The coronavirus pandemic has been especially challenging for fans of live performances and those in the industries that make them possible. Thankfully, there are still lots of ways to make an avid concertgoer or theater buff say “Bravo!”
For those who miss live musicians, Stageit may momentarily fulfill that longing. Stageit is a web-based performance platform that offers artists a paid virtual venue to bring their music to the masses live. Fans can chat with each other and interact with the performers during the one-time only event. Past performers include Jason Mraz, Indigo Girls, Jay Sean, Jimmy Buffett, Sara Bareilles and Jake Owen. “Notes” vouchers start at $5 with a minimum purchase of 50 notes at stageit.com.
With the upcoming biopic “Respect” rescheduled for Jan. 15, fans of the late Aretha Franklin will be uplifted with a powerful reminder of the real thing in “Amazing Grace,” out on DVD for $10 on Amazon. Directed by Academy Award winner Sydney Pollack, the 2018 concert doc chronicles the recording of Franklin’s gospel album “Amazing Grace” live at the New Temple Missionary Baptist Church in Los Angeles in 1972.
Speaking of legends, movie distributor Kino Lorber earlier this year released a 4K restoration of acclaimed concert doc “Jazz on a Summer’s Day.” The film takes viewers to the 1958 Newport Jazz Festival, where musical giants Louis Armstrong, Thelonius Monk, Dinah Washington, Chuck Berry and others were captured in stirring color by photographer Bert Stern. The 4K release of “Jazz on a Summer’s Day” is available to stream from Row House Cinema in Central Lawrenceville, and shoppers can purchase gift cards at rowhousecinema.com starting at $10.
Since the Benedum Center has gone dark and Broadway will be closed until June, how about a gift subscription to BroadwayHD? The streaming service offers hundreds of Broadway plays and musicals filmed live, as well as behind-the-scenes documentaries and movie adaptations. Interested in Hugh Jackman in “Oklahoma!”? What about Sir Patrick Stewart as “Macbeth” or Jessica Chastain in “Salome”? Gift subscriptions begin at $8.99 a month through broadwayhd.com.
Pittsburgh CLO has already announced its summer 2021 season, which includes classics like “A Chorus Line” and “Godspell” and newer favorites such as “The Drowsy Chaperone,” “Jersey Boys,” “Sister Act” and “Kinky Boots.” Gift certificates are available in any denomination toward the purchase of tickets of any show. Call 412-281-2822 or go to pittsburghclo.org.
PNC Broadway in Pittsburgh has announced a tentative 2021 schedule for touring shows coming to the Benedum Center stage, including the reimagined “Oklahoma!,” “Tootsie,” “Hadestown” and “Hamilton.” Pittsburgh Cultural District gift cards are available for purchase at the Box Office at Theater Square in Downtown, by calling 412-456-6666 or online at trustarts.org.
Tyler Dague: rdague@post-gazette.com.
First Published: November 27, 2020, 5:00 a.m.