`The Nutcracker' Tops 5 Weekend Things To Do Around Dormont

DORMONT, PA - Complete with flurrying snow, a colossal Christmas tree and magic tricks galore, the Pittsburgh Ballet Theater’s production of “The Nutcracker” features over 100 dancers, 200 costumes and Tchaikovsky’s exultant score.

Since its 1892 premiere, “The Nutcracker” has held a special place in holiday traditions all over the world. PBT adds its own spin to the time and place with a turn-of-the-century setting incorporating Pittsburgh’s own landmarks, historical figures and personality.

The opening weekend schedule for “The Nutcracker”: Dec. 1, 7 p.m.; Dec. 2, 2 and 7 p.m.; Dec. 3, noon and 4:30 p.m. at the Benedum Center, Downtown.

The Nutcracker tickets start at $28.

Other weekend highlights:

• Jackie Evancho Hits and Christmas, Dec. 1, 8 p.m., Palace Theater, Greensburg

The young soprano from Pittsburgh with the stunning voice won runner-up on season 5 of America's Got Talent and launched her music career, signing with Columbia Records, shortly thereafter. Since her appearance on the show that made her famous, Jackie has established herself as a legitimate force within the classical crossover genre.
Jackie Evancho Hits and Christmas tickets start at $38.

• Christmas on Broadway, Dec. 2-3, 1 p.m. Robert Morris University Sports Centre, Neville Island.

A Broadway-styled holiday ice skating show featuring a mix of Broadway favorites and Christmas musical fun and skating.Skating performances will showcase the RMU Island Sports Center's Figure Skating Academy, skating school, Theatre on Ice and synchronized skating teams.
Christmas on Broadway tickets are $10 in advance through Dec. 1. Show day tickets are $15 for adults, $12 for children 12 and under and senior citizens.

• Handmade Arcade, Dec. 2, 11 a.m.-7 p.m., David L. Lawrence Convention Center, Downtown

One of the region’s most anticipated annual arts events, Handmade Arcade will feature 170-plus craft-based artists, makers, producers and designers from Pittsburgh, the region and the U.S. in a curated and juried marketplace.
The event will also feature an all-ages hands-on handmade activity area; local DJs; art raffles; an early bird shopping preview and more.
Handmade Arcade admission is free.

• Marshall Tucker Band, Dec. 3, 7:30 p.m., Lamp Theater, Irwin

Nothing says it’s the holiday season quite like decades-old southern rock, right? Expect to hear classic rock staples such as “Can’t You See,” “Heard It In a Love Song,” and “Fire on the Mountain.” As Bruce Springsteen has done on occasion this time of year, perhaps you’ll hear the band’s version of “Santa Claus Is Coming To Town.”
Marshall Tucker Band tickets are $65.

Photo: Associated Press.