With news about a busy weekend of theater, Pittsburgh CLO’s Scrooges, PBT’s Nutcracker

NOW FOR SOMETHING COMPLETELY DIFFERENT …

While compiling a year-end roundup of “best ofs” and “really big stories,” I realized my time was about to collide with several days of interviews and theater-going, while also prepping for Hanukkah on Sunday. So, what’s an overwhelmed theater critic to do? Press a button and start talking into her laptop. This video is a glimpse (glitches et. al) into how I will be spending the next few days, immersed in local holiday fare, starting Thursday, December 11, with A Dinah Washington Christmas (Pittsburgh Playwrights Theatre Company), then on to A Sherlock Christmas (Kinetic Theatre), A Musical Christmas Carol (Pittsburgh CLO), and East Carson Street (City Theatre’s Momentum Festival). There’s always something going on in the live performing arts in Pittsburgh, but the most wonderful time of the year just might be the busiest. Check out What’s On Stage, until the end of the 2025, at onstagepittsburgh.com. — Sharon Eberson

PITTSBURGH CLO SCROOGES THROUGH THE YEARS

From 1992 to 2007, Edmund Lyndeck played Ebeneezer Scrooge in Pittsburgh CLO’s A Musical Christmas Carol 13 times. Since then, a parade of Tony winners and well-known stage and screen actors have graced the Byham Theater stage, including two-time Tony Award-winner Michael Cerveris, who this year is playing the role for the Perelman Performing Arts Center in New York City. Making his debut in the role for PCLO this year is Denis O’Hare, who has a long list of Broadway and screen credits, including Emmy nods for American Horror Story and a guest appearance on This Is Us.

A BRAND NEW VERSION OF PBT’S THE NUTCRACKER WILL PREMIERE IN 2027

Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre (PBT) has announced that it will debut an all-new production of The Nutcracker in December 2027. This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity for both PBT and for Pittsburgh audiences to experience an updated adaptation of this cherished holiday tradition. 

With concept by PBT artistic director Adam W. McKinney and choreography by Trey McIntyre, PBT’s all-new The Nutcracker, set in early 20th-century Pittsburgh, will stay true to the beloved classic story and promises to be a unique and unforgettable experience. Susan Roemer will design costumes, sets will be designed by Beowulf Boritt and lighting by Jeanette Oi-Suk Yew. 

“I am thrilled to be creating a new, classical interpretation of The Nutcracker for PBT with an amazing, world-renowned artistic team,” said Adam W. McKinney, Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre artistic director. 

PBT’s all-new The Nutcracker will feature new choreography, costumes, sets and Pittsburgh-inspired themes that celebrate the city’s rich and eclectic histories. While maintaining Tchaikovsky’s score and beloved characters, updates will also include an expanded storyline and a few new characters. 

HERE AND THERE

Prime Stage has announced the nominees for its sixth annual High School Drama Awards. Find the list and more information about the ceremony, on January 10, 2026, at https://primestage.com/events/drama-awards/. … Christmas Live with Joe Serafini and Friends returns to the Pittsburgh Playhouse on December 20, 2025, at 7 p.m. Tickets: https://playhouse.culturaldistrict.org/production/101163.

👉 Don’t forget—you can always explore the next two months of performances, organized by date or company, anytime at onStage Pittsburgh.

👉Did we miss your show? Send us your updates at info@onstagepittsburgh.com so we can share them in a future Call Board.

Categories: Arts and Ideas