Point Park University's Conservatory Dance Company presents the widely celebrated and critically-acclaimed production of The Bench, Dec. 10 - 12 and 17 - 19 at the Rockwell Theatre at Point Park University's Pittsburgh Playhouse in Oakland. Kiesha Lalama-White - the Point Park University faculty member named by Dance Magazine as one of 25 to watch in 2009 - conceived and choreographed the multi-media dance work that was named as one of the top ten dance events last year by the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
The full-length work celebrates family by following the journey of one couple from first encounter to shared moments as they face the trials and triumphs of life. This poignantly powerful multimedia production features original projections of art, spoken and projected quotes that help to punctuate the story, and a live orchestra led by famed jazz composer David Lalama, who composed The Bench's music; Grammy Award-winner Ralph Lalama serves as a guest artist. Both return to Pittsburgh to collaborate on the original work with cousin Kiesha Lalama-White.
Post-show discussions with the cast, musicians and creative team will be held following the 2 p.m. performances on Dec. 11 and Dec. 18.
The Bench performances run for two weekends: December 10 - 12 and December 17 - 19 on Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays at 2 p.m. at Point Park University's Pittsburgh Playhouse in Oakland. Tickets are $18 -$20 and can be purchased by calling the Pittsburgh Playhouse box office at 412-392-8000 or online at www.pittsburghplayhouse.com. Student and senior citizen discounts are available.
The 'pay what you will' performance will be held on Saturday, Dec. 11 at 2 p.m. Patrons can name the price for their tickets (anything over $1) in-person at the box office beginning at noon that day.
The Bench is featured with its own page on Facebook - watch videos of the show and get inside photos and comments from Lalama-White and the cast.
Videos