland, Pennsylvania, where Lincoln Park Performing Arts Center presents Matilda: The Musical. 7:30 p.m. Runs through October 20.1 Lincoln Park, Midland. (MV)

3) Cleo Parker Robinson Dance, based in Denver for 40 years and counting, is one of the foremost African-American modern dance companies. Cleo’s ensemble comes to Pittsburgh with a show that includes their signature high-energy pieces set to brassy jazz. Ends tomorrow. 980 Liberty Ave., Cultural District.(MV)

4) A man running for U.S. Congress faces a choice— he could get involved in a court case to possibly save an old friend from wrongful conviction, but doing so could ruin his political career. Whereas many politicians might just say “Too bad, old chum,” the hero in The Bloodless Jungle wrestles with the dilemma. 8 p.m. Runs through tomorrow. At the Genesius Theater, 1225 Seitz St., Uptown. (MV)

Friday, October 4

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