CLO’s Oklahoma Continues at Benedum; Zone 28 in Harmar Offers Many Entertainment Activities (Tues., 6/25/19)

‘Oh, oh,’ say the old folks at the wedding in Pittsburgh CLO’s ‘Oklahoma!’ (photo: Matt Polk)

1) The team of Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II got it right from the start with Oklahoma!, their first musical collaboration. It was a hit upon its Broadway debut in 1943 and is still staged today, including a run by the Pittsburgh CLO. The musical is based on the play Green Grow the Lilacs. Set in 1906, when Oklahoma was a territory, the musical follows Laurey Williams, a farm girl who is courted by cowboy Curly McLain (the good boy) and farmhand Jud Fry (the bad boy). A parallel love triangle involves Ado Annie, Ali Hakim, and Will Parker. The title song, with its suspended “Ohhhhhh,” is the one everyone knows, but “Oh, What a Beautiful Mornin’” is another standout tune. Oklahoma! pioneered the book musical, in which scenes, songs, and dances intersect to create a full story. A 1955 movie version was also a hit. It marked the film debut of Southwestern Pennsylvania native Shirley Jones. Pittsburgh CLO performs Oklahoma! at Benedum Center, 237 7th St. and Penn Ave. 7:30 p.m. Performances continue through June 30. Cultural District. (CM)

2) Zone 28 offers myriad spaces designed for fun. This entertainment complex contains 33 bowling lanes. After Dark Bowling is bowling for adults only on Friday and Saturday nights. It includes black lights, music, and drink specials at End Zone sports bar. Adults can also shoot pool, play arcade games, or take to the 3,000-square-foot laser tag arena. (These are available for children and the forever young during the day.) If one prefers a smaller space primed for mental gymnastics, Zone 28 houses two escape rooms. Hidden Below is set in an old Harmar mine where Andrew Carnegie’s treasure may be buried. Room 113 gives thrillseekers the chance to escape from a bloodied motel room. (Both escape rooms can be booked in advance.) All of this fun is sure to work up an appetite. Rail House Restaurant serves pizza, sandwiches, BBQ ribs, and salads. There are also special events every month, and Zone 28 is a great place to host a party, especially at its private Suite 28. Finally, a new beer park opens in July; all the more reason to visit. 2525 Freeport Rd., Harmarville. (CM)

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