Classic comedy AUNTIE MAME to Showcase Array of Pittsburgh Talent

On Sunday, December 9th, 'Burgh Vivant will present a staged reading of the classic comedy play Auntie Mame, featuring 2013 Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Performer of the Year Daina Griffith in the title role. The evening will benefit 'Burgh Vivant's mission to promote arts and culture in Pittsburgh.

In addition to Ms. Griffith, the cast will include some of Pittsburgh's most celebrated performers and personalities in leading roles and guest cameos, representing a wide range of the city's many performing arts organizations. Hope Anthony, Karen Baum, Ken Bolden, Sharon Brady, David Crawford, Reginald Douglas, James FitzGerald, Martin Giles, Parag S. Gohel, Lisa Ann Goldsmith, Linda Haston, Billy Hartung, Matt Henderson, Richard Keitel, Randy Kovitz, Daniel Krell, Danny Mayhak, Connor McCanlus, Missy Moreno, Caroline Nicolian, Joanna Obuzor, Jared Pascoe, Richard Rauh, Matthew J. Rush, Quinn Patrick Shannon, Katie Shenot, Ingrid Sonnichsen, Alan Stanford, Cameron Tino, Becki Toth, Mario Williams, Leon Zionts, and Nancy Zionts. The performance will be directed by Spencer Whale.

Auntie Mame by Jerome Lawrence and Robert E. Lee, opened on Broadway in 1956, based on the bestselling novel by Patrick Dennis. The story details the madcap adventures of a young orphan left in the care of his aunt, an eccentric Manhattan socialite. The December 9th presentation will be a staged reading, accompanied by theatrical video projections and sound effects.

The performance will begin at 6:30pm on Sunday, December 9th at The New Hazlett Theater, 6 Allegheny Square East, Pittsburgh. The lobby will open at 5:30pm and will include several raffle items of Auntie Mame memorabilia. Tickets for the event are $35 and can be purchased at burghvivant.org. All proceeds benefit 'Burgh Vivant.

'Burgh Vivant is a 501c3 nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting the arts and advancing cultural awareness in the greater Pittsburgh region through engaging multimedia content and strategic community partnerships.

Photo: Daina Griffith as Auntie Mame. Photo: 'Burgh Vivant.