Pittsburgh's Stars Shine Bright in The Nutcracker

Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre's "The Nutcracker" is a beloved holiday tradition that has been enchanting audiences since 1969. This year, the show is even more special with a record number of local celebrities joining the cast. Seventeen familiar faces from sports, TV, and politics will make appearances during the party scene, adding extra excitement to the performances.

Celebrity Appearances

Charlie Batch and Latasha Wilson-Batch

Charlie Batch, a former Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback, and his wife, Latasha Wilson-Batch, will be part of the opening night. They are no strangers to the show, having participated before. Batch humorously admitted that dancing isn't his strong suit, but he's eager to take part in the festivities. His foundation, Best of the Batch, is also running a holiday gift drive, inviting the community to donate or volunteer.

Elected Officials

Elected officials are also getting in on the action. Mayor-elect Corey O'Connor and Allegheny County Executive Sara Innamorato will be on stage. Innamorato, a local who grew up watching "The Nutcracker," is thrilled to be part of the show this year. She sees it as a unique way to support the arts and enjoy the holiday season with her family.

The Production

The production itself is a grand spectacle. With five scenes, over 150 costumes, and more than 1,500 accessories, it's a visual feast. Choreographed by former PBT artistic director Terrence S. Orr, the show features over 100 artists performing to Tchaikovsky's classic score. The guest stars, including musician Frzy, KDKA-TV reporter Megan Shinn, and Miss Pennsylvania 2025 Victoria Vespico, bring their own flair to the performances.

Community Involvement

Dr. Holly Hatcher-Frazier from "Dance Moms" will be the last guest star of the run. Her love for the show led to her invitation to participate. Despite not having formal dance training, she had a fantastic experience last year and is excited to join again. The community can also get involved by donating to the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank through a food drive running until Dec. 19.