Things to Do in Pittsburgh This May

Save the dates for concerts, art exhibits, dance performances and more things to do in Pittsburgh.
Momix Alice Pc Sharen Bradford 0022

MOMIX’S “ALICE” PLAYS AT THE BYHAM THEATER THIS MONTH | PHOTO BY SHAREN BRADFORD

BEST BET

MOMIX’s “Alice”

Byham Theater | May 10-11

Literary nonsense inspires MOMIX’s “Alice” (2019), a hallucinatory wonderland inhabited by curious entities spun from the imaginative musings of director Moses Pendleton and the books of Lewis Carroll.

The 90-minute, non-narrative odyssey propels seven shape-shifting dancer-illusionists through a multimedia marathon of angry rabbits, baby-faced Tweedles and a caterpillar composed of exercise balls.

The humor and whimsy inherent in “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland” and “Through the Looking-Glass and What Alice Found There,” are “the perfect mix for MOMIX to take on Carroll or vice versa,” says Pendleton. “I’ve developed something so you don’t fall asleep, but if you do, please dream.”

Karen Dacko


ART

“Everlasting Plastics”

Through July 21 | Carnegie Museum of Art

Everlasting Plastics

XAVI AGUIRRE, “PROOFING” EVERLASTING PLASTICS (VENICE, IT 2023)| PHOTO BY REPORTARCH/ANDREA FERRO PHOTOGRAPHY

One word: Plastics. No, this isn’t an exhibit dedicated to the 1967 film “The Graduate,” and no Mrs. Robinsons are scheduled to appear. The site-specific installation “Everlasting Plastics” contains commissions from five U.S. artists, architects and designers and is meant to explore the highs and lows of plasticity as a material and a metaphor. The exhibit is a conversation on the past, present and hopeful future of our environment.

 

THEATER

“Witness for the Prosecution”

May 3-12 | New Hazlett Theater

For 100 years, the stories of author Agatha Christie have delighted fans of mystery and adventure. Whether through a novel, TV, film or (in this case) play, if you’re in Christie’s hands, you’re in for an exciting ride. “Witness for the Prosecution” is a courtroom drama about a man on trial for the murder of a wealthy woman. Expect plenty of outbursts, confessions and plot twists to keep you on the edge of your seat with Prime Stage Theatre.

MUSIC

Thievery Corporation

May 12 | Roxian Theatre

Lumping Thievery Corporation’s music in the bin of “electronica” does the duo a great disservice. Sure, electronica may be the broth, but jazz, reggae, bossa nova and trip-hop are the meat and veggies that make them a whole. This tour celebrates 25 years of that wine-bar vibe you never want to let go.

 

SPORTS

Mommies vs. Aunties Soccer Game

May 12 | Westinghouse Park

The annual Mother’s Day Mommies vs. Aunties Soccer Game will be a great way to trick yourself into some exercise. No soccer experience is necessary! Just bring sneakers, water and your willingness to be a goofball for this event. Sponsored by arts collective Sibyls Shrine, this event is meant to bring fellowship amongst those who “mother” in one form or another.

 

THEATER

EQT Children’s Theater Festival

May 17-19 | Cultural District

It’s the THE-A-TAH … for children! Gather up the little ones for interactive (and sensory-friendly) shows that include puppets, monsters, faraway lands and cross-cultural stories of adventure. The EQT Children’s Theater Festival is an exciting experience for all ages, taking place at several locations within the Cultural District.

MUSIC

The Punk Rock Puppet Show

May 26 | Hard Rock Cafe

It’s 1993, and you were probably watching MTV way late into the night. Remember that really trippy claymation music video telling the metal version of the Three Little Pigs story? Well, the band responsible is bringing that same vibe to the stage as The Punk Rock Puppet Show with Green Jelly. Joined by The Convalescence and Kemical Kemileon, expect heavily costumed theatrics and, of course, puppets.

 

THEATER

“The Coffin Maker”

May 29-June 16 | O’Reilly Theater

Mark Clayton Southers follows in the footsteps of his mentor, August Wilson, by bringing Black narratives to the stage. The world premiere of his latest play, “The Coffin Maker,” tells the story of Lawrence Ebitts and his wife Eula, who prepare bodies for burial in 1849 Oklahoma. This Western-comedy revenge tale performed at Pittsburgh Public Theater contains some adult language and themes; it’s recommended for ages 13 and older.

MUSIC

Pride on the Shore

May 31 | Stage AE

Between the parade and all of the diverse performances, this year’s Pittsburgh Pride event will keep your schedule full. So, let’s add one more thing to your list. Singer Natasha Bedingfield and entertainer Keke Palmer are extending the party to Pride on the Shore; DJ Kitty Glitter and DJ Hannah Rad will be there to keep the dancing sweaty.


To be considered for coverage, send details to Events Editor, Pittsburgh Magazine, Washington’s Landing, 600 Waterfront Drive, Suite 100, Pittsburgh, PA 15222 or email magevents@pittsburghmagazine.com. The deadline for July 2024 events is May 15. Include the event name, address, website, date and a brief overview.

Categories: Things To Do, Visitors Guide