November 9, 2022 - Pittsburgh City Paper

BY PAT CAVANAGH

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DESIGN: LUCY CHEN

YOU CAN FIND hope HERE

YOU DON’T HAVE TO GO THROUGH A CRISIS ALONE. resolve CRISIS SERVICES IS READY TO HELP.

Our experienced team is available to you for any reason, and a psychiatric diagnosis is not required. Walk-ins welcome and no appointment is necessary.

Reach out before a crisis becomes a crisis. To speak with a trained clinician anytime, call 1-888-7-YOU-CAN (1-888-796-8226), or visit UPMC.com/resolvecrisis.

resolve is a partnership between Allegheny County and UPMC Western Psychiatric Hospital

TAKING CONTROL

After Dobbs, some Pittsburghers opt for sterilization as permanent birth control

BY AMANDA WALTZ // AWALTZ@PGHCITYPAPER.COM

INTHE WAKE of the U.S. Supreme Court decision overturning Roe v. Wade, a pattern began to emerge across the country. In the months that followed the June ruling, medical providers reported noticeable upticks in people seeking voluntary sterilization procedures as fears were stoked that access to abortions and birth control would become far more limited or altogether unavailable.

While the focus has been on states like Texas, Florida, and Ohio, where laws restricting abor tion have taken effect since June, Pennsylvanians are also showing apprehension. Despite abortion still being legal in the state, resi dents have already undergone or plan to undergo more permanent forms of birth control in response to attacks on reproductive rights. And Pittsburgh is no exception.

Pittsburgh City Paper spoke with several local residents about the cir cumstances that led them to pursue sterilization, namely salpingecto mies — a surgical procedure where one or both fallopian tubes, which carry unfertilized eggs from the ovary to the uterus, are removed — and

vasectomies, as a way to protect themselves and their partners from the burden of unwanted pregnancy, and to avoid dealing with a system that they believe puts patients, par ticularly women, at risk.

For Adrie Rose, a Pittsburghbased sex worker and freelance writer, the Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization ruling that overturned Roe v. Wade sealed a choice she was already mulling over.

In a phone interview with City Paper, Rose describes how she saw many women in her family struggle with reproductive health issues, includ ing ovarian cancer and polycystic ovary syndrome.

She says her mother, who suf fered from fibroid tumors, opted for a salpingectomy. Rose says she decided to follow in her mother’s footsteps.

“So, you could say that, when it comes to reproductive health, I’m very much a sort of ‘burn it all down’ approach,” Rose laughs.

Rose had the salpingectomy in October at UPMC Magee-Womens Hospital.

Originally, Rose says she had opted for an intrauterine device

(known as an IUD) as a longer-term form of birth control. When she began having health issues, and had the device removed, she and her gynecologist decided to explore other options.

“Especially because I am a sex worker, she suggested that I look into permanent sterilization, because my partner is disabled and he and I both decided that we don’t want children,” she says.

Like Rose, Kate Schaich and Kristin Killmeyer have also opted for salpingectomies in the midst of what they see as a dangerous political climate for reproductive rights, even in Pennsylvania where abortion and birth control remain legal and pro tected. They all point to the advance ment of anti-abortion candidates like Mehmet Oz and Doug Mastriano as especially concerning.

Killmeyer, who is scheduled to undergo a salpingectomy at the end of November, says in an email inter view, “Several of my friends and peers have gotten this procedure done already. Once Roe v. Wade was over turned, it seemed like many people I know rushed to their gynecologists to talk about their options.”

Killmeyer says she never wanted children and, in 2015, even asked her gynecologist for a tubal ligation. While she never pursued that surgery, a salpingectomy seemed like a better alternative, she says, to other forms of birth control she had used, including an IUD. She also wanted to get off the high-estrogen birth control she had been taking for almost 20 years after being informed that it increased her risk of stroke.

In a phone interview, Schaich says she got one of the “Trump IUDs,” a term given to devices inserted either right before or after the former U.S. president took office. Before then, she had been prescribed the NuvaRing, a monthly form of birth control, but became concerned after having prob lems with her insurance.

a scrotal surgery that cuts the supply of sperm in semen, are also being sought.

Brandon Orozco says he got a vasectomy in September 2021 in preparation for what he viewed as the very real pos sibility of abortions becoming banned. “I think it was pretty clear that, you know, there was a movement to repeal Roe v. Wade, for years and years and years,” he says. “But with the new makeup of the Supreme Court, that seemed almost like an inevitability.”

“And they were like, ‘We don’t want to fill it when it’s supposed to be filled,’” says Schaich, adding that, at the time, she had been hesitant to get an IUD. “Then Trump got elected. And I was like, okay, this is the time. Because I didn’t know what he was gonna do. I didn’t want kids. I’ve never wanted kids. And I was like, man, if I get pregnant, I’m screwed.”

She underwent a salpingectomy at UPMC Magee-Womens Hospital in July and recalls the process as being “super easy.”

“I had a really good experience with the surgeons there,” she continues. “Everyone was super nice.”

Rose and Schaich both describe how the surgery only required a small incision and a relatively short recovery time of up to a week. In terms of cost, Rose says her surgery was completely covered by insur ance. Schaich says she ended up paying around $450 for her procedure.

Salpingectomies are not the only form of vol untary sterilization being performed. Vasectomies,

Orozco, who is married, says he was “pretty confident about the fact that I didn’t want to have children, and that, in the future, I wouldn’t want to have children.”

He describes getting the vasectomy as “seamless,” adding that the examination and surgery took around 15 minutes each. “My testicles were sore the day after,” he says. “I suppose it felt pretty similar to, like, how it would feel after getting kicked in the balls real hard.”

After a few days of rest and ice packs, he was back to work.

He adds that the copay for the surgery was “nominal.”

CO-PRESENTED BY THE PITTSBURGH CULTURAL TRUST

CP PHOTOS: JARED WICKERHAM

Kate Schaich

“I didn’t want kids. I’ve never wanted kids. And I was like, man, if I get pregnant, I’m screwed.”

Still, he says the circumstances around the decision were not ideal.

“Although it was easy, although it was inexpen sive for me, although it was a decision I was com fortable making, it is a drastic decision,” he says. “Because of the state of politics, I ended up making that decision. And I would have preferred if it was not because of politics. I would have preferred if it was strictly a conversation that was had in my own home with my family. But it wasn’t.”

Online traffic to Planned Parenthood Federation of America’s web page on how to get a sterilization procedure

+ 2,205%

on June 24, the day Roe v. Wade was struck down

South Hills resident Eric James Leslie says he considered getting a vasectomy “for a while,” but “the political climate that we find ourselves in now” made the decision easy. He’s now scheduled to undergo the procedure in mid-November.

“Do I want to be having this surgery on my body? Not especially,” says Leslie, who adds that he has been with his current partner for nearly a decade. “But is that an easier decision than someone having to decide that they want or don’t want to carry a kid for nine months, or have what might eventually be an illegal abortion? Yeah, it’s much easier.”

While the exact number of sterilization proce dures performed in Pittsburgh remains unclear, reports suggest that the demand for them has increased on a national level. Sara Dixon, the public relations manager for Planned Parenthood of Western Pennsylvania, says that, while the non profit health organization “does not currently do any sterilization procedures,” it has followed the push for them post-Roe through information collected by the Planned Parenthood Federation of America.

Statistics provided by Dixon show that, on June 24, the day Roe v. Wade was struck down, “traffic to PPFA’s web page on how to get a ster ilization procedure increased by 2,205%” and remained up by “more than 300% through July 21.” In addition, traffic to PPFA’s web page about how to get a vasectomy “increased by more than 1,500% on June 24,” and remained “up by more than 200% through July 21.”

Dixon points out that the statement “does not reflect data from all Planned Parenthood health centers” or western Pennsylvania, specifically.

While an increasing number of people in the U.S. are apparently seeking ster ilization, obstacles to getting them still loom. Schaich says, right before the COVID-19 pandemic she had a negative experience with a surgeon who, during a consultation, tried to convince her not to pursue tubal ligation.

“She was like, ‘Oh, you know, the recovery for the surgery is really six weeks,’ and all this stuff,” says Schaich. “And I was like, okay, that seems odd, because I’ve known people who have had similar surger ies, and they certainly weren’t bedridden for six weeks.”

Efforts to convince people out of sterilization, it seems, are not uncommon. One NPR story from July 29 says “patients who don’t have chil dren and are in their child bearing years” reported “dif ficulties finding physicians willing to sterilize them.”

Rose says that, as a Black

especially as a woman of color, espe cially when it comes to reproductive issues, I think you really have to go in,” says Rose. “And it sucks that you have

the “obstacles that a lot of people face is finding a doctor.”

“And I know it depends on a couple of things, like your age. Are you in a stable

and encourages anyone thinking about sterilization to seek out people who have had the procedure and ask for recommendations.

Follow a&e editor Amanda Waltz on Twitter @AWaltzCP

for your time,’ and then find a differ ent doctor. Don’t let people bully you out of something that you’re sure that you want.”

•

CP PHOTO: JARED WICKERHAM Kate Schaich

One of the “obstacles that a lot of people face is finding a doctor.”

RESOURCE

HOW TO NAVIGATE OPEN ENROLLMENT

BY JAMIE WIGGAN // JAMIE@PGHCITYPAPER.COM

ALONG WITH ELECTIONS, holidays, and the onset of cold weather, the open enrollment window can feel like one more seasonal stressor among many. But don’t despair, because City Paper has put together a no-nonsense guide to help you navigate the chaos.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is open enrollment?

Open enrollment is a designated period of the year where you can switch insur ance policies simply because you want to. Outside of open enrollment, you can stop or start a policy only after a major life change, such as a new job, a marriage or a baby.

When is open enrollment?

Pennie, Pennsylvania’s official online health insurance marketplace, is open for the Nov. 1 - Jan. 15 enrollment season. But if you want your new plan to take effect at the start of the new year, you must enroll by Dec. 15. Anyone signing up later will not be covered by their new policy until February.

What kinds of plans are available?

There are four traditional types of private insurance plans, each with unique pros and cons.

“It’s all alphabet soup and that’s why people are confused,” warns Dr. Kirsten Lin of Direct Care Physicians of Pittsburgh.

Let us at least offer you a spoon.

Health Maintenance Organization (HMO):

This style of plan, known for low pre miums (up front costs), offers coverage through specific physicians and health care groups. Typically, you’re required to register with a primary care physi cian who will refer you to affiliated spe cialists for further care. While the low rates appeal to many, the downside is they only extend coverage to a limited pool of contracted health care workers.

Preferred Provider Organization (PPO):

These plans offer greater assistance for treatment provided by an in-network facility or health care professional. But unlike the HMO, they offset some of the cost to out-of-network providers. For this reason, they usually cost more.

Exclusive Provider Organization (EPO):

As the name suggests, these plans limit you to care within an exclusive care network. Like HMOs, they offer low premiums, but they differ by not requiring a primary care physician to serve as a gateway to other providers.

High deductible health plans (HDHP) with health savings account (HSA):

This letter-littered broth is best suited for those who feel they’re unlikely to need lots of expensive care in a single year. They offer low premiums in exchange for high deductibles (the amount you pay out of pocket before insurance kicks in). The HSA component refers to a tax free savings account you can accrue through monthly contributions that help offset those large pre-deductible bills.

TOP TIPS FROM A HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONAL

We asked Dr. Lin for some pointers to shortcut the tedium of insurance shopping. She offered the following insights as someone who has helped many patients work through insurance options, but cautioned her expertise does not extend to insurance.

Is your doc covered?

If you have been seeing the same primary care physician for several years or perhaps you work with a trusted psy chiatrist or physiotherapist, you should know switching plans might cut you off from their services. When perusing plans, be sure to inquire which facilities and medical staff are covered.

“One of the things that isn’t empha sized in the open enrollment is that bond between a doctor and patient is sacred,” Lin says.

Do the Math

Insurance is essentially a way of spread ing risks to limit what you may be liable for out of pocket. In the case of health care, Lin says, younger, healthier people can typically risk lower premiums and higher deductibles. Elderly people, or those with pre-existing health concerns, might want to pay more upfront to lessen their bills after care.

“It’s always a gamble because there are things in life you can’t do,” Lin says. “But the best thing you can do is make an educated guess based on your health up till now.”

Consider Medicaid

Medicaid is a government health care program that services individuals and families on low incomes. In Pennsylvania, anyone in a household at or below 133% of the poverty line qualifies.

“Medicaid is a great option for lowincome families,” Lin says. “There are a lot more people who qualify for Medicaid than are actually receiving the services.”

THEATER MUSICAL TREATMENT

BY MATTHEW MONROY // INFO@PGHCITYPAPER.COM

ALOCAL

GROUP will present a new stage adaptation of a 1990s thriller, only with fewer thrills and a whole lot more song and dance.

Single White Female: The Musical, a live show premiering on Thur., Nov. 10 at Bottlerocket Social Hall for one night only, reimagines a 1992 erotic thriller as a comedic musical. The show marks the second effort directed by Em Fear, who, in 2018, helmed a musical version of the classic horror film Rosemary’s Baby The show was a hit with audiences, so Fear decided to give another movie the musical treatment.

“The response was so positive, and we filled that place beyond capacity, so we decided we should do this again,” says Fear of Rosemary’s Baby: The Musical , which took place at the now-defunct Glitterbox Theater. “Basically, anyone who expressed interest, I tried to make room for.”

Single White Female: The Musical promises to be chock-full of outrageous

kills and melodrama that the music helps bring to the stage. But behind the show’s absurd premise is a serious mission. Just like with Rosemary’s Baby: The Musical, proceeds from the show will go toward the Western Pennsylvania Fund For Choice, an abortion fund that helps finan cially support people seeking abortions. Half of the ticket proceeds and all dona tions will help people afford transporta tion and other costs that act as barriers to getting a safe abortion.

people get the reproductive care they need,” Fear says. “We hope to generate at least [$1,000] for the organization and support like this will go a long way in helping us reach that goal.”

Although the show has sold out, those interested are encouraged to check in with Bottlerocket the night of the perfor mance in case of canceled or refunded tickets. Even if you can’t make the show, Fear encourages people to make a dona tion of $15 to Western Pennsylvania Fund

candidate for musical reinvention. Despite a cult following and a straightto-video 2005 sequel, it’s often overshad owed by more successful erotic thrillers released around the same time, such as Basic Instinct and Disclosure

Nowadays, people are more familiar with the term “single white female” being used to describe an obsessive or manipu lative female friend or partner, but not the movie itself, Fear says.

“It’s a property that not everybody has seen but a lot of people are aware of because the term is so much in the pop cultural lexicon,” Fears says. “People have an idea of what that entails.”

“With abortion access being severely compromised in neighboring states like West Virginia and Ohio, abortion funds like these are absolutely essential to help

For Choice.

On paper, Single White Female, which just celebrated its 30 th -year anniver sary in August, may seem an unlikely

In the show, the “SWF” is the deceptive Hedra Carlson (Kait Wittig), who moves in with newly single New Yorker Allison “Allie” Jones (Camille Goleb) after her split from her fiancé Sam (Mike Baltzer). Following a series of impersonations, a copycat haircut, and one particularly grisly stiletto heel murder, Allie realizes that her roommate is not who she claims.

Fear considered adapting other

The idea of obsession and the not-really-there queer subtext was really interesting.”

CP PHOTO: PAT CAVANAGH Em Fear, director of Single White Female: The Musical

movies — Jurassic Park and The Stepford Wives were also on the table — but after rewatching Single White Female in 2020, she says she felt drawn to its storyline.

“It was a movie I had seen on cable TV when I was probably way too young to get it,” Fear says. “It covered a lot of the same ground as Rosemary’s Baby in that there are females at the center of the story, and a lot of it has to do with fighting against oppressive forces, espe cially misogynistic forces.”

SINGLE WHITE FEMALE: THE MUSICAL

8 p.m. Thu., Nov. 10. Bottlerocket Social Hall. 1226 Arlington Ave., Allentown. $15. Sold out, check for available tickets day of show. bottlerocketpgh.com

Tessa Barber serves as the show’s musical director and says she came to the movie as an adult. She adds that she was excited by the prospect of fleshing out the characters through the music.

“I was really into ‘90s movies, weird erotic thrillers,” Barber says. “The idea of obsession and the not-really-there queer subtext was really interesting.”

An eclectic live band made up of local

musicians and friends, including Barber, Mike Baltzer, Eric Frankenberg, Canyon Cole, and Zach Nussbaum, will bring the show’s tunes to life. Expect some sur prises, such as an accordion and electric ukulele, to make an appearance.

“It’s gonna be something a little dif ferent from what people have seen that still has some traditional music touches,” Barber says.

One major way the stage musical differs from the movie is the addition of a Greek-style chorus, which sees three women narrate, comment, and poke fun at the scenes as the show goes on.

“They’re saying what everybody is thinking, like when you’re watching a movie with your friends and you’re like, “I can’t believe they’re doing that” or “that’s so gross,” Barber says.

Fear says she’s excited to highlight the movie for audiences who have never seen it, or haven’t seen it in a long time, especially through such a silly lens.

“It’s fun to reintroduce the idea to people,” Fears says. “It’s something that had its moment in the ‘90s, but 30 years later — how does it age, how do we adapt it, and how do we update it, like, how do we make it relevant?” •

FASHION CLOTHES MAKE ... JESSICA LANAY

BY TERENEH IDIA // CPCONTRIBUTORS@PGHCITYPAPER.COM

Editors note: This interview has been shortened for print. The full interview can be found online at pghcitypaper.com

How would you define your style?

Comfortable, simple, straightforward. I love ensembles that can be broken down and used in other outfits, and I like the feeling of having staple cuts that I can accessorize for different occasions.

Who are your style inspirations?

I would say my great grandmother, Willie Lee Neal, and my mother. They have very different styles, however! My greatgrandmother would take her costume jewelry apart and reassemble the pieces into something new. She loved putting different prints together, like plaid chico slacks with a floral shirt, and then lots of costume jewelry.

My mom is more classic, lots of pinks and beiges, lots of linens and cottons, very feminine but very clean cut, almost preppy. For famous fashion I like Ciara and Rihanna’s outfits a lot. Ciara will do a lot of structured looks, she kills a nice suit. I enjoy Rihanna’s take on relaxed cloth ing, especially when she pulls off a ‘90s grunge meets urban look.

Do you have a favorite designer(s)?

One of my favorite designers is Ann Lowe. She was a Black fashion designer in the early 20th century. She passed away in 1981, I think. She designed Jackie Kennedy’s wedding gown and Olivia de Havilland’s 1947 Oscar gown. And even though I am not particularly interested in dresses or skirts, her work is just dreamy, so dreamy. I think about her a lot. In her obituary they said she “designed gowns” but never called her a fashion designer until recently.

Other than her, I don’t know much about fashion! I come from a long line of sewers and thrifters, the look and the fit means more than a name. Thrifting feels magical and you’re more likely to find original pieces: you just find that

WriterTitle Jessica Lanay (SHE/THEY)

perfect shirt and go home and it goes so nice with those jeans.

How do you choose what to wear at events like August Wilson African American Cultural Center’s Lit Fridays? For Lit Fridays, the necklace and the shirt are where I place my attention. Because I am extremely interested in reaching national and international viewership, disabled, and elderly communities, Lit Friday is a digital program, so whatever is happening from the waist up is where the focus is. Nicely patterned, button-down shirts, nicely structured shirts, and color ful sweaters with large necklaces (which I have a wide variety of) are my go-tos.

I love to hear you speak and often you’ll put into words ideas and feel ings that I am unable to articulate. How did you become a poet?

I think there is an astronaut to poet pipeline that no one is talking about. I wanted to be an astronaut when I was very young, but by the time I was 9, I was writing poetry and reading it to my mother and great-grandparents. My

great-grandmother has trouble with lit eracy, and she would go practice reading at the Monroe County Library in Key West, and I would go with her sometimes. We would practice together. And because I come from a space where people are speaking multiple dialects of English and multiple dialects of Spanish all at once, I was always in between several ways to say things. The 'how' of language is very important, it is a matter of life and death.

Tell me about what you’re wearing today, and what you love about it? How does it feel to wear it?

I have on a plaid button-down that is dark blue, white, and teal, with dark green sweats, a vintage red and pink CocaCola hat, and some orange, red, black, and white high-top Jordans. I have been wearing my Carrera prescription glasses lately. I feel pretty cool because I feel comfortable, like I am ready for anything.

Okay those kicks are so cool, please tell me more.

I love sneakers. Every year or two, I go on

a frantic search for two pairs of sneakers that I must adore with all my heart, and I wear them until I walk through them. I am in my third year of buying two sets of sneakers, this is my first pair of my third set. I love surprising juxtaposi tions of off colors, maybe the colors can be called mannerist. My palette is often dark greens, mustards, dark blues, bluegreens, red for accessories and funnycolored prints.

What are you looking forward to as we approach the year’s end? What are you reflecting on and/or planning?

Reorganizing my time with my creative writing in the center and continuing to prepare for my qualifying exams for my PhD. It is hard, though. When you’re an artist, you often have multiple gigs. And people often want artists to use their skills for aims that sometimes deviate from what the artist wants.

And doing my half-year clothing check in; I regularly give clothing to Goodwill to encourage myself to keep exploring what I like about fashion.

CP PHOTO: TERENEH IDIA Jessica Lanay

I

How does CBD help anxiety?

n today’s world we are surrounded by stressors, including relationships, money, kids, lack of sleep, pandemics, (and worry ing about the next one) aging, and health-all causing persistent anxiety.

An estimated 264 million people worldwide have some kind of anxiety disorder, with ap proximately 40 million of them residing in the United States.

In my 21 years as a Holistic Clinical Pharma cist (out of 42 years of Pharmacy Practice), I have helped hundreds of people achieve quality of life through nutrition, hormone balancing, detox, and stress/anxiety man agement.

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I have been studying CBD since 2015 and have used it personally and in my own fam ily since incorporating it at my pharmacy, Murray Avenue Apothecary, with great suc cess.

It is crucial to purchase CBD from a repu table establishment where you can find experts to help you choose individualized therapy for your medical issue.

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At Murray Avenue Apothecary, our LabNatu rals CBD is the preferred CBD brand of Pain Physicians, Veterinarians, Dentists, Psychia trists/Therapists, and Physical Therapists.

How does CBD help anxiety?

1. Indirectly elevates Anandamide, an endocannabinoid it helps with depression.

2. Stimulates a rise in GABA to decrease anxiety.

3. It interacts via the 5-HT1A receptor in the serotonin system to decrease anxiety and depression.

4. CBD is antipsychotic as a result of CBD’s effect as a negative allosteric modulator of the CB1 receptor.

While more still remains to be discov ered about the mechanisms behind CBD’s anxiolytic effect, in certain US states and countries where medicinal use of cannabis is legal, doctors are treating their patients with CBD-rich cannabis strains for anxiety disorders. For the rest of us still condemned to the dark ages of prohibition, CBD oil de rived from hemp has been our anti-anxiety salvation.

In an open label retrospective study also published in 2019, 72 psychiatric patients with anxiety or sleep disorders were given between 25-175mg of CBD a day, alongside existing psychiatric medications.

After two months of treatment, 78.1% of patients reported feeling less anxious and 56.1% experienced improved sleep.

In general, patients need far smaller doses than used in published preliminary studies, with some benefitting from as little as 30mg of CBD a day.

Note: The more you smoke Marijuana, the more anxious you may feel, as higher doses of THC, the main psychoactive compound in cannabis, can actually be anxiety inducing.

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BY KAHMEELA ADAMS-FRIEDSON // INFO@PGHCITYPAPER.COM

PALMINTERI may be best known for playing the mob boss Sonny from the 1993 comingof-age film A Bronx Tale . And rightfully so — Palminteri wears the character just as well as Sonny wears his sharkskin suits.

CHAZZ

The film originally started as a 1989 play developed and performed by Palminteri. And Pittsburgh audiences will get to see the film’s stage origins when Palminteri performs A Bronx Tale: One Man Show on Fri., Nov. 11 and Sat., Nov. 12 at the Byham Theater.

Bronx-born and raised Palminteri explains that the show draws largely from his own childhood. When he was 9 years old, he witnessed a murder, an event that would become the basis of a story he would tell repeatedly for more than 30 years.

As a young actor trying to break into the business in 1988, Palminteri says he wasn’t being offered the parts that he really wanted. So, he decided to write one. Writing 10 to 15 minutes of the story at a time, Palminteri had 90 minutes of a tight one-man show completed within a year.

Set in 1960s New York City, A Bronx Tale tells the story of Calogero, a young boy who witnesses Sonny kill a man, seemingly over a parking space. The film version chronicles Calogero’s youth as he navigates love, loss, loyalty, and racism, and what it all means. With convincing and emotional performances by Robert De Niro (who also directed the film), Lillo Brancato, and Taral Hicks, as well as Palminteri, the film was a critical and commercial success.

The story of how the film came to be is just as compelling as the story told on screen. During a Zoom interview,

“So, I borrowed some money from a friend,” Palminteri explains. “I put it up, I produced it, and my life skyrocketed.”

The show sees him bring 18 differ ent characters, all based on friends, family, and even enemies, to life on the stage. Much like the film, the produc tion intertwines stories of his old Bronx neighborhood, idolizing the mob boss, Sonny, being in a forbidden romance with a Black girl, and becoming his own man.

The show originally premiered in 1989 at Theatre West in Los Angeles and had a sold-out run. Palminteri remem bers “standing ovations and lines around

“If you have God-given talent, you can be pretty much good at what you do ... But if you want to be elite, you have to work.”

the corner,” adding that “audiences loved the show.” Palminteri would then receive a Special Award from the Outer Critics Circle.

It wasn’t long before the show caught the attention of Hollywood, and Palminteri received offers to turn it into a major film. But there was a catch — the studios wanted to give the role of Sonny to a “star,” and they wanted someone else to write the screenplay. With only $200 to his name, Palminteri recalls saying “No” multiple times. This was his life story, and he was going to write the screenplay, as well as play Sonny. He was willing to put in the extra time and work to make it happen.

“If you have God-given talent, you can be pretty much good at what you do,” he says. “But if you want to be elite, you have

Palminteri knew he had something special and that the right opportunity would present itself. “It was the belief in myself that I could do this,” Palminteri remarks. After a Los Angeles perfor mance in 1990, that opportunity walked into his dressing room.

“I got off the stage and the stage manager said, 'Robert DeNiro just snuck into the dressing room,'” Palminteri recalls. De Niro recognized that this show was something special and gave Palminteri an offer he couldn’t refuse. De Niro agreed that Palminteri should play Sonny as well as write the screen play. De Niro also decided that he would direct the film and play Calogero’s father, Lorenzo. They shook hands and, with that,

a gentleman’s agreement was made.

“I owe it all to Bob De Niro for giving me my first break,” says Palminteri.

The movie has since spun into other opportunities. A Bronx Tale was most recently adapted into a Broadway musical for which Palminteri wrote the book and briefly reprised his role as Sonny. The musical would come to the Benedum Center as part of the PNC Broadway in Pittsburgh 2019-2020 season.

A BRONX TALE: ONE MAN SHOW

Fri., Nov. 11-Sat., Nov. 12.

Byham Theater. 101 Sixth St., Downtown. $55-70.50. trustarts.org

According to a statement, A Bronx Tale marks the first time in history that the same actor wrote the one-man play, and the movie and Broadway musical adapta tions, and starred in each one.

The Pittsburgh performance will give audiences a chance to witness the exact same show Palminteri did 34 years ago, and which made him a star.

Palminteri wants the audience to walk away from the show feeling inspired. With a twinkle in his eye, he states, “It doesn’t matter how old you are, it’s your next move that always counts.”

He expands on this with an adage shared by Palminteri’s father on-screen and off, which became an overarching theme in A Bronx Tale — “The saddest thing in life is wasted talent.”

Palminteri can never be accused of wasting his talent.

PHOTO: COURTESY OF RED TAIL LIVE

Chazz Palminteri in A Bronx Tale: One Man Show

SEVEN DAYS IN PITTSBURGH

SUN., NOV. 13

IRL / IN REAL LIFE EVENT

VIRTUAL / STREAMING OR ONLINE-ONLY EVENT HYBRID / MIX OF IN REAL LIFE AND ONLINE EVENT

THU., NOV. 10

THEATER • IRL • CARNEGIE

Expereince the scathing and hilarious showtunes of Urinetown when the TonyAward-winning musical comes to the Andrew Carnegie Free Library & Music Hall. The show imagines a city in which a 20-year drought forces residents to only use government-regulated public bathrooms. According to a description, Urinetown tackles it all: “the legal system, capitalism, social irresponsibility, populism, bureaucracy, corporate mismanagement, municipal politics and musical theatre itself!” 8 p.m. 300 Beechwood Ave., Carnegie. $17-25. stage62.org/urinetown

FILM • IRL • LAWRENCEVILLE

Brush up on some of South Korea’s notable recent films during a new series at Row House Cinema. Modern Korean Cinema will showcase four exciting releases from the last several years, including Midnight, a new thriller starring Wi Ha-Jun of the hit Netflix series Squid Game. Be sure to check out the 2016 zombie hit Train to Busan, the acclaimed neo-noir selection Decision to Leave, and the sci-fi flick Alienoid. Showtimes vary. Continues through Thu., Nov. 17. 4115 Butler St., Lawrenceville. $10.48-12.57. rowhousecinema.com

FRI., NOV. 11

ART • IRL • BLOOMFIELD

Bankrupt Bodega continues to showcase bold imagery with a new exhibition. The shop dedicated to working with local artists to create unique clothing presents A Fall Photo Group Galley Show in collaboration with PGH Creative. The event will feature over 50 photographers and visual artists, with work coming from as far away as Japan. Trace Brewing will provide beverages for the event. 6-9 p.m. 4120 Main St., Bloomfield. Free. bankruptbodega.com

ART • IRL • UPTOWN

Check out a collection of local artists at Going UP: Celebrating Pittsburgh’s Visual Arts and Making Space at the Paramount Film Exchange Building. Presented by UptownARTS, the event invites guests to view and purchase works by new artists, support Uptown as an arts community, and highlight the mission of UptownARTS and its future initiatives. Among the featured artists are Cue Perry, Bengu Centinkale, Zim Syed, Ann Rosenthal, and Natiq Jalil. The Pittburgh art scene is ever-growing, so don’t miss this opportunity to be introduced to new artists. 7-10 p.m. 544 Miltenberger St., Uptown. Free. facebook.com/uptownpartnersofpittsburgh

OUTDOORS

• IRL • SQUIRREL

HILL

Hang out with some cool raptors when the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy and the National Aviary present the Owl Prowl. Taking place in Frick Park, the event invites bird-lovers to stroll with an Aviary expert, who will explain the behaviors of various owl species. With any luck, a wild specimen will grace you with its presence. Be sure to wear appropriate footwear and bring a flashlight. 7-9 p.m. 1981 Beechwood Blvd., Squirrel Hill. $20. 7 and over. aviary.org

SAT., NOV. 12

EVENT • IRL • OAKLAND

Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens brings together local and national experts for a one-day forum on “plants, landscapes, and people’s roles as environmental stewards.”

The annual Native Plant and Sustainability Conference features five guest speakers focused on a wide range of topics, such as the sensory appeal of native plants, cultivating community conservation, and deer-resistant plants. The event will also see the return of the Sustainable Garden Awards, an effort to inspire western Pennsylvania residents to create environmentally friendly and beautiful gardens. 9:45 a.m.–3:40 p.m. One Schenley Drive, Oakland. $85-105. phipps.conservatory.org

MUSIC • IRL • NORTH SIDE

AFI will sing more than the sorrow when poppunk/emo band heads to Stage AE for a tour prompting its latest album Bodies. The group, which rose to fame in the mid-90s and early 2000s, will be joined by Drab Majesty, a Los Angeles-based music project formed by Deb Demure and Mona D. The show is all ages, so you can educate younger generations on the band that influenced modern pop stars like Panic! at the Disco. 7 p.m. 400 North Shore Drive, North Side. $29.50. $35 day-ofshow. promowestlive.com

SUN., NOV. 13

LIT

•

HYBRID • OAKMONT

Who doesn’t love a cozy mystery on a cold, lazy day? Pittsburgh-based author and former police secretary Joyce St. Anthony will present a reading of her new book Death on a Deadline at Mystery Lovers Bookshop. The latest edition of the Homefront News Mystery series follows World War II-era journalist Irene Ingram as she investigates the death of a B-movie actor. Attend in person or sign up to watch it on Zoom. 1 p.m. 514 Allegheny River Blvd., Oakmont. Free. Registration required. mysterylovers.com

DANCE • IRL • DOWNTOWN A historic dance company will take the stage

PHOTO: AMITAVA SARKAR ^ Dallas Black Dance Theatre

at Point Park University’s Pittsburgh Playhouse

. Dallas Black Dance Theatre, touted as the the largest and oldest professional dance company in Dallas, and the fourth-largest Black dance company in the nation, will present works by five dancers. Expereince contemporary modern dance performances by Hope Boykin, Elisa Monte, Claude Alexander III, Jamal Story, and Darrell Grand Moultrie. 2:30 p.m. 350 Forbes Ave., Downtown. $35-73. playhouse.pointpark.edu

MON., NOV. 14

ART • IRL • EAST LIBERTY

Those inquisitive about outer space meteorology will want to see Does it Rain Diamonds on Neptune? by Steve Alexis , a new solo exhibition at 38a Gallery . The displayed works are described as serving “as physical embodiments of sentiment” from Alexis, a performance artist and MFA student at Carnegie Mellon University. Alexis’ sculptures, jewelry, and paintings are driven by experimentation and exploration, especially in his sourcing of eclectic materials such as plastic, metal, and “found and reclaimed objects.” 12-7 p.m. Continues through Sat., Nov. 19. 5929 Penn Ave., East Liberty. Free. thewhitakergrp.com

TUE., NOV. 15

LIT • HYBRID • OAKLAND

Pittsburgh Arts & Lectures and Carnegie

Library of Pittsburgh will tackle one of the most devastating and highly-debated topics in the country with its latest guest. Pulitzer Prize-nominated journalist John Woodrow Cox will discuss his book Children Under Fire: An American Crisis, described by publisher HarperCollins as a “critical call for the United States to embrace practical reforms that would save thousands of young lives.” Learn more about the book that “investigates the effectiveness of gun safety reforms” and “efforts to manage children’s trauma in the wake of neighborhood shootings and campus massacres, from Columbine to Marjory Stoneman Douglas.” 6-7:30 p.m. 4400 Forbes Ave., Oakland. Free. Registration required. carnegielibrary.org

WED., NOV. 16

MUSIC

•

IRL

•

LAWRENCEVILLE

The Chameleons, an influential post-punk act from England, released three albums before breaking up in 1987. The band has since reunited and, in addition to producing the 2022 live album Edge Sessions (Live From The Edge), are now on tour and ready to play at Spirit. The night will also feature musical artists Not of this World, Doors in the Labyrinth, and DJ Erica Scary. See what the event descriptions calls “one of the most underrated Machester bands of the 1980s.” 8 p.m. 242 51st St., Lawrenceville. $20-25. 21 and over. spiritpgh.com/events

PHOTO: MICHAEL FAIX ^

Owl Prowl with National Aviary

MARKET PLACE

STUDY SMOKERS WANTED

The University of Pittsburgh’s Alcohol & Smoking Research Lab is looking for people to participate in a research project. You must:

• Currently smoke cigarettes

• Be 18-49 years old, in good health, and speak fluent English

HELP WANTED VP, CORPORATE DEVELOPMENT

EPS US, LLC’s Pittsburgh, PA, office seeks a VP, Corporate Development – EPS. This is a hybrid office-based/work-fromhome position that will be responsible for EPS’s strategic direction and strategic initiatives execution. Apply at: https://phe.tbe.taleo.net/ phe03/ats/careers/v2/job Search?org=EFI&cws=43

NAME CHANGE

IN The Court of Common Pleas of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania: No. GD-22-012455

In re petition of Andrea Denise Davison for change of name to Andrea McClung Davison. To all persons interested: Notice is hereby given that an order of said Court authorized the filing of said petition and fixed the 9th day of December, 2022, at 9:30 a.m., as the time and the Mo tions Room, City-County Building, Pittsburgh, PA, as the place for a hearing, when and where all persons may show cause, if any they have, why said name should not be changed as prayed for.

PUBLIC AUCTION

Extra Space Storage will hold a public auction to sell the contents of leased spaces to satisfy Extra Space’s lien at 110 Kisow Drive, Pittsburgh, PA 15205 on November 22, 2022 at 11:15 am. Lorain Randolph 104.

The auction will be listed and advertised on www.storagetreasures.com.

Purchases must be made with cash only and paid at the above referenced facility in order to complete the transaction.

Extra Space Storage may refuse any bid and may rescind any purchase up until the winning bidder takes possession of the personal property.

NAME CHANGE

IN The Court of Common Pleas of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania: No. GD-22-012455

In re petition of Andrea Denise Davison for change of name to Andrea McClung Davison. To all persons interested: Notice is hereby given that an order of said Court authorized the filing of said petition and fixed the 9th day of December, 2022, at 9:30 a.m., as the time and the Mo tions Room, City-County Building, Pittsburgh, PA, as the place for a hearing, when and where all persons may show cause, if any they have, why said name should not be changed as prayed for.

PUBLIC AUCTION

Extra Space Storage will hold a public auction to sell the contents of leased spaces to satisfy Extra Space’s lien at the location indicated: 1005 E Entry Drive Pittsburgh PA 15216, November 17, 2022 at 11:30 AM. John Mcquillan 2156, Misty Jordan 7115. The auction will be listed and advertised on www.storagetreasures.com.

Purchases must be made with cash only and paid at the above referenced facility in order to complete the transaction.

Extra Space Storage may refuse any bid and may rescind any purchase up until the winning bidder takes possession of the personal property.

NAME CHANGE

IN The Court of Common Pleas of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania: No. GD-22-12698

In re petition of Eli James Kumf for change of name to Eli Leonard Pecora. To all persons interested: Notice is hereby given that an order of said Court authorized the filing of said petition and fixed the 8th day of December, 2022, at 9:30 a.m., as the time and the Motions Room, City-County Building, Pittsburgh, PA, as the place for a hearing, when and where all persons may show cause, if any they have, why said name should not be changed as prayed for.

FINANCIAL

SAVE YOUR HOME! Are you behind paying your MORTGAGE? Denied a Loan Modification? Is the bank threatening foreclosure? CALL Homeowners Relief Line NOW for Help 1-855-4395853 Mon-Fri 8:00 am to 8:00 pm Sat: 8:00 am to 1:00 pm(all times Pacific) (AAN CAN)

FINANCIAL

Struggling With Your Private Student Loan Payment? New relief programs can reduce your payments. Learn your options. Good credit not necessary. Call the Helpline 888-670-5631 (Mon-Fri 9am-5pm Eastern) (AAN CAN)

NAME CHANGE

IN The Court of Common Pleas of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania: No. GD-22-13128, In re petition of Becky Lawrence parents and legal guardian of Samantha Amaria Phiri for change of name to Samantha Amaria Lawrence. To all persons interested: Notice is hereby given that an order of said Court authorized the filing of said petition and fixed the 2nd day of December 2022, at 9:30 a.m., as the time and the Mo tions Room, City-County Building, Pittsburgh, PA, as the place for a hear ing, when and where all persons may show cause, if any they have, why said name should not be changed as prayed for.

LEGAL

Need Help with Family Law? Can’t Afford a $5000 Retainer? Low Cost Legal Services- Pay As You Go- As low as $750-$1500Get Legal Help Now! Call 1-844-821-8249 Mon-Fri 7am to 4pm PCT (AAN CAN) https://www.familycourtdirect. com/?network=1

• Be right handed, willing to not smoke before two sessions, and to fill out ques tionnaires

Earn up to $260 for par ticipating in this study. For more information, call (412) 407-5029

PUBLIC AUCTION

Public notice is hereby given that property placed in storage by the following persons at the following locations will be sold via public sale to satisfy Guardian Storage liens for unpaid rent and other charges. Bidding for property of persons renting space at the following locations will be held online at www.selfstorageauction.com ending on November 22, 2022 at 10:00 am, and day to day thereafter until sold at which time a high bidder will be determined.

7452 McKnight Rd, Pittsburgh, PA 15237: Unit #510 Carolyn Jones

750 South Millvale Avenue, Pittsburgh PA 15213: Unit #5210 Sherri Adair

1002 E. Waterfront Dr. Munhall, PA 15120: Unit #2118 Ahmed Anthony, Unit #3606 Shirley Morrison, Unit #3745 Courtland Kenley Unit #3929 Cameron Thompson

1599 Washington Pike, Bridgeville, PA 15017: Unit #3215 Robert Cowburn, Unit #53404 Leslie Marcello, Unit #6113 Samantha Moran, Unit #52308 Jerry Pratt, Unit #52705 Shawn Bridges

1300 Lebanon Church Rd, Pittsburgh, PA 15236: Unit #41201 Brandon Robinson, Unit #42418 Brandon Robinson, Unit #41324 Miriam Maletta

2839 Liberty Ave Pittsburgh, PA 15222: Unit #3003 Marcel Walker, Unit #1025 Corey Christian, Unit #1033 Corey Christian, Unit #5203 Larry Bittner, Unit #5504 Donna Zacharias, Unit #6601 Christopher Malloy, Unit #5124 Billie Vaughn, Unit #4605 Ayonna Lyman, Unit #1043William Burns, Unit #6404 James Weaver, Unit #3205 Taemon Posey, Unit #5201 Herman Price, Unit #6603 Larue Davis, Unit #2906 Phylicia Cook, Unit #4219 James Wilson

14200 Route 30, North Huntingdon, PA 15642: Unit #3421 Deborah Gibson

4711 William Penn Highway, Monroeville, PA 15146: Unit # 12111 Kathleen Mulligan, Unit #22104 Martin Mark, Unit #12707 Sally Frick, Unit #23507 Michele Hunter, Unit #22311 Taylor Talarico

401 Coraopolis Rd, Coraopolis PA 15108: Unit #12833 Brittany Hartwell, Unit #13308 Gabriel Moran Almendares, Unit #13007 Joy Marble

1028 Ridge Road, Tarentum, Pa 15084: Unit #32301 Mariah Jones

901 Brinton Road, Pittsburgh, Pa 15221: Unit #9310 Denise Woodson, Unit #3124 Roger Ervin, Unit #7305 Amanda Saunders, Unit #8410 Marcus Moyer, Unit #8205 Carl Harrison

1067 Milford Drive, Bethel Park, PA 15102: Unit #21823 Claire Mays, Unit #21713 Claire Mays

Purchases must be made with cash and paid at the location at the above referenced facility to complete the transaction. Guardian Stor age has the right to refuse any bid and may rescind any purchase up until the winning bidder takes possession of the personal property.

BEST DOCTORS. BEST COVERAGE. BEST PRICE.

UPMC for Life is the only plan in PA to earn an excellent 5 out of 5 overall star rating for 2023 from Medicare and receive Accreditation from NCQA for both our HMO and PPO plans! And, we’re also the lowest priced, 5-star plan in PA. If you’re looking for better Medicare coverage, with affordable premiums, low out-of-pocket costs, and great extra benefits, UPMC Health Plan has a plan for you.

To find your “best” plan, call us toll-free at 1-844-692-9141 seven days a week from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. TTY: 711. Visit upmchealthplan.com/medicare.

MEDICARE ADVANTAGE PROGRAM

Every year, Medicare evaluates plans based on a 5-star rating system. For more information on UPMC Health Plan’s awards visit upmchealthplan.com/best. UPMC for Life is the lowest priced, 5-star plan in PA based on premium and maximum out-of-pocket costs. UPMC for Life has a contract with Medicare to provide HMO, HMO SNP, and PPO plans. The HMO SNP plans have a contract with the PA State Medical Assistance program. Enrollment in UPMC for Life depends on contract renewal. UPMC for Life is a product of and operated by UPMC Health Plan Inc., UPMC Health Network Inc., UPMC Health Benefits Inc., and UPMC Health Coverage Inc.