Best of the 'Burgh 2010: Arts & Entertainment

Our editors pick the best of the best in Pittsburgh arts and entertainment.

Pittsburgh Playhouse Hosts 'Umbrella' World Premiere

When it rains, it pours: 'The Umbrella Man' receives its world premiere at the Pittsburgh Playhouse and will hit the big screen, too.

By Robert Isenberg

David Conrad Hearts Art

This hometown Hollywood star, who keeps a loft in the Strip District and supports the local arts scene, will serve as Honorary Centennial Chair for the Associated Artists of Pittsburgh's 100th year.

By Christine H. O'Toole

Pittsburgh By The Numbers

With our city topping so many best (and, in some rare cases) worst lists in the past year, we thought we would give you the whole picture.

Illustration by David Coulson

A Great Escape

ESPN sportswriter John D. Lukacs changes direction to write about an amazing WWII feat of bravery.

By Geoffrey W. Melada

'Chasing Greatness: Johnny Miller, Arnold Palmer, and the Miracle at Oakmont'

Adam Lazarus and Steve Schlossman spent years researching and interviewing the golf legends who were at the 1973 championship at Oakmont, and the pair does a thorough job of recreating the drama and retelling the four-day event from the perspective of all of the key players of that time.

By Stephen Knezovich

'The Comet and the Tornado'

'The Comet and the Tornado' is Donald Marinelli's personal memoir, cataloguing his nearly 30 years spent working in CMU's drama department. But more than that, it is his attempt to reflect on the time he spent working side-by-side with the late Randy Pausch.

By Stephen Knezovich

'If You Live By The Sword': Politics in the Making and Unmaking of a University President

Former IUP president Lawrence K. Pettit's story is compelling and mostly reads like one of those tragicomic novels of academic by Richard Russo.

By Kristofer Collins

'Way Out West'

Given that the Western United States is famed for vast spaces, it comes as no surprise that Rollins explores wide ranges of invention at length.

By Gordon Spencer

'Art Pepper Meets The Rhythm Section'

This is a remastered re-release of what's considered one of Pepper's greatest recordings from the late '50s.

By Gordon Spencer

'ain't so bad to swing'

Upper-Burrell trombonist Jeff Bush has performed with Homewood's Ahmad Jamal, Jon Hendricks and others. Until this, he hadn't put together his own recording session.

By Gordon Spencer