7 Things to Do in Pittsburgh This Weekend

PHOTO BY SEAN COLLIER

Dazzling Nights: All holiday light displays have beauty and joy; at the Pittsburgh Botanic Garden’s Dazzling Nights, you also get mystery and wonder. As you explore the sprawling, outdoor space, you’ll find an array of delightful and gorgeous surprises: neon-outlined woodland creatures emerging from the forest; a maze of greenery leading to mirror-ball snowmen; Christmas trees floating in mid-air; towering trees illuminated with soft, colorful light, with ambient soundscapes playing in the background. Even “Momentum,” the marquee art installation hovering above the Garden’s Lotus Pond, is dressed for the season, brought to life with projected beams of dancing light. It’s an unforgettable trip into an essential holiday wonderland — and, lest you worry about the temperatures, there are hot mugs of cocoa available along the path. (Grown-ups have the option to add a little extra holiday cheer to their beverages.) Dazzling Nights continues on select nights until Jan. 3; timed tickets are required.

“Little Women”: Playwright Lauren Gunderson has created a “Little Women” with both the liveliness of the lauded film adaptation and the intimacy of being read a story at bedtime. In the sharp performances and the gorgeous set, the production — a rolling world premiere co-presented by Pittsburgh City Theatre — draws the audience into a particularly inviting version of the American past. The script uses passages from Louisa May Alcott’s book as asides, making the audience feel like trusted confidants sharing secrets with the characters. Through it all, Zanny Laird carries the story and the heart of the March family in a spirited and endearing turn as Jo (and, at moments, Alcott herself). It’s no surprise, then, that this production has been extended by audience demand; even with added performances, tickets are flying, so act fast. “Little Women” continues on the South Side until Dec. 13.

“1984”: The lessons of George Orwell’s dystopian novel “1984” may never have been more relevant than they are today — and debuting theater company Playbox Productions won’t let the audience forget it. An intimate, confrontational staging of the tale puts the conflicts, suspicion and doublethink front and center; intimidating video pieces rattle viewers and performers alike to attention. Trent Wolfred walks a tightrope of suspicion as the sinister (or is he?) O’Brien, while Veta Piscitella exudes heart in the midst of misery as Julia. “1984” takes place this weekend at the newly remodeled Three Stories at 937 Liberty Ave.; arrive early to check out an array of ’80s artifacts in the lobby.

“Planes, Trains & Automobiles”: When writer/director John Hughes penned the script for “Planes, Trains & Automobiles,” it was a departure. Best known for teen fables such as “The Breakfast Club” and “Pretty in Pink,” Hughes changed his focus dramatically with the story of a jaded ad executive and a boorish, happy-go-lucky salesman trapped in a Thanksgiving travel nightmare. Thanks to perfect performances by Steve Martin and John Candy, it worked; the result is not only one of the best road movies of all time, it’s a life lesson for every “cold-hearted cynic.” (It also teaches us about the proper deployment of a certain four-letter word.) This Friday night, “Planes, Trains & Automobiles” graces the massive screen at the Rangos Giant Cinema.

Bill Bellamy: From MTV VJ to co-star of HBO’s “Insecure,” Bill Bellamy has spent decades establishing himself as a versatile entertainer. Best known for his effortlessly smooth (yet goofy) and energetic stage presence, this beloved Gen-X comedian is a masterful storyteller who engages crowds on relatable subjects such as being a family man, current events and everyone’s favorite subject … aging. Bellamy will be at the Pittsburgh Improv from Friday-Sunday. — Kahmeela Adams

“The Nutcracker”: Christmas doesn’t begin in Pittsburgh until the Sugar-Plum Fairy dances. Pittsburgh Ballet Theater’s annual production of “The Nutcracker” opens at the Benedum Center this Friday, and continues Fridays through Sundays until Dec. 28 — plus a magical holiday week performance on Tuesday, Dec. 23. Come for Tchaikovsky’s immortal score; stay for the lavish production.

Billie Marten: Singer-songwriter Billie Marten may be from England, but there are distinct strains of Americana and mid-century folk on her new album, “Dog Eared.” Marten makes her first Pittsburgh appearance this Sunday night in the Warhol’s entrance space, as part of the museum’s acclaimed Sound Series lineup.

Watch Sean Collier discuss this weekend’s events on KDKA’s “Pittsburgh Today Live” here:

Looking for more things to do? Check out our complete list of events in Pittsburgh for today, tomorrow and the weeks ahead.