Split Stage’s ‘Romero & Juliet’ Comes to Life at St. Vincent; Pour at the Park (South); Pittsburgh Pierogi Fest (Sat., 5/17/25)

May 15, 2025/Rick Handler

ROMERO & JULIET (musical) with book & lyrics by Scott Logsdon; music by Aaron Gandy. Split Stage Productions. May 17 only, 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.

1) He may not have invented the conceit of zombies rising from the dead, but Pittsburgh’s own George Romero, more than any other filmmaker, immortalized a genre of horror films that has spawned a cult of the walking dead. Now comes a musical mashup of Shakespeare’s immortal tale of young lovers with Romero’s Night of the Living Dead, titled Romero & Juliet. With a book and lyrics by Scott Logsdon and music by Aaron Gandy, the musical tale is set in Verona—that is, Verona, Pennsylvania—and a concert production is being presented in Latrobe at Saint Vincent College. While attending a music festival aptly called Deadstock, the human Romero falls for zombie Juliet and all hell (and heaven) break loose in this star-crossed romp that pays homage to the music of eighties pop icons Madonna, George Michael, Bon Jovi, and Boy George. Allison Guinn, who starred as Lucy in the Broadway revival of On The Town and had a recurring role in season three of Only Murders in the Building, will play Nessa, Juliet’s nurse, while Butler native Michael Marra, seen on Broadway in Les Miserables, will take on the role of Friar Laurencee as “Uncle Larry.” Shea Curran and Veronique Chayer headline the show as Romero and Juliet. Other members of the cast include veteran Broadway stars and local professionals.

The concert is staged by Split Stage Productions in the Carey Performing Arts Center on the Saint Vincent campus, 300 Fraser Purchase Rd. (off Route 30), Latrobe. (C.P.O.)

2) The Allegheny County Parks Foundation is having a very exciting fundraiser—its semi-annual Pour at the Park. The event, which occurs today from 5:00 to 9 p.m. at South Park Fairgrounds. Pour at the Park will feature beer, spirit, and food tastings. Participants include: Penn Brewery, Lucky Sign Spirits, Chimera Brewing, A Few Bad Apples Cider, Hazel Grove Brewing, Recon Brewing, Firewhistle Brewing, Pita My Shawarma, Lets Taco Food Truck and more. Prize baskets valued at $250 to $500 each will be awarded by a ticket raffle. Come on out and support the Allegheny County Parks Foundation and its mission to improve, conserve and restore the nine Allegheny County Parks. This is a family friendly event and also features fun activities for children. Sorry no dogs though. Event tickets required which can be purchased at the door.

3) The Southside Works will be hosting the 10th Annual Pittsburgh Pierogi Festival. Stop by for a taste of the doughy delights and also shopping, local beers, craft cocktails, and special photo opps. Noon to 5 p.m. 27th and Sidney Streets, South Side.