Onstage Dec. 5-28 at the Benedum Center, Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre continues one of Pittsburgh’s most beloved holiday traditions with its 13th annual production of “The Nutcracker.” From the moonlit Mount Washington snow scene to the amusement park setting of the Land of Enchantment, Pittsburgh gives a unique sense of place to this grand-scale production, opening for a 24-performance run at 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 5.

 

Behind the scenes, “The Nutcracker” is a season unto itself at PBT with preparations beginning as early as September. Under the direction of PBT Costumier Janet Groom Campbell, the costume shop prepares the production’s more than 200 costumes, which range from the classical white tutus of the Snow Scene, to the bumblebees, flowers and clowns of the Land of Enchantment. By early November, rehearsals fill all five dance studios as Artistic Director Terrence S. Orr casts more than 150 roles for each of the production’s 24 performances. In addition to company dancers, more than 100 PBT School students, ages 7 and up, will perform throughout the run as toy soldiers, clowns and other fairy-tale characters. The months of planning, costuming and casting give the final product the feel of a storybook come to life.

 

Throughout the production’s 24-performance run, Artistic Director Terrence S. Orr rotates the cast to ensure that no two performances are identical. One dancer might perform as many as eight character roles during a single season and even multiple roles per night. The variety adds nuance and brings new chemistry to the stage. Audience members often experience emerging talents performing principal roles, such as Marie, the Sugarplum Fairy and the Snow Queen.

 

The choreography showcases classical training and technique, and also functions as a storytelling device Orr uses to develop character relationships, adding romance, friendship and audience connection.

 

“The Nutcracker” is one of the most popular ballets of all time, based on a classic tale written by German Author, E.T.A Hoffman. Since the ballet’s premiere in 1892, companies have adapted the story by altering choreography and emphasizing themes. Beginning in 2002, PBT Artistic Director Terrence S. Orr recreated the famous production with a fresh perspective and an unexpected love story. Many elements that make “The Nutcracker” a classic remain the same, such as Tchaikovsky’s iconic score, but Orr enriches the production by developing a relationship between Marie and the Nutcracker Prince, creating more complex choreography and a Pittsburgh setting. The set design and storyline reflect Pittsburgh traditions and landmarks, such as the city’s famous Mt. Washington view and the Land of Enchantment carousel inspired by its historic amusement parks. Emmy-winning theatrical designer Zack Brown said his vision for PBT’s set and costume design came from, “historical research, my own imagination, conversations with Artistic Director Terrence S. Orr, and the inspiration of the music with its rich orchestral colors and sweeping melodies.”

 

Tickets start at $27, and can be purchased online at www.pbt.org, by calling 412-456-6666 or visiting the Box Office at Theater Square. Groups of eight or more can save up to 50% on tickets by contacting PBT’s Group Sales department at groupsales@pittsburghballet.org or 412-454-9101.