Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre presents the holiday tradition of "The Nutcracker" through Sunday at the Benedum Center, 719 Liberty Ave. First performed in 1892, "The Nutcracker" is based on German author E.T.A. Hoffman's holiday tale. Since 1969, the company has performed various productions of the ballet, but in 2002, a Nutcracker with a Pittsburgh flavor became the standard. Butler County students performing include Shirlann Harmon of Evans City, Rachel Thomas of Mars, and Caroline Ciocco, Amanda Dash and Marlaina Weaver, all of Cranberry Township. Performances are scheduled at 2 and 7 p.m. Saturday; and at noon and 4:30 p.m. Sunday. Tickets range from $20.50 to $94.50. Call 412-456-6666 or visit the Web site, www.pbt.org.