George A. Romero’s “A Night at the Symphony”
Friday, March 26, 2027, at 7:30 pm – The Byham Theater – Pittsburgh, PA
The legendary writer and director, George A. Romero, was famous for making people scream, his macabre vision charting the course for the modern zombie genre. But, what if we told you the movie that inspired Romero to become a filmmaker in the first place was… an opera?
George A. Romero’s A Night at the Symphony is a multifaceted celebration of the life, work and legacy of one of Pittsburgh’s most legendary filmmakers created by the renowned Pittsburgh-based composer, Christian Kriegeskotte. Through the awesome power of a 30-piece orchestra, we explore Romero’s filmography, the somewhat unexpected films and music that inspired him, and recently uncovered lost and unrealized projects, never before seen nor heard by the public.
You’ll have a chance to hear music from Romero’s most celebrated films like John Harrison’s iconic synth score from Day of the Dead (performed in-part on Harrison’s original Prophet V synthesizer), Donald Rubinstein’s lush music from Martin and Knightriders, music from Night of the Living Dead, Dawn of the Dead and others, all expanded and reimagined for full symphony orchestra.
In addition to a host of special, surprise guests, the crown jewel of the evening is an exclusive screening of Romero’s long-lost debut film, Expostulations. Shot on location in urban Pittsburgh in 1963, we present this never-before-screened film with a newly commissioned live orchestral score and narration by Terry Alexander (actor, Day of the Dead).
This unprecedented, world-premiere event takes place in Pittsburgh’s historic Byham Theater, the same theater in which Night of the Living Dead premiered in 1968, when it was known as the Fulton.
Tickets are on sale now here.
The Living Dead Weekend – Re-Animated
October 16-18, 2026 – Monroeville Mall – Monroeville, PA
The Living Dead Weekend is returning to the Monroeville Mall this October for a special celebration of zombie cinema.
Although this year’s theme includes a Re-Animator reunion, the event will feature much more. Fans can expect a major focus on George A. Romero’s Dawn of the Dead, with organizers indicating that this may be the final Living Dead Weekend held at the historic Monroeville Mall filming location. Be sure to stop by the GARF table and say hello!
Tickets can be purchased here.
Penn & Teller returning to Pittsburgh
Tuesday, October 13, 2026 – Heinz Hall – Pittsburgh, PA
From humble beginnings 50 years ago busking on the streets of Philadelphia to acclaimed sold–out runs on Broadway, to the longest-running, and one of the most-beloved resident headline acts in Las Vegas history, magic’s legendary duo – Penn Jillette and Teller – continue to defy labels and at times physics and good taste, by redefining the genre of magic and inventing their own very distinct niche in comedy.
Their Off-Broadway debut in 1985 electrified New York with a stage show combining magic, comedy, and social commentary in a theatrical event the New York Times said was “witheringly funny… brazen assault on the temple of magic.”
Their record-breaking Las Vegas show at The Rio Hotel & Casino has an amazing nine wins as “Las Vegas Magicians of the Year” and was called “the single best show in Vegas” by the Los Angeles Times.
The hit series Penn & Teller: Fool Us! for The CW Network, on which up-and-comers and magic veterans try to fool Penn & Teller for a chance to star in the pair’s hit Las Vegas stage show, is the longest continual American magic television series in history, introducing the art to new fans and cultivating new generations of innovators within the craft.
In 2025 the pair celebrated 50 years as innovators in combining smart, edgy comedy with their unique magical style.
A portion of the ticket price benefits the George A. Romero Foundation, established to honor Pittsburgh’s well-known “Godfather of Horror.” Penn & Teller have called themselves fans of the filmmaker and pledged their support for the new Horror Studies Center.
Tickets can be acquired here.