Enjoy a show and do some good

Off the Record, the satirical musical comedy that benefits the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank, is all grown up. Well, maybe not grown up, but it is of legal age.

The fundraiser has been going strong for 21 years and not even a global pandemic could stop it, not last year and not now. The performance went virtual in 2020 and is doing that again at 8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 7.

The intimacy and collegiality that characterized the in-person shows at the Byham Theater in Downtown Pittsburgh will be missing, but the clever writing and enthusiastic dancing and singing by the cast will be on display.

“Off the Record: Let’s do shots,” is the title of this year’s performance and, like so much of Off the Record, the clever name carries a double meaning. Viewers should be prepared for topical parodies in song and dance that take on the news and newsmakers of the past year.

The show will kick off with an introduction by KDKA-TV anchor Ken Rice. Those who have never witnessed his hilarious take on the news are in for a treat. Joining him will be KDKA coworkers and colleagues from up and down the dial.

Local newsmakers should expect to be the target of barbs throughout the show. Running for mayor? Expect some witty banter fired in your direction. Running a major local employer? You’ll probably be in the crossfire, too. And surprise celebrity appearances are featured, including the Pittsburgh Penguins legendary retired announcer Mike Lange.

It’s all in fun with a serious purpose: Raising money for the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank. In its long history, Off the Record has raised more than $600,000 for this worthy nonprofit that puts food on the table of those in need. Last year alone, when the event also was virtual, $33,000 was collected.

Generous donors make the production possible. This year’s top sponsor is KeyBank along with major sponsor UPMC Health Plan and support from the Allegheny County Sanitary Authority, Bakery Square/Walnut Capital, Seneca Resources and the United Steelworkers. USW members participate in the show along with professional actors known to Pittsburgh audiences, journalists and performers from the Newspaper Guild of Pittsburgh (representing the Post-Gazette newsroom) and the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists, Ohio-Pittsburgh Local.

The show will be available at the Off the Record page on Facebook ( www.facebook.com/OffTheRecordPGH), where there are links to make donations. Enjoy some laughs while helping neighbors in need. You’re bound to feel good about it.