‘Toys of the ‘50s, ‘60s and ‘70s’ at Heinz History Center; ‘Neighbors 2: Sorority Rising’ Now Screening (Mon., 5/23/16)

Can Johnnie and Judy come out to play? Definitely—and this is just one corner of the Heinz History Center’s throwback toy exhibit. (Photo: Rachellyn Schoen)

1) Sometimes history is a serious subject but sometimes it is child’s play. The new exhibit at the Senator John Heinz History Center—Toys of the ‘50s, ‘60s and ‘70s—is designed for two kinds of visitors: anyone who was a child during those times, and anyone who was or is a child, period. The show is chock full of historic toys that shaped the impressionable young minds of people such as today’s Supreme Court justices and geezer rockers. You’ve got your banana-seat wheelie bikes (the forerunners of BMX bikes) along with vintage Barbies and Kens. There are mysterious pre-digital-age artifacts based upon physical rather than electronic play—Mr. Potato Heads, Slinkys, Rock’em Sock’em Robots, Erector Sets, and more—as well as early computer and video games. Moreover, although fans of tiny bicycles are not encouraged to attempt wheelies in the exhibit space, many items can actually be played with. Are you up for a Slinky race? Through May 31. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. 1212 Smallman St., Strip District. (MV)

2) Neighbors 2: Sorority Rising – You know what? For one reason or another I never got around to seeing the 2014 comedy Neighbors. In case you were out of town that weekend, the film starred Seth Rogen and Rose Byrne as a couple with a newborn child moving into a new neighborhood … unaware that right next door was a frat house lorded over by Zac Efron. The couple began a protracted war with the frat boys to see who would control the neighborhood. The film was a critical disaster but, of course, a box office bonanza so a sequel was rushed into the works. This time Rogen and Byrne, thinking that since they got rid of Efron and his boys, they’re on Easy Street, get new neighbors … a sorority!!! (How do they think up these things?) And those girls are even worse than the boys. So Rogen contacts his old nemesis, Efron, to join forces and get the young women to leave. Chloë Grace Moretz, Selena Gomez, Dave Franco, Lisa Kudrow, and Ike Barinholtz lend their own skills to what is sure to become one of the greatest comedies about young couples fighting sororities/fraternities in their neighborhood. Check Fandango for screens and times. (TH)

3) It’s Global Mondays at Cappy’s Cafe in Shadyside with imported bottled beers for only $3. While there, team up an import with a bowl of their scrumptious chili. 5431 Walnut St.

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