Pittsburgh ballet students rehearse for ‘The Nutcracker’
PITTSBURGH – Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre School currently has more than 300 students enrolled, with some students taking classes up to six days a week. Teachers and students spend countless hours rehearsing and dedicating themselves to the preparation of one of the most highly anticipated events of the event, “The Nutcracker.”
The world-class Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre will perform one of the country’s largest productions of “The Nutcracker” at the Benedum Center in downtown Pittsburgh Dec. 8-23.
Since the introduction of the new “Nutcracker” in 2002, choreographed by Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre Artistic Director Terrance S. Orr, the Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre School has been even more involved in the production of everyone’s favorite holiday performance of “The Nutcracker.”
Utilizing Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s memorable score, written in 1892 Russia, Orr envisioned “The Nutcracker” taking place in turn-of-the-century Pittsburgh.
While there are immediate references to Pittsburgh, such as the Heinz delivery truck and a replica of the F.W. McKee residence in Shadyside, which serves as the Stahlbaum house, there also are more subtle references, such as the names of some of the party guests, including the Kaufmann and Heinz families.
Also included in the production are the Kaufmann’s clock, Kaufmann’s Memory Book and famous historic landmarks.
When Orr brought “The Nutcracker” home, he also rejuvenated the second act with a circus-like atmosphere by infusing it with colorful costumes, a big top complete with ringmaster and clowns, carousel horses, buzzing bumble fees and mischievous sheep. Students from Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre School were given the chance to audition for these roles, as well as parts in the party scene, battle scene and as characters.
Orr increased the number of roles for children from 57 to 83 when creating his version of the traditional holiday time ballet, giving more students who attend Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre School an opportunity to perform on the Benedum stage. After the recreation, more than 115 students, ages 7 and above, have been cast each year. For this year’s 16-performance run, more than 125 students earned parts in “The Nutcracker.” Tickets can be purchased at The Box Office at Theatre Square, by visiting wwe.pbt.org or by calling 412-456-6666. For group rates, call 412-281-0360.