Harris Theater returns to face-to-face screenings with the three-week version of Pricey Evan Hansen | Display screen | Pittsburgh

click to enlarge

Photo: Universal Studios / Courtesy Pittsburgh Cultural Trust

Dear Evan Hansen

Anyone who says they have never smuggled food or drinks into a movie theater is either a liar or has never been to a movie theater. When the Harris Theater returns to normal operations later this month, you can still buy concessions, but you can still go BYOB without feeling guilty.

The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust announced that the Harris Theater will reopen to the crowd on Thursday, September 23rd. The historic Downtown Theater is celebrating its return to the program with a three-week performance of the new film musical Dear Evan Hansen.

In the style of the hit Broadway musical, Dear Evan Hansen follows a lonely high school student who, according to a press release, longs for “understanding and belonging in the midst of the chaos and cruelty of the social media age.” The film maintains the stage show’s excellent soundtrack and mental health issues, and has a local connection with director Stephen Chbosky. A native of Pittsburgh, Chbosky is best known for directing the film adaptation of his own novel The Perks of Being a Wallflower, much of which was filmed in his hometown.

“We look forward to the return of the program at Harris and our guests to see the exciting renovations we have made to the historic space,” said Joseph Morrison, manager of the Harris Theater. “What better way to welcome theatergoers than with this film!”

Like many movie theaters, Harris switched to a virtual format with its Harris Theater @ Home program after it closed its doors last year. Even before the COVID-19 outbreak, the theater was struggling after its governing organization, the Pittsburgh Center for Arts and Media, laid off its film staff and stopped programming at Harris and Regent Square Theaters.

Since then, the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust has taken over the program and looks forward to bringing Dear Evan Hansen to the “Newly Renovated Harris Theater”.

As with many local art venues, restaurants, and other public spaces, the Trust requires guests who come to Harris to get vaccinated and wear a mask. Complete information on the Trust’s health and safety policies can be found at trustarts.org/health.

Dear Evan Hansen at the Harris Theater. Thu. Sept. 23 – Thu., Oct. 14, 809 Liberty Ave., Downtown. $ 9-11. trustarts.org/pct_home