Burgh Ballet PBT retells 'Nutcracker' from Pgh. point of view
PITTSBURGH — Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre brings the warmth and grandeur of Pittsburgh's holiday season to life with "The Nutcracker,"the enchanting story of Marie and her Nutcracker Prince that will be staged for 16 performances, Dec. 12 to 28, at the Benedum Center, 719 Liberty Ave.
Based on the classic tale by German author E.T.A. Hoffman, PBT's Pittsburgh version of "The Nutcracker" debuted on Dec. 7, 2002. PBT had been performing various productions of the classic ballet since 1969, but in 2002, artistic director Terrence Orr re-imagined the beloved tale to create a version that was uniquely Pittsburgh.
To recreate Pittsburgh at the turn of the 20th century, Orr utilized references to Pittsburgh's storied past. These include a Heinz delivery truck, the proscenium clock inspired by the Kaufmann's Department Store clock and "Kaufmann's Christmas Stories for Boys and Girls," a book commissioned by Kaufmann's Department Store in the early 20th century.
The Stahlbaum family mansion, created by theatrical designer Zach Brown, is fashioned after the F.W. McKee residence that once stood in Shadyside, and guests at the first-act party scene take their names from famous Pittsburgh families, including Heinz and Kaufmann, while Mr. McTavish represents the Scottish influences in the city. During the famous first-act snow scene, Mount Washington and its magnificent view serve as a dramatic backdrop.
The revitalization also included the second act, giving it a circuslike feel complete with a ringmaster, colorful carousel, delightful clowns and adorable bumblebees and lambs. Blending these new elements with Tchaikovsky's timeless score and traditions, such as the elegant "Waltz of the Flowers," PBT's "Nutcracker" is unique to Pittsburgh.
The story follows Marie and her Nutcracker Prince on an unforgettable journey: they battle the dreaded Rat King and glide through a glistening snowy forest, where the majestic Snow King and Queen perform amid a flurry of snowflakes. The second act opens in the Land of Enchantment, where a giant carousel awaits the travelers. A joyous festival features dancers from exotic lands and culminates with the brilliant pas de deux performed by the Sugar Plum Fairy and her Cavalier.
"Talks with Terry" and "Family Pointe," two pre-performance events at the Benedum Center, are offered free with the purchase of a ticket and take place before the matinee performances on Dec. 13 and 14. Reservations for "Family Pointe" are required and can be made by calling 412-454-9105.
"Nutcracker" performances will be at 7 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, at 2 p.m. Saturdays and at noon and 4:30 p.m. Sundays. An additional 7 p.m. show will be on Dec. 23.
Tickets range from $20.50 to $88.50 and are available at Theater Square Box Office, by calling 412-456-6666 or by visiting the Web site, www.pbt.org.
