Heinz Hall: Pittsburgh, PA.

Heinz Hall: Pittsburgh, PA

     It was our first night in Pittsburgh when my wife and I went for a stroll from the Renaissance hotel down to Market Square to see the Christmas tree, Ice Skaters, and other festivities.        

     As we walked we passed Heinz Hall, which is a historic Pittsburgh landmark where musicals, plays, and programs are performed. As we passed, my wife was looking at the posters on the wall, to see the up and coming events. While I was watching the shadows around us, ready to fight off any attackers. All of a sudden she let out a scream and danced a jig; which led me to believe we were being mugged.

     She pointed at the wall and said “Handel’s Messiah!! It’s playing!!  Can we go?!!"

     I had no idea what she was talking about. She knows a lot more stuff in this sort of area than I do. It’s kind of freakish really. She can name any actor or musician and song, and tell me about their kids, and whether they are alive or dead, and exactly what drug they OD’d on and when it happened. She constantly amazes me.

     So, here I was; amazed, and completely ignorant. I of course knew that Handel was a composer. But, was not sure why she was excited about this thing I had never heard of.

  

     “You’ll love it!” she said. 

   

     I did not want to appear stupid or unwilling to “Love it”, so I ignored the screaming pain from my wallet warning me that this was going to cost me money. I grabbed her hand and started heading toward the theater door.

      “Let’s go see what it costs.” I said.

      We entered the theater and my wife was overjoyed. I love making her happy. But, I hate spending money, so there was a struggle. I still had no idea what this was. I am just a simple hill billy from the mountains of Illinois, after all.

      

     We asked the lady at the counter about seats, and of course, all the cheap seats were sold out. The lady quoted us some prices, and showed us some seats. Then, we thanked her and went outside to discuss it.

    

      I could tell by looking at my wife’s face that the discussion was over. So, I said “Heck with it.” And she squealed as we went inside and purchased the tickets. I had an aisle seat, so I would not need to talk to anyone or be touched unnecessarily. We were both happy, although my wallet ached for a while, but it gradually felt better as reality sunk in.

     

      When the night came for the show, we dressed up in the best clothes we had packed for our trip. We walked down the busy city street lined with buildings, and entered the Hall for the show. It was beautiful inside.

      

     Heinz Hall was first built as the Anderson Hotel. Then, in1927 it was turned into the Loew’s Penn Theater, by Marcus Loew. It was considered the most magnificent theater between New York, and Chicago. Then, in 1971, after 3 years and $10 million dollars the theater was restructured by the Heinz Trust to become Heinz Hall.

      

     We took some pictures, and hob knobbed with the rich, then moseyed on up to our seats, which were located somewhere in the 5^th or 6^th balcony, just below the Ozone Layer. We were assured however, when we bought the tickets, that it was the best place to hear the music.

      

     My seat was not near an aisle. Not sure what happened but I was surrounded by people. All kinds of people. There were Amish people in front of me, and a skinny Asian dude beside me.

    

      One of the Amish women seemed to be eyeballing me. I figured she was wondering if I could plow a field or raise a barn. The Asian dude was skinny enough that I had plenty of room to stretch and steal his arm rest.

      

     My wife was ecstatic. She bounced around in her seat like an inmate in the electric chair. She was thrilled watching the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, Mendelssohn Choir, and Opera Singers, getting into position.

      

     Eventually the lights dimmed and everyone clapped. I clapped too. I assumed that someone knew why we were clapping, and I would follow his lead.

      

     Then, the music started and it was phenomenal, Handel’s Messiah is about the Birth, Death and Resurrection of Christ the Messiah, told through music. It was written by Handel through inspiration in a few weeks and is considered a masterpiece. I enjoyed it immensely.

      

     At one point a particular song began playing. It was kind of familiar to me, and I was like, “Hey, I know this one. That’s pretty cool.” And at the exact second that I thought this, 2000 people instantly stood up; everyone except for me. I was just sitting there, holding my coat in my lap and looking at some Amish lady’s butt.

      

     So, I quickly stood up. Holding my coat, and my program, trying to behave like a normal person at the symphony. My wife was being an expert. She knew this was coming but I had no clue. I felt the same way I feel at church when people just randomly stand up. I have yet to figure out what the signal is that gets them all to stand. I just assume it’s because they got enough money in the offering plate, and they are celebrating.

      

     However, in this case everybody stands during the “Hallelujah Chorus” It’s traditional and makes sense. I don’t know the real reason, but I assume it’s because the song is about the Resurrection, when Christ over comes death, and humans over come death as well in Him. This is definitely a reason to stand. Again, I’m assuming, and I like what I assume. So, that’s how I’m leaving it.

      

     After the show, and like 5 standing ovations, we exited the theater. We flowed down the beautiful gilded and carpeted steps like a massive river of humanity. I was trying to put on my coat, and hold on to my program, while also hanging on to my wife, so I didn’t lose her. Some rich guy might snatch her up. Or some Amish woman might grab me, and take me to the homestead and force me to plow her field.

      

     We exited the building into the chilly night. And I must say that I thoroughly enjoyed the Symphony. Handel’s Messiah was wonderful. Heinz Hall was great, the Pittsburgh Symphony, Mendelssohn Choir, and Opera singers, did a fantastic job.