Sure, sure sure. You've all heard about, and have seen billboards, and continue to get e-mails about the dominating theatre organization's upcoming shows in the 'Burgh.  And that is great- no, its FANTASTIC- that you are aware and hopefully interested in seeing some of the said performances (thus enriching your life).  Although the majority of these shows are great, there is more theatre in Pittsburgh than many realize. That's where I come in. 

Since May, when I began writing this column, I have discovered more and more delicious layers to the theatre world in Pittsburgh.  Trust me, people, there's WAY more than you think.  This blog post marks the first post in a series which I've decided to name "Pittsburgh Theatre Gems" where I am hoping to bring your attention to the smaller theatre organizations in Pittsburgh.  Even though they don't necessarily perform at the Byham, Benedum or Heinz Hall, they offer ridiculously quality performances in locations that will take your relationship with Pittsburgh to the next level.  

First up? Barebones Productions.  Barebones Productions was developed by Patrick Jordan, a Pitt Alumnus who loves Pittsburgh just as much as he loves theatre.  In January 2007 Jordan was dubbed by Pittsburgh Magazine as one of the 25 most beautiful people living in Pittsburgh (I have spoken with him in person. Pittsburgh Magazine's got it right).  But I'm not here to discuss his dark and brooding good looks, nor am I here to discuss his love for Pittsburgh (even though I certainly am happy to hear it).  I want to talk about his passion for making the city of champYINZ even better, via taking Pittsburgh theatre to the next level.  

Jordan's baby, Barebones Production's, main goal is to place a heavy emphasis on the "bare essentials" of the show, in order to produce shows that are, more than anything else, character driven.  That basically means that any Barebones Productions you see are going to have deep, complex and dynamic characters who are the true driving force behind the show itself.  As stated on the website,  Barebone's mission statement is to facilitate the growth of local theatre artists through the production of challenging, entertaining, thought-provoking shows.  

I have seen two Barebones productions myself, BUG and The Grey Zone. Both  performances were incredible, and held at really cool places in Pittsburgh.  The Grey Zone was performed above Bossanova in downtown, and  BUG was performed where the old Upstage bar was on Forbes Ave in Oakland.  Although BUG only had two characters, and The Grey Zone about ten, Barebones certainly held true to its mission statement, and truly utilizing the strength of characters in order to drive the show forward, and to emanate energy throughout the audience. 

Barebones next production, Glengarry Glen Ross, is coming November 12-29 at the New Hazlett Theatre. I suggest you be there. I will be. Want some background info? I thought you might:

Glengarry Glen Ross, written by David Mamet, takes place in a two day tiem period of the lives of four smarmy, skeezy, shady (and any other slimy s--y word you can think of) real estate agents whose lack of ethics knows no bounds.  These men are willing to do anything to sell real estate to potential buyers... ANYTHING (cue dramatic music). 

Not only was it Pulitzer Prize winning, Glengarry Glen Ross was nominated for four and won one Tony Award. 

Since Glengarry Glen Ross isn't until November, there are plenty of other shows to keep you occupied before then. What, you ask? Check a few blog posts down, to see some of my recommended shows. Coming up most recently?  Two Gentlemen of Verona by Poor Yoricks Player's in Monroeville, and Cirque Du Soliel's Alegria at the Petersen Events Center in Oakland.

So take your relationship with Pittsburgh Theatre to the next level, by seeing some shows that may be new to you - off the beaten path--as they say.

Questions? Comments? Bring 'Em!