Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre Free Performance at Hartwood; Front Porch Theatricals Staging ‘Fun Home’ (Sun., 8/18/19)

Ballet is seldom seen outdoors; the PBT free show at Hartwood Acres creates a distinctive experience.

1) Ballet is one of the pricier tickets in town, except on Sunday, August 18, when it’s free. Dancers and musicians of Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre visit the outdoor stage at Hartwood Acres to perform pieces from the company’s repertoire in a show called Ballet Under the Stars. As the title indicates, this is an evening performance, but fans are invited to come early for a couple of pre-show events. One is a “Family Fun” festival with free children’s activities and on-site food vendors, starting at 5 p.m. Also at 5 p.m., the VIP tent opens for dinner, drinks, and a chance to meet the PBT dancers; this event requires buying tickets (see the web link above). The free performance begins at 7:30 p.m. Since that is before sunset, not many stars will be visible at first—but they’ll come out soon, and everyone is invited to dance along with the show. Hartwood Acres Park Amphitheater, 4000 Middle Rd., Allison Park. (MV)

Livia Rocco as Small Alison and Daniel Krell as Bruce Bechdel in Front Porch Theatrical’s ‘Fun Home. (photo:: Marnie Quick)

2) Fun Home began as a graphic memoir by Alison Bechdel, who grew up in Beech Creek, Pennsylvania. It’s a rural town in Clinton County, located in the upper middle part of the state. As you know if you have read it or seen Bechdel interviewed on TV, Fun Home is about growing up in a home that was emotionally hectic and often not so much fun. It primarily concerns her relationship with her father. The graphic novel employs a non-linear structure and explores other themes, such as art, mental health, and sexual identity. It was critically acclaimed upon its release in 2006 as was its musical adaptation, which opened Off-Broadway in 2013. It won the 2015 Tony Award for Best Musical. Front Porch Theatricals brings it to the New Hazlett Theater for its Pittsburgh premiere. With Drew Leigh Williams as Alison, Nuala Cleary as Medium Alison, Livia Rocco as Small Alison, and Daniel Krell as father Bruce. Music by Jeanine Tesori with book and lyrics by Lisa Kron. Performances continue through August 16. At the New Hazlett Theater, 6 Allegheny Square East, North Side. (CM)

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