May is a transition month here at the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, when we wrap up our seasonal programming and spring full-speed ahead into festival season. Ready to join us? Here are our top picks for May:
Smoothfest Weekend featuring Gerald Albright and Jonathan Butler
May 5-6, August Wilson Center
We’re extending our Jazz Appreciation Month into the first weekend in May for Smoothfest Weekend at the August Wilson Center. Jazz icons Gerald Albright (May 5) and Jonathan Butler (May 6) headline the weekend. Don’t forget to check out the John & Vivian Hewitt Collection of African American Art in the AWC’s gallery spaces prior to the shows.
Jazzed for even more live music in May? Check out our BNY Mellon Presents JazzLive Series schedule for free performances every Tuesday.
PAW Patrol Live!
May 11-14, Benedum Center
“No job is too big, no pup is too small.” If your little ones paw-sitively adore Ryder, Marshall, Chase, Skye, Rubble, Rocky, Zuma, and Everest, you won’t want to miss PAW Patrol’s first-ever live tour when it comes to the Benedum. Best availability is Thursday, May 11 at 6pm and Friday, May 12 at 2pm.
EQT Children’s Theater Festival
May 18-21, Cultural District
Kids will take over the Cultural District May 18-21 for four days of live theater performances and free activities. This year’s featured performances include shows for all ages: ELEPHANT AND PIGGIE'S WE ARE IN A PLAY!, THE WAY BACK HOME, PULSE, WE BUILT THIS CITY, SIMPLE GIFTS, and MUFARO'S BEAUTIFUL DAUGHTERS - AN AFRICAN TALE. Visit the Festival website for the full lineup events, and be sure to check back later this month for an insider’s guide to the Festival.
Dirty Dancing
May 23-28, Heinz Hall
Our springtime programming heats up with DIRTY DANCING, The Classic Story on Stage. Go back to the summer of 1963 May 23-28 at Heinz Hall to relive the Johnny and Baby’s love story and see all the iconic choreography from the film performed live.
An American in Paris
May 30-June 11, Benedum Center
Presented by PNC Broadway in Pittsburgh and Pittsburgh CLO
Based on the 1951 Academy Award winning film of the same name, AN AMERICAN IN PARIS follows Jerry Mulligan, an American soldier who decides to build his life in Paris after World War II. With music from George and Ira Gershwin and Tony Award winning choreography from Christopher Wheeldon, you won't want to miss an enchanting evening (or matinee) in Paris with us.