Circles are pretty amazing shapes. Look around, you’ll find them everywhere - wheels, clocks, flowers, doorknobs, Frisbees, coins, even the bagel or pita bread in your lunch. Circle shape is seen in nature, machines and art, in cultures all over the world.

In this new exhibit, explore the math, science and beauty behind the familiar shape of the circle.

• Build your own gear contraptions to turn a music box dancer, a clock and a drill
  
• Step inside a giant tire and try to get it moving
  
• Do the Pendulum Dance - back-and-forth plus up-and-down sometimes equals round-and-round!
  
• Play with unusual cars with various shaped wheels and see the different rides they offer
  
• Make a cool kaleidoscope
  
• Carve wood on a lathe
  
• Pretend and play in a global market full of circles

A study in contrast takes you to the old and new in Pittsburgh. Our tour begins with a ride on the historic Duquesne Incline to the top of Mt. Washington for a spectacular view of Pittsburgh’s three rivers and Point State Park where the city of Pittsburgh began.   In 1753, a frontiersman named Christopher Gist led young George Washington to the land of the Three Rivers. Travel to Old Allegheny City, now known as the North Side, to Manchester, Mexican War Streets, Millionaires Row and Calvary Church.  Journey past the Carnegie Science Center, PNC Park, Heinz Field and the Andy Warhol Museum.

Incoming Music Director Manfred Honeck returns to lead the orchestra in Strauss’ epic masterpiece, A Hero’s Life.  PSO Principal Clarinetist, Michael Rusineck, performs a new concerto, commissioned by the PSO.

Every mom deserves a special treat on Mother’s Day. Bring her to Pittsburgh Glass Center to make a glass flower for $25.  This is one of PGC’s Make It Now workshops. Make-It-Now workshops are an opportunity to try glass making “on the spot” in 30 minutes or less.  Pre-registration is not required, but we suggest that you call ahead because time slots fill up fast. We offer many times throughout the year to Make It Now.  For more details or to register call 412-365-2145 ext. 201.

Experts lead bird watchers on walks and present talks on birds of Pennsylvania. Vendors have bird-related items. Local co-hosts are the Audubon Society of Western Pennsylvania and Three Rivers Birding Club.

Registration form available at: www.pabird.org.

Send in the registration form by April 30, 2008.

This year will be Pittsburgh's 8th annual American Lung Association Walk... In past years known as the Asthma Walk, this year we will "Walk for Life & Breath".

In 2008 together we will fund research for over one million adults and children suffering from lung disease in Pennsylvania. Along with the fight for healthy lungs, we will continue to lead the fight for clean air advocacy and awareness, and smoke free kids in the Pittsburgh region. Local Pittsburgh Companies and Families with a passion to help, WTAE, Froggy FM, the Pirate Parrot and many more will be helping to raise funds and building a walk teams to support a great cause! A short walk along the River makes a world of difference and after all walkers will enjoy food, activities and a live band. Hope to see you there!

This tour combines the Pittsburgh Historic Neighborhood Tour and the Pittsburgh Heritage Tour.  Free time for lunch (not included) at Station Square.  Adults save $8.00 (children save $4.00) on this combination all day tour.

From May 14-18 Oakland, the home of the University of Pittsburgh, will sparkle with a showcase of dazzling professional theater from Mexico, Israel, the UK, Korea, Portugal, the United States and more. The theater performances will be complimented by fun hands-on cultural and educational activities in Oakland.

The Moon Between Two Houses (Mexico)

Marionetas de la Esquina    US Premiere!

A friend is one of the things that we need most in life, and you never know where you might find one. In this puppetry piece we meet neighbors Plume and Taciturne, who feel very differently about many things. When night falls, however, they realize that they are both afraid of the dark. After all, there is only one moon between two houses. A lively version of the story by award-winning Canadian playwright Suzanne Lebeau.

The Frog Prince (Korea)

Joyful Theater         US Premiere!

A classic fairy tale by the Brothers Grimm re-imagined for modern day, this clever and humorous production tells the story of a handsome prince who is changed into a frog. Only the kiss from a beautiful princess will reverse the curse. Will the bonds of friendship prove more magical that the curse from a crafty witch? Find out in this performance, which features live action, charming puppetry and exciting video elements.

Same Spirit, Different Movement (USA)

Illstyle and Peace Productions

Expect to see fabulous spins, dives, flips and splits in this celebration of dance and music. A fusion of modern and traditional dance set to an urban soundtrack, this production is a multicultural celebration of unity, peace and love. Audiences will be out of their seats dancing along to music featuring vocal percussions and music mixed right on stage.

Sprung (Italy/Sweden/England)

Mimbre Acrobats        US Premiere!

Take an acrobatic voyage where grace, rhythm and skill abound! Three women create a fast-flowing acrobatic story, mixed with smiles and cheeky personalities. Watch them defy gravity in this high-flying physical adventure.

The Rain Bird (Israel)

The Train Theater        US Premiere!

In an evergreen forest lived the Rain Bird, the most beautiful bird in the world. What happens when a small village becomes a big city, and the song and story of the bird has been forgotten? And what happens when a little child believes that there is still a place for the Rain Bird in today’s world? This unique puppetry piece mixes the art of origami with drama, magic and wonderful surprises.

Blue Fear (Portugal)

Companhia de Tearto Quinta Parede     US Premiere!

This legendary ghost story by Charles Perrault is often told over a campfire. A long time ago, a very rich man had everything he could ever want – fine houses, a great deal of silver and gold, even gold-covered coaches! But upon his chin grew a frightfully odd magical blue beard that prevented him from finding true happiness. One of Portugal’s most important theater creators and actors, Jose Caldas, tells this tale that will chill and thrill. For the brave of heart only!

The Stanier Arts Award Winner

The Happy Prince   (USA/Pittsburgh)

Pittsburgh Irish and Classical Theater World Premiere!

The third annual Stanier Arts Award winner is a musical adaptation of Oscar Wilde’s story, presented by one of Pittsburgh’s most up-and-coming resident companies. Perched high on a golden pedestal, a statue can see far across the land with its jeweled eyes. A loving swallow can see even further as it flies through the sky. This production of a heartwarming tale filled with love, generosity and selfless giving was created by Broadway’s Bruce Dow. Families will be delighted by beautiful imagery, words, music and dance.

Eco-Discovery (Canada/Australia)

Artist Evelyn Roth

Take a journey through the rainforest without leaving Pittsburgh! Eco-Discovery is a combination ecosystem and visual arts installation with wildly painted tree stumps and forest creatures. Led by an Eco-Guide, children and adults follow rainforest paths to identify insects, reptiles and plants, learn about the environment, and even simulate re-planting the rainforest at the end. All who venture in will find that this installation, like our planet, is filled with color, beauty and mystery.