McKeesport Little Theater: Video auditions sought for Valentine’s Day event

By JEFF STITT

jstitt@yourmvi.com

For many, a typical Valentine’s Day includes dinner at a fancy or favorite restaurant and going to see a show or a movie. 

But mitigation efforts to slow the spread of COVID-19 have caused theaters and other entertainment venues to shutter — temporarily in some cases, permanently in others. Because many are staying at home and avoiding going out to dinner due to social distancing and economic struggles, Valentine’s Day for many will look a little different this year.

Couples and families, and even those living the single life, need look no further than the McKeesport Little Theater for a safe, fun and creative way to spend the holiday of love.

The theater, which is located on Coursin Street in McKeesport’s Education and Culture District, put out a call Sunday “for singers of all ages to perform a solo or duet of love songs for a cabaret-style Valentine’s Day performance.”

“Little Theater Love Songs” is described by MLT’s board of directors as an online cabaret-style collection of musical theater and pop songs that will be available to view free of charge.

With the Feb. 14 just around the corner, MLT is not only calling on its past and present actors, but the community as a whole to share their talents with its audiences and patrons, board member Jennifer Vertullo said in an email.

Video auditions are being accepted until Saturday. The theater will film performances Feb. 7 in partnership with local filmmaker Mark Cantu, and the program will be broadcast on the theater’s Facebook page Feb. 13 and 14. 

While there’s no charge for online admission, the theater will solicit donations in a telethon-style format during the broadcasts, according to Vertullo.

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