Life is but a dream: 鈥楴utcracker鈥� returns to the Benedum Center with Pittsburgh-area celebrities
Courtesy of Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre
Each holiday season, audiences in the Pittsburgh region return to a familiar dream: “The Nutcracker” at the Benedum Center, where the city itself steps into the story and local celebrities celebrate on stage.
Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre (PBT) is again bringing a hometown twist to the beloved classic, setting Terrence S. Orr’s “The Nutcracker” in turn-of-the-20th-century Pittsburgh. The production, which starts Friday and continues through Dec. 28, highlights landmarks and sports teams, as well as local Pittsburgh personalities, like Emmy-winning rapper DJ Frzy and Corey O’Connor, Pittsburgh’s mayor-elect. They will be joining other guest stars making cameo appearances over the course of its run.
PBT’s Pittsburgh-based version featuring Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s classic score has been a holiday favorite for 23 years now.
Being part of a tradition
“The crowd always goes crazy when they see the celebrity of the night,” Frzy said. The Pittsburgh native shared that Larrimor’s, the men’s clothing and fashion store, helped outfit him.
“They provided me with an old-school tuxedo,” he explained.
Frzy pointed out that each local celebrity is assigned to a PBT dancer. “They guide you around to make it look like you know what you’re doing.” He added that this year the audience may see a dance move or two. “I’m 6 foot 5, so it’s not going to be too elaborate; I might split my pants,” he joked.
Frzy has made friends with the PBT’s ballerinas over the years. “We have a ball backstage and it helps me appreciate the incredible amount of work they do,” he said.
He added that guest appearances can draw in people who might not otherwise attend a ballet. “I try to take time afterwards to meet the fans. They can take pictures and see me in another environment,” he said.
He encourages attendees to keep an eye on him during a certain scene in which performers freeze on stage. “I freeze in a funny way,” he said with a laugh.
This is the fourth appearance for KDKA-TV reporter Daisy Jade. This year is extra special because she will be appearing onstage with her husband. “He has been coming to the show with me for the past few years and has become quite familiar with the team. They’ve tried many times to get him to join me on stage, but he’s always preferred staying behind the scenes. This year, though, he finally gave in,” she said.
Jade will be wearing a light-blue dress and white gloves, evocative of the period. “It truly transports me back to that time,” she said.
“The Nutcracker” is special to her as part of a holiday tradition in Pittsburgh.
“We went on a school outing and I recall how magical it felt,” she said.
Sometimes audience members will mention seeing her afterwards. “That’s always fun,” she said, adding that the festive party scene is electric. “The audience loves it; feeling the energy they get from it makes us smile,” she said.
What to expect
PBT Artistic Director Adam W. McKinney said the audience will see 30 sleight-of-hand tricks performed by a professional magician, a full-stage battle with sword fighting, 150 costumes, sparking falling snow and a Christmas tree that grows to 15 times its size.
McKinney describes “The Nutcracker” as a remarkable classic ballet.
“With its beautiful music and endearing story, it offers an unforgettable way to experience the holiday season with loved ones,” he said.
Other celebrities due to appear include former Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Charlie Batch; Allegheny County Executive Sara Innamorato; and Chandi Chapman, a reporter and anchor with WTAE-TV.
The production includes a sensory-friendly performance and a student matinee. Showtimes and additional information are available at pbt.org.
The Pittsburgh Ballet’s production of “The Nutcracker” is one of several taking place across the region during the holidays. The State Theatre Center for the Arts in Uniontown will be staging it starting Friday, Dec. 11 and continuing through Sunday, Dec. 14. It will have dancers of all ages from the area. Showtimes are at 7 p.m. Dec. 11-13, with 2 p.m. matinees Dec. 13-14.
More information is available at statetheatre.info.