CrossCurrents

PERFORMANCES:

Jan. 31 – Feb. 12 – BILLY ELLIOT THE MUSICAL. It’s all about a young boy who just wants to dance…ballet…in a coal mining town in northeastern England. The winning film is transformed into an entertaining and touching Broadway musical that won ten Tony Awards, including best musical, in 2009. Tickets: $22-79; 412-456-6666, www.TrustArts.org or Box Office at Theater Square.

Feb. 3-5  and 9-12 – PITTSBURGH BALLET THEATRE. PBT is trying something new – maybe that’s why the title is Uncommon. The ballet goes to August Wilson Center for the first time, unveils a new Dwight Rhoden world premiere, Chromatic, brings its first Mark Morris piece, Maelstrom, and rounds things out with a Dennis Nahat ballet, Brahms Quintet. A bonus with live music by musicians from the orchestra members. With a good programming balance and a theme around the three B’s (Bach, Beethoven and Brahms), you can’t ask for much more. Uncommon shows tight vision and, on the basis of all that, is worth a night out at the ballet. Thursdays at 7:30, Fridays and Saturdays at 8, Saturdays and Sundays at 2 p.m. 412-456-6666, www.culturaldistrict.org or the Box Office at Theater Square.

Feb. 4 - SPEAKING OF… The fledgling presenting group crosses many artistic boundaries, but will include a sneak peek at Bodiography’s 10th anniversary program, a new work from Texture and some song and movement from Vie Boheme (a.k.a. August Wilson Center Dance Ensemble’s Kendra Dennard). Of course there will be spoken words from Jim Daniels, Nikki Allen and Tameka Cage-Conley, along with the sweet rock ‘n roll of Cello Fury. New Hazlett Theater, 8 p.m. Tickets: $10 through Showclix, www.speakingofpittsburgh.com or Facebook; $15 at the door.

Feb. 9-11 – SLIPPERY ROCK UNIVERSITY DANCE  THEATRE. The student company will perform at Miller Auditorium at 7:30 p.m. Tickets: $5 students and $10 adults at the door.

Feb. 11 – EVOLVE PRODUCTIONS, INC. In Sarah Parker once again brings back LOVE etc…, a benefit for the American Heart Association at the Grey Box Theater in Lawrenceville. The performance will showcase Continuum Dance Theater, EVOLVE THE COMPANY, K.G. Dynasty, TEXTURE  Contemporary Ballet and more. 7:30 VIP meet and greet ($35), 8 p.m. General Admission ($25); 8:30 p.m. performance. Click on Evolve.

Feb. 11 – QM PRODUCTIONS, INC. A benefit concert for the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank featuring Ballet Academy of Pittsburgh and Point Park University modern dancer Laura Warnock, plus vocalists Chris Laitta, Eva Rainforth, Joan Russell-Phillips, Anna Rich and Justin Zeno. Boyce Middle School Auditorium in Bethel Park, 8 p.m. Tickets: $12-15. 412-576-0898; www.QMproductionsinc.com. While you’re at it, bring a food item…

Feb. 11 – THE PILLOW PROJECT. What is Pearlann Porter up to now on her jazz improvisational journey? February’s Second Saturday will be a virtual juke-box night where members of the audience will provide the accompaniment via mp3 player, laptop or CD. It only costs $5 per play or 5 for $20 and will go a long way to funding the Pillow Project’s upcoming season. So you lay down the track and the company members will create a spontaneous dance (no longer than 7 minutes, please). The Space Upstairs, 214 N. Lexington St., Point Breeze, 8 – 11:30 p.m. Suggested donation at the door: $10.

Feb. 15-16 – SHEN YUN. Playing off a series of sold-out performances Lincoln Center in New York City, the American-based company of Chinese ex-patriots brings more than 60 performances in an epic performance of Chinese traditional arts. Benedum Center, 7:30 p.m. Tickets: 53.25-153.25; 412456-6666 or trustarts.org. 

Feb.? - PINA - The watch continues for this 3D film about famed German choreographer Pina Bausch. Imagine being surrounded by her singular dancing images. Right now it is playing New York and Los Angeles and has been nominated for an Oscar as a documentary3. There are no immediate plans to play Pittsburgh at either Loew’s or Cinemark, but stay tuned.

More of February to come.