Benedum Center Events and Schedule Information 2011

The Benedum Center is short for the Benedum Center for the Performing Arts, which is previously known as the Stanley Theatre. Being a famous landmark in the city's cultural district, the Benedum Center has served as a wonderful theatre as well as a venue for spectacular concerts since its inception.

The Stanley Theatre was constructed in 1927 and open in early 1928. After a long time of renovation, it reopened its door to the public in 1987. Since then, it was renamed as the Benedum Center for the Performing Arts, in honor of the Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation.

Today, the Benedum Center does not simply perform as a movie palace any more. It really lives up to its name, being a gorgeous full-service center for performing art. Comprising Pittsburgh Civic Light Opera, Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre and Pittsburgh Opera, the Benedum Center has a seating capacity of 3,800. Thanks to its advanced amenities and delightful setting, the center hosts plenty of excellent performances and shows every year. Plus, it is widely considered as one of the theatres in the United States playing host to the largest amount of performances.

Introduction about the Benedum Center for the Performing Arts

http://www.pgharts.org/venues/benedum.aspx

The Benedum Center for the Performing Arts on Wiki

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Benedum_Center

When it comes to 2011, there are really loads of grand events scheduled to take place at the Benedum Center. If you are planning a trip to Pittsburgh this year, don't forget to check out the schedule of the center. Chances are you might catch up on an unparalleled performance.

1) PNC Broadway Across America - Pittsburgh

The award-winning PNC Broadway Across America - Pittsburgh 2010/2011 Series consists of up to four upcoming events, each of which could undoubtedly electrify you.

- NEXT TO NORMAL (Tuesday, April 5 - Sunday, April 10, 2011): As a new show that has been talked about more frequently on Broadway, the NEXT TO NORMAL is really worth your anticipation. During this event, you will be able to enjoy 8 performances in total. From April 5 through 7, the performance will begin at 7:30 pm every day. On April 8, the performance is scheduled to begin at 8 pm. There will be two different shows taking place on Saturday, April 9, and they would start at 2 pm and 8 pm respectively. As for the performances on Sunday, shows are going to begin at 1 pm and 6:30 pm.

- MAMMA MIA (Tuesday, April 19 - Sunday, April 24, 2011): The MAMMA MIA is really an amazing musical that would be able to keep audiences coming back. It seems that everyone who ever enjoyed this show just expects to relive it again and again. It is a portion of PNC Broadway Across America - Pittsburgh Special and furnishes eight different performances for visitors. The performances on April 19 and 20 would begin at 7:30 pm, while shows on April 22 would not be available until 8 pm. As for Sunday, April 24, you can enjoy a show as early as at 2 pm. On both Thursday (April 21) and Saturday (April 23), two performances would be provided. Shows on Thursday are scheduled to begin at 1 pm and 7:30 pm, while they would begin at 2 pm and 8 pm on Saturday.

- WEST SIDE STORY (Tuesday, May 17 - Sunday, May 22, 2011): This is an incredible musical that would mesmerize audiences "ache with pleasure". It is widely regarded as a wonderful and touching love story of all time. The WEST SIDE STORY also contains up to eight shows from May 17 to 22. There will be shows at 7:30 pm every night from May 17 to 19. And the show for Friday, May 20, would be at 8 pm. Two shows would be offered on both Saturday and Sunday. The shows for Saturday (May 21) are going to start at 2 pm and 8 pm respectively, while shows would be available at 1 pm and 6:30 pm on Sunday, May 22.

- WICKED (Wednesday, September 7 - Sunday, October 2, 2011): The WICKED is a winner of more than 35 awards and is thought as "the best show of the decade". Also as a part of PNC Broadway Across America - Pittsburgh Special, the show involves 32 performances. And the time for these performances varies by date. For more details about this great show and time for various performances, you can visit the following page.

Detailed Information about the WICKED

http://www.pgharts.org/events/EventDetails.aspx?id=26485

Besides, another series, PNC Broadway Across America - Pittsburgh 2011/2012, is also just around the corner. And this fabulous series include two shows in late 2011, in addition to 5 other shows in 2012.

- MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET (Tuesday, November 1 - Sunday, November 6, 2011): As a smash hit musical, this incredible show would definitely give audiences a unique experience. Among the eight performances the band is going to offer, these for November 1, 2 and 3 would be available at 7:30 pm. The show on Friday, November 4, will begin at 8 pm. As for Saturday (November 5) and Sunday (November 6), there will be two shows for each day. And they would start at 2 pm & 8 pm on Saturday and 1 pm & 6:30 pm on Sunday.

- DR SEUSS' HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS! (Tuesday, November 22 - Sunday, November 27, 2011): This is a fantastic show for an entire family to spend some delightful and quality time together. And it does create wonderful and memorable experience for both children and adults. It offers 11 performances for visitors to enjoy. Shows for November 22, 23 and 24 would begin at 7:30 pm. Performances on Friday are scheduled to start at 2 pm and 8 pm respectively, while there will be four performances on Saturday at 11 am, 2 pm, 5 pm and 8 pm. On Sunday, you can also catch two excellent shows at 1 pm and 6:30 pm.

Shows Included in PNC Broadway Across America - Pittsburgh 2010/2011

http://www.pgharts.org/events/EventDetails.aspx?id=153738

More about 2011 - 2012 PNC Broadway Across America - Pittsburgh

http://www.pgharts.org/events/EventDetails.aspx?id=159433

2) Balanchine 11 - from Friday, April 15 to Sunday, April 17, 2011

This event would take place at the Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre designed specially for great ballet performances. Great artists, Julia Erickson and Christopher Budzynski, would spend three engaging and unforgettable evenings with you. The performances on Friday (April 15) and Saturday (April 16) would start at 8 pm. And you can still enjoy an early show on Sunday at 2 pm.

3) Imagination Movers Live! "In A Big Warehouse" Tour

Presented by one of the best-loved rock bands, this show would be available on Wednesday, April 20, 2011. Being a fantastic band popular among children of all ages, this New Orleans-based band is ready to bring visitors the best experience. The band is going to offer two performances for audiences on April 20, at 4 pm and 7 pm respectively.

4) The Decemberists - at 8:00 pm, Thursday, April 21, 2011

Always referred to as one of the most creative forces for pop music, the Decemberists is mainly renowned for its intelligent and enchanting music. And now, this band is ready to furnish Pittsburgh residents with the most thrilling and impressive performances. The show would be available at 8 pm on Thursday, April 21, 2011.

5) Jerry Seinfeld - at 7 pm and 9:30 pm, Saturday, April 23, 2011

Are you a big fan of Jerry Seinfeld? Great news for you! He will be back soon to offer you an unrivaled stand-up comedy at the Benedum Center for the Performing Arts. As a master of his generation, Jerry Seinfeld has been considered as the best comedian for many years. Today, he is still a pretty charming comedian. His performance would begin at 7 and 9:30 pm on April 23, 2011.

6) George Lopez - at 8 pm, Friday, May 13, 2011

There would be an excellent performance from George Lopez at the Benedum Center, on Friday, May 13, 2011. George Lopez is really a multitalented person who excels in film as well as television and stand-up comedy. He is going to provide Pittsburgh residents with a wonderful night for sure.