Which Pittsburgh Celebrities Are Appearing in ‘The Nutcracker?’

DR. HOLLY FROM DANCE MOMS. PHOTO BY AVIANA ADAMS

Opening Dec. 5 at the Benedum Center, “The Nutcracker” is a classic way to celebrate the holidays — and to catch a glimpse of some Pittsburgh celebrities.

Presented by Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre, the performances will feature an unprecedented number of local celebrities in walk-on roles during the “Party Scene.” Adam W. McKinney, Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre’s artistic director, says this year’s 20 guest stars come from local politics, sports, television news and the cast of “Dance Moms.”

FRZY. PHOTO BY AVIANA ADAMS

“We absolutely love having local celebrities guest star in our Pittsburgh version of ‘The Nutcracker,’” he says. “We select a variety of guest stars from different fields such that there is interest for all audience members.”

Here’s a closer look at the Pittsburgh celebrities you can expect to see in the Land of Enchantment this holiday season.

• Charlie Batch (7 p.m. on Dec. 5) Pittsburgh Steelers and Founder of Best of the Batch Foundation
• Latasha Wilson-Batch (7 p.m. on Dec. 5) Executive Director of Best of the Batch Foundation
• Megan Shinn (2 p.m. on Dec. 6), KDKA-TV Anchor and Reporter
• Corey O’Connor (7 p.m. on Dec. 6) Allegheny County Controller & Pittsburgh Mayor-Elect
• Bonny Diver (7 p.m. on Dec. 6) iHeart Radio Host, & Founder of Hair Peace Charities
• Jeremy Reynolds (noon on Dec. 7) Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Critic and Journalist
• Chandi Chapman (7 p.m. on Dec. 12) WTAE-TV Anchor and Reporter
• Victoria Vespico (2 p.m. on Dec. 13) Miss Pennsylvania 2025
• Brooke Hyland (7 p.m. on Dec. 13) Dance Moms
• Amanda Neatrour (4:30 p.m. on Dec. 14) Mrs. Pennsylvania 2024
• Arjun Manjunath (7 p.m. on Dec. 19) Social Media Content Creator
• Daisy Jade (7 p.m. on Dec. 20) KDKA-TV “Pittsburgh Today Live” Reporter
• Perry Ninness (7 p.m. on Dec. 20) Administrative Officer at UBS
• Sara Innamaroto (noon on Dec. 21) Allegheny County Executive
• Frzy (4:30 p.m. on Dec. 21) Musician
• Chloe Lukasiak (7 p.m. on Dec. 23) Dance Moms
• Kendall Vertes (7 p.m. on Dec. 26) Dance Moms
• Mary Ours (2 p.m. on Dec. 27) KDKA-TV Meteorologist
• Lindsay Ward (7 p.m. on Dec. 27) Pittsburgh Reporter and Content Creator
• Dr. Holly Hatcher-Frazier (noon on Dec. 28) Dance Moms

Along with seeing some familiar Pittsburgh faces, attendees will experience hundreds of colorful characters wearing 150 intricate costumes, a Christmas tree that grows to 15 times its size and over 30 magic tricks performed by a professional magician.

CHARLIE BATCH AND HIS WIFE, LATASHA WILSON-BATCH. PHOTO BY AVIANA ADAMS

“‘The Nutcracker’ is a magical way to celebrate the holidays,” says McKinney in a statement. “Our unique Pittsburgh version of ‘The Nutcracker’ is an unforgettable way to experience the season’s festivities with loved ones.”

Performances take place Dec 5-28 at the Benedum Center. Tickets are available at Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre’s website.