Pittsburgh Cultural Trust Honors Namesake of Greer Cabaret Theater Upon his Death
It is dimming the lights of the marquee this week as a tribute.
THE GREER CABARET THEATER, A PROJECT OF THE PITTSBURGH CULTURAL TRUST, HONORS GEORGE GREER ON ITS MARQUEE. | PHOTO COURTESY OF PITTSBURGH CULTURAL TRUST
The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust is dimming the lights at the Greer Cabaret Theater this week to honor the man whose name graces this recently renovated performance space Downtown at Theater Square.
George Collins Greer died at age 92 on July 26 in Rector, a section of Ligonier Township. Trained as a lawyer, he worked for H.J. Heinz Co. for 37 years, retiring as the vice president of organization and development, according to his obituary on the McCabe Funeral Home website. He was dedicated to community service and was a strong advocate for the arts, taking on the role of chairman of a number of organizations like the Eden Hall Foundation, Blue Cross of Western Pennsylvania, The Children’s Institute of Pittsburgh, Fort Ligonier and Rolling Rock Club. He also was an active board member of the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust and Westminster College.
“We are deeply saddened by the passing of George Greer, a beloved member of our Cultural Trust family,” according to a Trust statement. “George was a Lifetime Trustee on our Board and steadfast supporter of the arts in Pittsburgh. His dedication, vision and kindness left an indelible mark on our community.”
THE INTERIOR OF THE GREER CABARET THEATER AFTER ITS RENOVATION BY MOSSARCHITECTS | PHOTO BY ED MASSERY PHOTOGRAPHY
The cabaret theater opened in 2004, and the Trust renamed it in 2018 to honor Greer. In 2022-23, it was closed for a year to undergo a $6 million renovation project, designed by mossArchitects, that improved seating with stylish booths and banquettes and rail seating that brings guests face-to-face with performers. As a smaller theater, it’s designed for more intimate events and performances.
“This is truly an outstanding, elevated, state-of-the-art audience experience — that is still welcoming and inclusive,” Pittsburgh Cultural Trust President and CEO Kendra Whitlock Ingram said at its unveiling in September 2023.
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