Quantum’s ’10 Out of 12′ Continues at Mellon Institute (Wed., 4/8/26)

10 OUT OF 12 by Anne Washburn. Quantum Theatre. Through April 26. 

Every so often there comes a play about theater itself. Sometimes the play is described as a love letter to the medium. Anne Washburn’s 10 Out of 12 is more like a wacky but heartfelt tale told to a couples counselor. Other creations by Washburn include Mr. Burns, a Post-Electric Play, about survivors of a global apocalypse trying to keep Western culture alive by re-enacting episodes of “The Simpsons.” Expect no Simpsonia in 10 Out of 12. The true-to-life subject here is a tech rehearsal—the occasion shortly before a play’s opening night, when all the actors (ideally) have their roles nailed down, and the director must now integrate their acting with the various technical elements of sound effects, lighting and scenery changes, etc. This can be a hectic exercise. Cast and crew may have to cope with Murphy’s Law while racing against time, as stage-union rules limit members to working 10 hours out of a given 12. Reviewers in multiple cities have called 10 Out of 12 comical, yet more than farce, as it’s truly gripping. Quantum Theatre presents the spectacle for Pittsburgh audiences in the auditorium at Mellon Institute. 7:30 p.m. 4400 Fifth Ave., Oakland. (M.V.) 

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