PHOTOS BY ROSALIE O’CONNOR

Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre’s annual performance of “The Nutcracker” always includes hometown references.

This year, it’ll include regular appearances by hometown celebrities.

Ten local notables, including news anchors, singers and activists, will have walk-on roles during “The Nutcracker” this December. Each guest will appear during the “Party Scene” in the production’s first act.

“We are thrilled that local guest stars will be joining us onstage during this year’s ‘The Nutcracker,’” said PBT artistic director Adam W. McKinney in a press release. “It makes our uniquely Pittsburgh version of ‘The Nutcracker’ even more enjoyable and significant for Pittsburgh audiences and allows the guest stars to show their support for the local arts.” 

In order of appearance, the guests are:

7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 8: KDKA-TV News Anchor Kym Gable
7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 9: Rapper Frzy
4:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 10: Activist Gisele Barreto Fetterman
7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 15: Pittsburgh Today Live Reporter Daisy Jade
2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 16: KDKA-TV News Anchor Lindsay Ward
7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 16: KDKA-TV correspondent and Yinzer Backstage Pass filmmaker Boaz Frankel
12 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 17: KDKA-TV News Anchor Kristine Sorensen
7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 21: Singer Scott Blasey
7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 22: KDKA-TV Meteorologist Ron Smiley
7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 23: Dance Media Digital Editor Kyra Laubacher

Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre’s version of the holiday classic typically includes references to the Kaufmann’s Clock and local sports teams. For the past few years, hometown celebrities have made guest appearances, but this is the first year there will be a regular scheduled rotation, although guest star appearances are subject to change.

“The Nutcracker” will run Dec. 8-28 at the Benedum Center, Downtown.