Marlaina Weaver of Cranberry Township, a student in the Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre School, is appearing in "The Nutcracker" at the Benedum Center.

PITTSBURGH — The holiday tradition of "The Nutcracker" continues through Dec. 27 at the Benedum Center, 719 Liberty Ave.

Butler County students performing in the traditional ballet include Shirlann Harmon of Evans City, Rachel Thomas of Mars, and Caroline Ciocco, Amanda Dash and Marlaina Weaver, all of Cranberry Township.

The story of Marie and her Nutcracker Prince, first performed in 1892, is based on German author E.T.A. Hoffman's holiday tale.

This season marks not only PBT's 40th anniversary, but also its 40th annual presentation of this classic.

Since 1969, the company has performed various productions of the ballet, but in 2002, artistic director Terrence Orr debuted a "Nutcracker" with a Pittsburgh flavor featuring area landmarks.

Performances of "The Nutcracker" are scheduled at 7 p.m. Friday and Dec. 22 and 23; 2 and 7 p.m. Saturday and Dec. 26; and at noon and 4:30 p.m. Dec. 27.

Tickets range from $20.50 to $94.50. Call 412-456-6666 or visit the Web site, www.pbt.org.