Arts take back seat to Steelers playoff game
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Dippy the dinosaur has donned his Steelers scarf again outside the Carnegie Museum of Natural History, but is the rest of Pittsburgh's cultural community rooting for the home team? After all, the Steelers' AFC championship game with Denver today threatens to intercept patrons on their way to concerts, museums and plays.
From Pittsburgh Public Theater to the Pittsburgh Symphony Pops, from the Carnegie Museums to the Cultural Trust, the impact of the Steelers is likely to be felt at the box office.
"I know it will affect ticket sales," said Ken Gargaro, founding director of Pittsburgh Musical Theater.
Lou Castelli, marketing director at Public Theater, agrees: "During any Steelers game, our audience fluctuates and subscribers opt out. But the show must go on."
Still, most local arts groups recognize it's better to enjoy the ride than worry about sales. As Mr. Gargaro said, "You can't fight Steelers mania. You've got to join it."
Many cultural organizations plan to do just that by enticing patrons with promises of game updates.
"I'm going to put a TV in the lobby so that, at intermission, they'll be able to see a little of the game," said Mr. Gargaro, hoping that will satisfy his "Miss Saigon" audience at the Byham Theater. The show has a 2 p.m. matinee today which smacks up against the Steelers' 3 p.m. kickoff.
The Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra is going a step further with plans for score updates, direct from the stage, during its 2:30 p.m. Pops concert with Neil Sedaka at Heinz Hall. The orchestra intends to play the Steelers' fight song and wave Terrible Towels.
"There are enough fans for the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra and the Steelers to go around," spokeswoman Jody Doherty said.
Public Theater is holding previews today for "The Importance of Being Earnest" at 2 and 7 p.m. at the O'Reilly Theater. As for Steelers fans who hadn't anticipated the team advancing so far in the playoffs (shame on them), Mr. Castelli said, the two 10-minute intermissions should provide enough time for updates from theater employees or for phone calls to friends at home.
Speaking of employees, what about those who have to take the stage?
"We're all bummed we have to play," said the symphony's John Soroka, a percussionist. Adds bassist Micah Howard: "I'm disappointed I won't be able to see the entire game. I've been a huge Steelers fan since I was a kid."
The performers have a game plan for keeping up with the contest, one almost as intricate as coach Bill Cowher's.
"There is a multipronged approach," Mr. Soroka said. "We know the stage-door person has a television in that room." Other sources include "the stage hands ... and musicians who are entering or leaving the stage."
"A bunch of us will be in the musicians lounge, watching it at intermission," Mr. Howard said.
Carnegie Museums expect less disruption to attendance, in part because patrons can visit around the game.
The Carnegie Science Center, on the other hand, closes during Steelers' home games, in part because of its proximity to Heinz Field. It will be open today, but don't expect to find a TV set, not even in the SportsWorks area.
Mr. Gargaro, who calls himself a big-time fan, said arts groups might as well accept the inevitable. Last year, during a production of "Grease," he remembers seeing patrons listening to the overtime game with the New York Jets via iPods and small radios. "When the Steelers hit the last-minute field goal, a cheer went up in the theater."
There are, of course, many in the area who care little about the Steelers. For them, cultural offerings are a haven. But in the playoffs, even casual fans become rabid. So arts organizations will have to cede some ground to the Steelers and live to fight for patrons another day.
Though, perhaps, not Feb. 5, Super Bowl Sunday.
First Published January 22, 2006 12:00 am
