The Nutcracker, A Holiday Tradition That's New Every Year
by Pittsburgh Good News Reporter, Joanne Quinn-Smith
A nutcracker is a tool designed to open nuts by
cracking their shells. But truly in the theater at the family holiday tradition
of "The Nutcracker" presented by the Pittsburgh Ballet Theater, no
one cares with the presentation of The Nutcracker during the holiday season of
2015, the Pittsburgh Ballet definitely cracked the code of entertainment for
young and old and sheer delight for all ages.
And the set designer has made the
scenery indigenous to Pittsburgh. The
Showdrop showcases a Pittsburgh home that once existed on Fifth Avenue in
Shadyside. Who can miss that the
proscenium clock that was inspired by the famous, "Kaufman's
Clock." The Nutcracker at Christmas
is not the only Pittsburgh tradition showcased in this presentation. What
Pittsburgher would forget someone saying to them, "I'll meet you under
Kaufmann's clock?"
The historic Pittsburgh flavor
continues in the naming of the guests as you peruse the program, Mrs. Kaufman,
Mr. and Mrs. Heinz and Mr. and Mrs.
Grandview, named for Pittsburgh's internationally known scenic Grandview
Avenue. And the topography continues in the turn of the twentieth century
rendering of the Snowy Forest.
Also the Magical Land of Enchantment
backdrop's string of lights that swirls like and old-fashioned rollercoaster was
inspired by visions of Pennsylvania's many amusement parks.
From the human sized rats to the trees laden with
sweets and the palace, everything Clara and the audience see is for all intents
and purposes made of sugar. My
granddaughter's favorite was the Dance
of the Sugar Plum Fairy and also the Arabian dance and the Chinese Dragon
Dance.
I
personally have always loved the grand festival portion with its Celebration of
Dances. My favorites are the Dance of
the Dolls and the waltz of the flowers with the baby bumble bees. It's so wonderful how the Pittsburgh Ballet
Theater includes its community of talented dancers and youngsters from the
Pittsburgh Ballet Theater, truly making the event a community supported and
populated tradition for the Pittsburgh area.
Joanne Quinn-Smith, Award winning internet radio broadcaster, blogger, author and internet radio and TV network editor and publisher. Joanne is the owner and CEO, Creative Energy Officer, of Dreamweaver Marketing Associates, a successful Pittsburgh-based marketing company. Joanne is internationally known as the “Get Your Google On” Gal. But better known as Techno Granny™ to over one million accumulated online listeners worldwide. Joanne has created a revolutionary online NEW MEDIA platform in Internet broadcasting, blogging and other social media participation. JQS is the online publisher of PositivelyPittsburghLiveMagazine.com, an online community magazine to disseminate the Positive News for Positive Pittsburghers. PPL Mag is Pittsburgh’s First Internet radio and TV network with syndicated channels and online radio and TV capabilities. 
