Performer and Jemeena Bellydance Artistic Director Jennifer Marino takes us on a multicultural journey through the art of bellydance, noting its benefits, dispelling its misconceptions, and assuring us that anyone can bellydance - a statement that is taken to task when host Brian Edward and some of your favorite Burgh Vivant contributors attempt to shake their stuff in Jemeenas classroom!  Listen to the Full Martini - the complete interview in audio podcast to learn more about Jennifers approach to teaching bellydance, and how you too can become a master of the hip swivel - and all while balancing your martini! (moreandhellip;)

An in-depth cultural exploration of Pittsburgh with Silk Screen Executive Director and co-host of WDUQ-FMs Music From India, Harish Saluja.  In addition to being a dynamic artist, filmmaker, and entrepreneur, Harish considers himself a storyteller in all that he does - as host Brian Edward quickly discovers!  Get to know Silk Screen through this years film festival April 25th - May 4th, and listen to The Full Martini - the complete interview in audio podcast to hear more on the cultural impact of the Silk Screen Arts Organization in Pittsburgh, and the REAL reason Pittsburgh has had such a long winter!  Its an interview not to be missed! (moreandhellip;)

This farce to make you sad had our Burgh Vivant contributors falling over themselves - and their martinis!  Quantum Theatres PANTAGLEIZE, adapted by Jay Ball, directed by Jed Allen Harris, runs through April 27th.  Listen to The Full Martini - the complete interview in audio podcast for more! (moreandhellip;)

This week on Burgh Vivant: Talking funny business with Arcade Comedy Theaters Jethro Nolen!  Host Brian Edward learns about Arcades past present and future, the essentials of improvisational comedy, and gets to try them out!  Listen to The Full Martini - the complete interview in audio podcast for more inside improv tips, what Mr. Nolen looks for in a good comedian, and how YOU can become one! (moreandhellip;)

Lonnie The Theatre Lady and Mike Buzz Buzzelli share a cocktail and discuss GROUNDED at the City Theatre, playing through May 4th, written by George Brant, directed by Jenn Thompson.  Production photos by Kristi Jan Hoover.  AND: Why does Buzz think awards are frivolous?  What special souvenir does he always take home from the beach?  Listen to The Full Martini - the complete interview in audio podcast to find out! (moreandhellip;)

Burgh Vivant contributor Mike Buzz Buzzelli discusses the palpable hit from Pittsburgh Musical Theatre, Les Misérables.  Actors and production values are praised as Buzz and host Brian Edward improvise their own renditions of Les Miz numbers and examine Frances oldest, and perhaps most popular, profession.  Listen to The Full Martini - the complete interview in audio podcast for more insights and the best James Mason impersonation youve ever heard.  Les Misérables plays through April 6th. (moreandhellip;)

HEADLINE: Cirque du Soleil invades Primantis!  At the world-famous Primanti Bros. restaurant in the Strip District, manager Toni Haggerty has become nearly as well known as the signature french fry and cole slaw topped sandwiches she creates.  But what happens when the cast of Cirque du Soleils VEREKAI takes over her kitchen?  Watch as host Brian Edward and Lonnie The Theatre Lady enjoy a classic Primantis sandwich, rub bare elbows with Cirque performers, and try to determine whether theyre overdressed or underdressed for the occasion!  And once youve heard the inside scoop from Tonis 40 year+ history with the restaurant, be sure to visit Primanti Bros. original location (since 1933) in the Strip District, open 24 hours! (moreandhellip;)

Burgh Vivant contributors Lonnie The Theatre Lady and Mike Buzz Buzzelli spend cocktail hour discussing the honest, moving, and courageous STRAIGHTENING COMBS, written and performed by Kim El, with Nia Washington, directed by Linda Haston.  STRAIGHTENING COMBS plays in repertory at Off The Wall Theatre in Carnegie, and returns April 4th, 5th, and 6th. www.insideoffthewall.com (moreandhellip;)

Burgh Vivants Mike Buzz can barely contain himself (or his martini) as he delivers high praise for BY THE WAY, MEET VERA STARK playing at The Rep, directed by Tomé Cousin.  This madcap satire of Old Hollywoods glamour days sends Buzz and host Brian Edward down memory lane, and urges them to ponder their own future in showbiz.  AND:  Buzzelli coughs up more than just a good review in this one!  The Listen to The Full Martini - the complete interview in audio podcast for more.  VERA STARK runs through April 6th at Point Park Universitys Pittsburgh Playhouse.  Production photos by Jeff Swensen. (moreandhellip;)

Known for her extensive career on the Pittsburgh stage and her roles on the iconic PBS show MISTER ROGERS NEIGHBORHOOD, Barbara Russell sits down for a cocktail on this weeks Burgh Vivant.  From playing a zombie for George Romero to playing an elephant for Fred Rogers, Barbara covers it all - including tales from the road on working with Don Brockett and sharing scenes with Lady Elaine Fairchilde.  Listen to The Full Martini - the complete interview in audio podcast for more, and dont miss a rare opportunity to see Barbara on stage with Bingo OMalley April 6th at the Carnegie Music Hall in Carnegie for WHATLL WE DO ABOUT SUE? produced by the Pittsburgh New Works Festival: www.pittsburghnewworks.org (moreandhellip;)