Pittsburgh Playhouse: The Beginning of a New Era
By: Miracle Bynum
The Pittsburgh Playhouse in Oakland is coming to an end. The building that has stood since 1934 is now coming to a close, and reopening in Downtown Pittsburgh. Many people are very sad about the closing because they have real emotional attachments. Though they are sad, most are excited for a new beginning. The old building is essentially “falling down around them.” The building, in it’s old age, is struggling to stay up to code. The equipment and technology is way outdated.
This historical landmark, in its new location, will bring so much more to both Point Park University and Downtown Pittsburgh. They will have state of the art technology, behind the scenes equipment, seating. The grand opening of the new Playhouse will take place on October 26, 2018.
Point Park’s Kim Martin expressed that this Playhouse will cause such a beneficial “big boom”, thus bringing more tourist, events, money, and attraction to the city. The new Playhouse will include theater, art, and cinema. The new complex, as well as the old one, will have something in common. They will both be made up of three buildings. As well as the main theater, the new Playhouse will have a space designed specifically for teaching purposes.
Martin says “all of the resources will definitely be better”.
The complex will also include shops and cafes. This appeals to all ages: kids, teens, middle aged, and senior citizens. The Playhouse will show varieties of performances and acting. As of right now the first year, the Playhouse will only be operated by Point Park students, but in years to come this will most likely change.
Pittsburgh resident Christine Gale said that she has been going to see shows at the Playhouse for years. She continued in saying that she went on her first date there, brought her kids there, and made tons of memories.
Gale says, “I wish they would keep the old Playhouse. Sure you can rebuild a building, but it will never really be the same. I am tremendously sad.”
Many citizens are upset, but many are excited for the new change. Carson Bailey, another Pittsburgh resident, says, “I love the Playhouse, but it was definitely time for a new and improved version. The building was old, and nothing last forever.”
The dancers of Point Park are also looking forward to the new change. The dancers perform at the Playhouse about two times a year. They all expressed that they are excited to be able to perform on that new stage.
The Pittsburgh Playhouse
is known to people all over Pittsburgh. There are lots of mixed emotions on the closing and reopening. The old, and the new Playhouse will both have something in common.They don’t fail to entertain, and bring joy from the stage.