Pulitzer Prize-Winning ‘Disgraced’ at The Public; Backstage Bar Hosts Kevin Howard (Tues., 3/29/16)

It’s not a real dinner party until the knives come out. Preparing to tangle, left to right, are Jory (Nafeesa Monroe), hosts Amir and Emily (Fajer Kaisi, Lisa Velten Smith), and Isaac (Ryan McCarthy).

1) Much of the buzz about Ayad Akhtar’s play Disgraced has focused on its hot-button subject matter. The central theme is Islamophobia, but many other forms of prejudice and social tension are explored. The play’s setup sounds like a crude ethnic joke—a lapsed Muslim, a Jew, a WASP, and an African American get together for a dinner party—and even though they’re all highly educated, progressive people, the talk turns heated and the knives come out.

Disgraced, now being given its local premiere by Pittsburgh Public Theater, received the 2013 Pulitzer Prize for Drama. And the play is more than socially relevant: It’s a riveting personal drama (see our review). The main character is a lawyer of Pakistani descent whose fast-track career has been interrupted when he is suspected of sympathizing with Islamic terrorists. 7 p.m. Performances through April 10. At the O’Reilly Theater, 621 Penn Ave., Cultural District.

2) Tuesday night jazz continues tonight at Theater Square’s Backstage Bar with Kevin Howard. Howard—a contemporary jazz keyboardist and Pittsburgh native—has been recognized by several local media outlets as one of the region’s top jazz performers. He has toured with the legendary Ronnie Laws and played with Najee and another Pittsburgh native—George Benson. Ease into your Monday evening with some cool jazz from a top artist. 5 p.m. No cover. 2623 Penn Ave., Strip District.

3) The Pens face off against the Buffalo Sabres in a 7 p.m. game at Consol Energy Center. The Penguins have been rallying around Sidney Crosby, making a run up the Metropolitan Division standings. Next up for the team is another home game Thursday against the Nashville Predators. 1001 Fifth Ave., Uptown.

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