Can’t Miss Events in November in Pittsburgh
Save the dates for concerts, art exhibits, dance performances & more.
PHOTO BY JORDAN BECKHAM
Best Bet: Houdini’s Final Act
The untimely (or, depending on who you ask, cosmically foretold) death of Harry Houdini on Halloween Night 1926 did nothing to quell interest in the legendary performer. Houdini’s life and work are still studied and replicated — especially by Pittsburgh-based magician and television personality Lee Terbosic, who famously recreated Houdini’s mid-air escape over Liberty Avenue 100 years to the minute after the master dazzled a Pittsburgh crowd in 1916. In his original show, “The Life and Death of Harry Houdini,” Terbosic weaves biography, illusions and legend together. “There’s so much more than just magic tricks,” Terbosic says. “You really get a unique peek into Harry Houdini’s personal life.” Terbosic, who also hosted the miniseries “Houdini’s Last Secrets” on the Discovery Channel, has researched the magician extensively — even sitting in Houdini’s former living room. Fans who opt for the “Skeleton Key” VIP experience will get a rare opportunity after the show: A look at several artifacts once owned by Houdini himself, all from Terbosic’s personal collection. — sean collier
Liberty Magic, Downtown, 811 Liberty Ave., through Dec. 3 • trustarts.org
PHOTO BY JEREMY DANIEL
Oct. 31-Nov. 5 • Benedum Center
In 1975, “The Wiz” debuted on Broadway, starring Stephanie Mills as Dorothy. In 1978, Diana Ross took her turn dancing down the yellow brick road with Michael Jackson in the Sidney Lumet film. “The Wizard of Oz,” told through the lens of the Black American experience, has been a staple in Black homes for generations, and it’s gonna ease on down the road back to the stage on a national tour to bring all of the soulful music and performances to Pittsburgh.
Nov. 2 • Carnegie Library Lecture Hall
We all have experienced a portion of our lives that could be chronicled as “The Dork Diaries.” Author Rachel Renee Russell wrote an entire series about a young girl named Nikki Maxwell and her adventures starting in eighth grade. The No. 1 New York Times best-selling author will be in conversation to share Nikki’s life stories as well as some of her own.
Nov. 2-4 • Arcade Comedy Theater
Arcade Comedy Theater is the little comedy theater that could. For 10 years, they have been providing laughs in the heart of Pittsburgh’s Cultural District through various comedic programming. Now it’s time to present The Arcade Comedy 10th Anniversary Celebration in the best possible way, with joy and laughter. Three nights of performances, exhibits and events as we toast our glasses and cheer them on for another decade.
Nov. 4 • Row House Hollywood
David Lynch is very much known for his atmospheric films that don’t always follow a linear logic. The 2001 thriller “Mulholland Drive” is no exception. I remember nothing else from the movie besides Rebekah Del Rio’s robust and sorrowful voice singing “Llorando” a cappella on an empty stage. In that one scene, Lynch created an atmosphere of sadness and longing that carried over to the audience. Del Rio brings that atmosphere as she appears for a special viewing of the film and performance at Row House Hollywood.
Nov. 8-15 • Various theaters
The 2023 Three Rivers Film Festival kicks off the eight-day indie feature film takeover with the world premiere of the Pittsburgh-made Titanic film, “Unsinkable.” The fest will also feature Pittsburgh premieres of some highly anticipated films such as “The Holdovers” and “Housekeeping for Beginners” from Focus Features as well as Neon’s “La Chimera” and “Perfect Days.”
Nov. 11 • Kelly Strayhorn Theater
Pittsburgh dance company Staycee Pearl Dance Project and Soy Sos present movement residency artists Raphael Xavier and Chitra Subramanian. The dance company exists to celebrate the full range of Black culture through dance and immersive soundscapes. Professional breaker/dancer Xavier collaborates with Subramanian’s fusion of hip-hop and Indian Classical for a concert of dance performances on the KST mainstage.
Nov. 19 • City Winery
Grammy-winning musical artist Meshell Ndegeocello’s career has provided a soundtrack to political movements, Gen X nostalgia, house parties and television landscapes. Her latest album, “Omnichord Real Book,” is in true Ndegeocello form as she starts a new chapter with the deeply jazz-influenced album.
