PICT Waits for ‘Godot;’ Naked and Famous at AE (CPs Thurs., 6/5/14)

1) Join PICT Classic Theatre for its production of Waiting for Godot. Written by Samuel Beckett (initially in French, which he then put into English) in the mid-20th century, Waiting for Godot is subtitled “a tragicomedy in two acts” and is at once a play about nothing and everything. Or is it? The absurdist narrative features two men—Vladimir and Estragon—who are waiting for a mysterious man named Godot, for mostly obscure reasons. Overtaken by doubt and confusion, they bicker and babble—about theology, dreams, poetry, whether to go on living or not, and, in many cases, about complete nonsense. Entering the action at key times are two passing strangers, the bizarre Pozzo and his slave Lucky. Though absurd in their own ways, they cannot be called comic relief, because the situation is already comical and what they bring is not relief. Directed by Aoife Spillane-Hinks. 8 p.m. Through June 21 at the Charity Randall Theatre, 4301 Forbes Ave., Oakland.

2) The Naked and Famous plays a set at Stage AE. This five-piece band has come a long way from Auckland, New Zealand to be in Pittsburgh. Dreamy yet grungy, meditative yet punky, The Naked and Famous relies on airy vocals to carry us as if through a dream, poppy synth grooves to keep us electrified, and murky, processed guitar to keep that energy deeply grounded. Like a siren’s call, lead vocalist Alisa Xayalith’s voice is unforgettable—it will keep you entranced for the duration of the set and beyond. Since their 2010 debut album, Passive Me, Aggressive You, their music has been featured in the soundtracks of a remarkable array of television shows, movies, video games, and commercials. You may not know The Naked and Famous by name, but you’ll almost certainly recognize their tunes. Joined by White Sea. 7 p.m. 400 N. Shore Dr., North Shore.

3) Drusky Entertainment and WPTS present intellectual indie/punk band Titus Andronicus at Cattivo. On one hand, one might describe this New Jersey-based quintet as jaded, sarcastic, or cynical. On the other hand, they’re earnest, uncompromising, and uplifting. The fellows of Titus Andronicus formed the band in 2005 in Glen Rock, released their first album in 2008, and haven’t stopped rocking since. They’ve been graced by praise from all directions, both from the world of mainstream music and from the underground. Likewise, their music has been televised nationally on “Late Night with Jimmy Fallon” and “Last Call with Carson Daly.” Including their debut release, The Airing of Grievances, they’ve made three albums, with a fourth due this autumn. Joined by Baked and Roger Harvey & The Wild Life. 6:30 p.m. 146 44^th St., Lawrenceville.

4) Meanwhile, hardcore/pop-punk quartet The Menzingers visit the Altar Bar. Hailing from Scranton, Pennsylvania, The Menzingers are in good company among bands like Against Me!, Anti-Flag, Alkaline Trio, and even the Bouncing Souls, with some Menzingers members having come from ska-punk backgrounds. Spirited, angry, and raw, The Menzingers love to scream, chant, and generally, y’know, rage. Yet their recent release, Rented World, represents marked maturation and a slower pace for the band, an effort to expand their repertoire beyond punk into the realm of indie rock. In regard to being punk rockers in their mid-20s, guitarist/vocalist Tom May says that “things start to feel a little more serious.” Indeed they do, but The Menzingers have not forgotten their roots; they still know how to have a good time. Joined by Lemuria, PUP, and Cayetana. 7 p.m. 1620 Penn Ave., Strip District.

5) Order take out from your favorite restaurant and plop down in front of the tube to watch WQED TV producer Rick Sebak’s latest show “A History of Pittsburgh in 17 Objects.” Like Sebak’s previous shows, this one is also sure to contain all kinds of interesting info, rarely seen video, and funny stories about Pittsburgh. His trademark “hee hee” laugh in the narration of the show is another gem in this series of programming. 8 p.m. WQED TV.

Share on Social Media