A & E

Theater

Son of a 'Salesman'

Hollywood producer and stage director Robert A. Miller will open the season for The Rep, Point Park University's professional theatre company, with Miller's first-ever production of his father's Pulitzer Prize-winning play.

Arthur Miller's "Death of a Salesman" begins performances tonight with a preview and opens Friday for a run through Sept. 21.

This classic drama tells the story of Willy Loman, traveling salesman and breadwinner for an average mid-20th-century family as he confronts by the possibility that his dreams have been no more than delusions.

John Shepard and Penelope Miller Lindblom head the cast as Willy and Linda Loman.

Performances are at 8 p.m. Thursdays through Friday, 2 and 8 p.m. Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays at the Pittsburgh Playhouse, 222 Craft Ave., Oakland.

Admission: $24 to $27.

Details: 412-621-4445 or online.

-- Alice T. Carter

Jazz

Summer plays out

Pianist David Budway will bring a musical summer to a close in his old neighborhood Friday.

The Point Breeze native, who is a steady part of the musical scene in New York City, will close the First Fridays at the Frick program at the Frick Art & Historical Center.

He won't be the only local star there, though. He will be joined by his sister, singer Maureen, who teaches at Duquesne University and performs throughout the area, and guitarist Ron Affif, also a Pittsburgh native now in Gotham.

Budway also will be bringing other first-tier national players -- bassist Eric Revis and drummer E.J. Strickland.

Since he went to New York in 1997, Budway has been carving out a spot in that city's jazz scene. Besides working with performers such as violinist Regina Carter and fellow Pittsburgh native Jeff "Tain" Watts, he also tours with Liza Minnelli and has released two solo albums.

The show on the lawn behind the Clayton mansion at the Frick closes the summer programs that are offered as picnic nights out. Guests are invited to bring their own food or purchase items from the Cafe at the Frick.

Gates and the cafe open at 5:30. Admission is free, but a $5-per-adult donation is suggested.

Details: 412-371-0600, ext. 524.

-- Bob Karlovits

Art

'Funk' a la watercolors

Longtime artist and art instructor Kathleen Zimbicki is widely known for her sometimes hilarious, always exuberant watercolors. But, having owned a gallery for nearly three decades, she has a knack for noticing talent in others. That's why Fein Art Gallery on the North Side chose Zimbicki to be gallery curator shortly after opening in the spring of last year.

Her latest find, the witty work of Sharon Lee, will be featured from 5 to 9 p.m. Friday at an opening reception for the exhibition "Friendly Funk," which will be on display all this month at the gallery. Also featured will be a few of Zimbicki's watercolors. So, visitors will get a chance to see the humorous connection between Zimbicki's work and that of Lee.

The exhibit continues through Oct. 18. Fein is at 519 E. Ohio St., North Side and is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Fridays.

Details: 412-321-6816 or online.

-- Kurt Shaw

Comedy

Loads of laughs

Could someone this good-looking also be funny? Find out when comedian Bobby Collins tells jokes Saturdayat the newly renovated New Hazlett Theatre on the North Side. Collins is a favorite on satellite radio and was hand-picked by comedian Rosie O'Donnell to replace her as the host of VH1's "Stand Up Spotlight." He's opened for Cher, Julio Iglesias, Dolly Parton and some guy named Frank Sinatra. Tickets to the 8 p.m. show are $39.50 and $34.50.

Details: 866-651-2906 or online.

-- William Loeffler

Blues

Harping on the blues

Few instruments express the blues in quite the same way as a wailing harmonica. Award-winning harpist Dennis Gruenling developed his blues and roots style over the past 15 years, playing with many of the top names in blues. HIP Magazine says his playing "promises to re-define the role of the harmonica," and he has been named best modern blues harmonica player three years in a row by Real Blues magazine. Gruenling takes the stage at Thunderbird Cafe, Lawrenceville, with harpist Steve Guyger and guitarist Doug Deming. The show starts at 8 p.m. Sunday. Tickets are $15. Details: 412-682-0177.

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