I applaud the Post-Gazette for giving such great coverage to the revival of August Wilson's "Two Trains Running" (Stage Preview: Actor here for 'Two Trains Running' became friend and confidant to playwright Wilson, May 8).

This is a wonderful opportunity for all to see a memorable play.

Sala Udin, a friend of Wilson's youth, is indeed a philosopher and an activist.

His current responsibilities are broader than the description in the article, and I wanted to provide accurate information.

A gifted and inspirational leader, Sala Udin is the president and chief executive officer of Coro, a center for leadership training. Coro serves a wide variety of constituents, including those interested in public sector careers, programs for women in leadership and internships for college students through the Regional Internship Center. Coro also offers the community customized experiential leadership training opportunities.

Coro, a nonprofit located on the South Side, has been in Pittsburgh for nine years, and is part of a 60-year-old organization that has centers in six other cities.

We applaud Sala Udin for his many abilities, and anticipate a wonderful performance of "Two Trains Running."

Toni MacPherson
Chair of the Board, Coro Center for Civic Leadership

To those who have been complaining that Ted Neeley is too old to play Jesus, here's a hint: The majority of people who went to see "Jesus Christ Superstar" were there because of Ted Neeley.

This was apparent by the thunderous applause that erupted the moment he stepped onstage. His fans know how old he is, and they don't care.

It's Neeley's role.

If you want to see a younger Jesus, I suggest you stick to local productions.

Fran Emery
Mt. Lebanon

I am angry about the fact that there is not a replacement for the former Chevrolet Amphitheatre at Station Square.

Our city has been neglected for 20 years because we have to drive 30 miles to Burgettstown to see a concert.

And now I find out we lost a lot of small concerts from big-name bands that can only draw 6,000 people because we don't have a venue for them.

But we have a venue that's too far away and not managed right.

Also, our county loses money and jobs when this amphitheater isn't even in Allegheny County.

How about until a new venue is built we use PNC Park when the Pirates aren't playing or Heinz Field, which is not used in the summer? How about Cupples Stadium, where the Passion isn't playing to help the city school system?

Live Nation doesn't care like DiCesare-Engler did, so someone has to step up.

The Rooneys have tried and our infinite wisdom would not let them. Jobs, revenue, tax base -- let's get our head out of the sand and do something.

Ralph Williams
McKees Rocks

I attended a show at Diesel for the first time on Saturday night. I was really looking forward to seeing Austin artist Bob Schneider perform in a venue that was large enough to accommodate a lot of people.

For those unfamiliar, Schneider plays a unique blend of Tex-Mex, salsa-inspired, down-and-dirty style of rock that encourages crowd participation. Much to my dismay when we arrived at 7:20, I was told by the girl at the box office that Bob would go on at 7:30 p.m. because of the curfew and he would play for two hours only.

That may sound long enough for some bands, but a good Bob Schneider show goes at least three hours to allow for him to touch on his many styles of music, allow for solos, etc.

Talk about a curfew -- as the band was trying to get back on to the stage to perform an encore, the Diesel workers were unplugging their instruments as the crowd was begging for more.

Their haste was due to the fact that they needed to let their nightclub crowd in and transform the place by 9:35. I can't imagine anyone at that show was pleased by this.

When these dance clubs try to take on two personas and cater to everyone, it doesn't work except for the people pocketing the money by double booking the venues. Be realistic -- a Saturday night live music show shouldn't have its attendees at home by 10 p.m.

This used to work at Rosebud and Metropol -- not sure why it can't work now. I'd just like people to be aware if that they are attending a live music show at Diesel how the place operates.

Lori Kushner
Bridgeville

It must be hard to review shows. You give your honest opinion of Rush/Barry Manilow/Van Halen and it never fails -- turns out that you were obviously attending a different concert than the fans.

Attention music lovers: You know there isn't a parallel universe where the band puts on a fantastic performance for you and a lame one for the critic.

Yet whenever a negative review pops up in the paper, the tired cliche comes out.

Please put that one to rest and find some new words to show support for your favorite group.

Beth O'Shea
Lincoln Place

I congratulate Denis Cowell for adding vocalists and humor to the River City Brass Band concerts.

But there is no need to drown out the vocalists as they sing. I sat in the fifth row from the stage and could barely hear the vocalists. Imagine what the people in the rear could hear. A few instruments supporting the vocalists would be better.

I hope Mr. Cowell takes heed before he loses his audience.

Quentin Brosovich
Penn Hills