A new live-performance venue in Greensboro has a Spartan connection.
In February, the much-anticipated space opened in the South Elm Street building formerly occupied by Triad Stage.
Its name – The Pyrle – honors the late Pyrle Gibson, a strong supporter of the arts and grandmother to Light the Way Co-Chair Randall Kaplan, whose family has impacted UNCG powerfully.
Led by general manager Dominick Amendum ’01, the venue showcases a variety of musical genres. Its mission is to introduce the Triad community of music lovers to some of the nation’s and world’s best emerging music.
Watchhouse, Brandy Clark, Rakim, Ricky Skaggs, and Tab Benoit are among the artists who’ve performed so far in the 850-1,000 capacity concert space.
Formerly the director of the UNCG Musical Theatre program, Amendum is now an adjunct artist-in-residence at UNCG, while leading the new venue. At UNCG, he works with musical theatre students in the MFA and BFA programs.
He also continues to work professionally around the globe developing new musicals.
Featured in the Fall 2024 UNCG Magazine, he is known to many for his work as the production music supervisor for the two “Wicked” film adaptations.
His career ties to “Wicked” on Broadway and in touring productions are lengthy, as he served as its music director and as associate music supervisor at various points.
“The Prince of Egypt” on London’s West End, where he was music supervisor, is among his credits overseas.
By Mike Harris ’93 MA
Top photo by Sean Norona ’13
Amendum photo by Martin W. Kane
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