Harris Theater in Pittsburgh returns with 'Dear Evan Hansen' and it's BYOB

The Harris Theater is showing movies again.

The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust has announced that the Harris will reopen Sept. 23 with the start of a three week run of “Dear Evan Hansen.”

The film is based on the hit Broadway play about an awkward high school student dealing with typical teen issues complicated by the social media age.

The Cultural Trust, which owns the 90-year-old theater, has taken over programming since the struggling Harris shut its Liberty Avenue doors in March 2020, even before the pandemic closed nearly all entertainment venues.

“Dear Evan Hansen” will run through Oct. 14, Monday through Thursday at 8 p.m. and Friday to Sunday at 5:30 and 8 p.m. at the newly renovated and rare single-screen theater.

“We are excited for the return of programming at the Harris and for our patrons to see the exciting renovations we have made to the historic space,” said Joseph Morrison, Harris Theater Venue Manager. “What better way to welcome back theater goers than with this film.”

Of greater interest, perhaps, patrons will no longer have to resort to sneaking flasks and bottles into the theater in oversized coats. The Harris is now BYOB.

But there are other stipulations. All individuals entering a Cultural District venue must be vaccinated – with exceptions for children under the age of 12 and people with a medical condition or “closely held religious belief that prevents vaccination.”

Anyone who falls into one of these exception categories must provide proof of a negative covid-19 test taken within 72 hours of the performance start time.

Guests are also required to wear a mask over their nose and mouth except when eating or drinking in their seat at the Harris Theater.