Three Dog Night Plays Palace; PBT’s ‘Mixed Repertory #2 Features Contemporary Ballets (Fri., 3/11/16)

1) Rock ‘n’ roll promotes good health. This has been scientifically proven by the remarkable number of bands from the 1960s-70s that are still active and touring, many of them with multiple original or longtime members. Among these bands, one of the most noteworthy is Three Dog Night, because the type of rock performed by Three Dog Night is particularly conducive to wellness: It’s feel-good rock. After all, the group’s de facto anthem is the song called “Joy to the World.” Other top hits, such as “Shambala” (above), also combine happiness-oriented lyrics with beats that are decidedly upbeat. Even spooky numbers like “Mama Told Me Not to Come” are delivered in a festive fashion. In short, these guys never met a song they couldn’t have fun with, and you can see for yourself when Three Dog Night visits The Palace Theatre. 8 p.m. 21 W. Otterman St., Greensburg. (MV)

2) Step aside, Tchaikovsky. Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre is gonna dance to the music of Johnny Cash. Once again, PBT is showcasing the varied nature of contemporary ballet in an evening of short modern works. This year’s rendition is called Mixed Repertory #2, and it is headlined by James Kudelka’s The Man in Black, danced to several songs by Cash. (Recorded tracks are used in order to get the full flavor of the late balladeer’s distinctive voice.) Also on the program are Michael Smuin’s Eternal Idol, with music by Chopin, and Jardin aux Lilas, choreographed by Antony Tudor to music from Ernest Chausson. Capping the show is the premiere of an original piece created by PBT principal dancer Yoshiaki Nakano: He has titled it A Fellow Feeling, and the music is by that fellow Mozart. 8 p.m. Performances through Sunday. Byham Theater, 101 6^th St., Cultural District. (MV)

3) The Club – I don’t put a lot of stock into the Academy Awards, but I was very happy to see that Spotlight won Best Picture … since I think it’s the best movie made in the last five years. Some folks have complained that the movie persecutes the Catholic Church for their actions in the child sexual abuse scandal. Heaven only knows what they’ll think of The Club. This Chilean film from the incendiary director Pablo Larraín tells the story of four priests who’ve been excommunicated for various crimes (most of which involve children). They’ve been sent to a small beach town to live incognito and purge their sins. Their past catches up with them, however, and Larraín lets the Church have it with both barrels for the past 40 years of silence. They’ve labeled it a black comedy but it sounds to me as if that’s the only funny thing about the movie. The film won the Jury Grand Prix at the Berlin International Film Festival and was Chile’s entry for Foreign Language Oscar. Pass the smelling salts. Time TBD. Screenings through March 17. Harris Theater, 809 Liberty Ave., Cultural District. (TH)

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