Dreamweaver Marketing News, Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre Stages Classic “The Nutcracker” PBT to Unveil New Christmas Tree for 2015 Production

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Friday, Nov. 6, 2015Contact: Meghan Swartz Associate Director of Communications mswartz@pittsburghballet.org 412-454-9117 High-res photos available upon request.  Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre Stages Classic “The Nutcracker”  PBT to Unveil New Christmas Tree for 2015 Production   PITTSBURGH, PA – Featuring more than 100 dancers and vivid Pittsburgh-inspired scenery, Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre stages its sweeping production of “The Nutcracker” Dec. 4-27, at the Benedum Center. “The Nutcracker” opens for a 24-performance run at 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 4. Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre's classic “The Nutcracker” has been a Pittsburgh tradition for 14 years. Set to Tchaikovsky's sublime score, a dreamlike journey unfolds through a moonlit snow scape to a whimsical Land of Enchantment. More than 100 dancers bring to life iconic choreography from the wondrous waltz of the snowflakes to the pristine Sugarplum Fairy pas de deux. PBT’s “The Nutcracker” brings the story home for a holiday tradition inspired by Pittsburgh landmarks and traditions. This year, Artistic Director Terrence S. Orr will introduce several new touches – adding additional dancers to the Waltz of the Flowers, redesigning the Rat King’s elaborate headpiece and adding new surprises to the Party and Battle scenes. The most dramatic difference will be a brand-new Christmas tree, which famously grows in Act I as the enchantment takes hold. PBT has commissioned a hand-crafted drop, which will heighten the tree and amplify the special effect.   “’The Nutcracker’ is such a massive, textured production, which leaves a lot of potential to weave new nuances into the tradition each year,” said PBT Artistic Director Terrence S. Orr. “You could watch this production all 24 times and discover a new detail each time. It’s part of what makes this ballet so magical.” The production features costume and set designs by Emmy-winning theatrical designer Zack Brown. From the romantic white tutus of the Snow Scene to the bumblebees and flowers of the Land of Enchantment, the production’s 200-plus costumes were built in the PBT Costume Shop under the direction of Costumier Janet Groom Campbell.  In addition to PBT’s 30 company dancers, nearly 130 PBT School students, ages 7 and up, will perform throughout the run as toy soldiers, clowns and other enchanted characters. Orr creates unique casting combinations for each of the show’s 24 performances. One dancer can perform as many as eight character roles during a single season and even multiple roles per show. The variety brings fresh chemistry and highlights emerging talents in principal roles. “The Nutcracker” is one of the most popular ballets of all time, based on a classic tale written by German Author, E.T.A Hoffman. Since the ballet’s premiere in 1892, companies have adapted the story by altering choreography and emphasizing themes. Beginning in 2002, Orr recreated the famous production with an unexpected love story, more complex choreography and a Pittsburgh setting. The set design and storyline reflect Pittsburgh landmarks, such as the snow scene’s Mt. Washington view and a Land of Enchantment carousel inspired by the city’s historic amusement parks.  Tickets start at $28, and are available at www.pbt.org, 412-456-6666 or by visiting the Box Office at Theater Square. Groups of eight or more can save up to 50% on tickets by contacting PBT’s Group Sales department at groupsales@pittsburghballet.org or 412-454-9101. Performance Dates & Times Fri., Dec. 4 – 11 a.m. (student matinee) & 7 p.m. (opening night) Sat., Dec. 5 – 2 & 7 p.m. Sun., Dec. 6 – 12 & 4:30 p.m. Thurs., Dec. 10 – 7 p.m. Fri., Dec. 11 – 7 p.m. Sat., Dec. 12 – 2 & 7 p.m. Sun., Dec. 13 – 12 & 4:30 p.m. Thurs., Dec. 17 – 7 p.m. Fri., Dec. 18 – 7 p.m. Sat., Dec. 19 – 2 & 7 p.m. Sun., Dec. 20 – 12 & 4:30 p.m. Tues., Dec. 22 – 7 p.m. Wed., Dec. 23 – 7 p.m.              Thurs., Dec. 24 – 2 p.m. Sat., Dec. 26 – 2 & 7 p.m. Sun., Dec. 27 – 12 p.m. About PBT’s 2015-2016Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre’s season continues with audience favorite “Peter Pan,” Feb. 12-21, at the Benedum; Mixed Repertory #2, March 10-13, at the Byham Theater; and “Le Corsaire” (The Pirate), April 15-17, at the Benedum. Single tickets start at $28 and are available online at www.pbt.org, by calling 412-456-6666 or visiting the Box Office at Theater Square.     About Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre  One of the most exciting ballet companies in the United States, Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre has built a legacy of excellence and innovation since its founding in 1969. Its eclectic style and irrepressible energy have been shaped by four distinguished artistic directors over four decades. In the 1980s, former New York City Ballet Principal Dancer Patricia Wilde led the Company to new heights and national acclaim with an emphasis on virtuosic technique and works by the modern masters, including her mentor, George Balanchine. Since 1997, the Company has flourished under the direction of Terrence S. Orr, former American Ballet Theatre ballet master and principal dancer. Mr. Orr has created a powerful repertoire, including fresh versions of traditional ballets, original works commissioned to contemporary American music and dramatic works that push the boundaries of ballet as an art form. Through more than 50 performances each year at home and on tour, PBT audiences discover the passion and joy of ballet.                                                                                          ###

Dreamweaver Marketing News, HIGH SCHOOL AND COLLEGE SINGERS NEEDED FOR PITTSBURGH SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA STUDENT CHORALE

For Immediate Release

October 27, 2015

HIGH SCHOOL AND COLLEGE SINGERS NEEDED FOR PITTSBURGH SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA STUDENT CHORALE

PITTSBURGH – The Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra and Chorale Director Christine Hestwood are looking for choir directors to nominate high school- and college-age singers to join the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra Student Chorale. The Chorale will perform during the PNC Pops performance of “The Ultimate Oscars” on February 5-7, 2016.

Created by the late Principal Pops Conductor Marvin Hamlisch and the Mendelssohn Choir of Pittsburgh Music Director Emeritus Robert Page, the Student Chorale provides student performers the unique opportunity to perform on the Heinz Hall stage with the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra. “The Ultimate Oscars,” conducted by Lawrence Loh, features music from a variety of award-winning movie scores.

The Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra Student Chorale is open to high school students in grades 10 to 12, as well as college singers. The chorale will total 60 members and rehearsals will take place in January and early February. Choral directors can nominate quartets of students by filling out the nomination form found at pittsburghsymphony.org/oscars. Nominations are due by November 13. For more information about the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra Student Chorale, please contact Hestwood at 412-977-2047 or chf1218@gmail.com.

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Contact: Louise Sciannameo, Vice President for Public Affairs
Phone: 412.392.4866 | email: lsciannameo@pittsburghsymphony.org

Contact: Joyce DeFrancesco, Director of Media Relations
Phone: 412.392.4827 | email: jdefrancesco@pittsburghsymphony.org

Twitter: @pghsymphony |Facebook: facebook.com/PittsburghSymphonyOrchestra

Dreamweaver Marketing News, Cast Announced for Pittsburgh CLO’s 24th Annual Production of A Musical Christmas Carol

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Aja Jones
412-281-3973 ext. 224
ajones@pittsburghCLO.org
Images: Press Room
User: pressroom Pswd: pittstadium
 

Cast Announced for Pittsburgh CLO’s

24^th Annual Production of
A Musical Christmas Carol

Pittsburgh, PA • October 26, 2015 – Pittsburgh CLO is proud to announce casting for the 24^th annual production of A Musical Christmas Carol this December at the Byham Theater.  An incredible group of talented newcomers and Pittsburgh CLO veterans has been assembled for this favorite holiday treat!  This year’s production will star Pittsburgh’s own Tom Atkins, returning for his eighth year as Ebenezer Scrooge. Tickets are now available by calling 412-456-6666, online at pittsburghCLO.org or at the Theater Square Box Office.

About the Cast(Listed in alphabetical order)

Tom Atkins (Ebenezer Scrooge) returns for his eighth consecutive appearance in A Musical Christmas Carol. Mr. Atkins is perhaps best known for his numerous film and television credits, including “Escape from New York,” “The Fog,” “Creepshow,” “Lethal Weapon,” “Bob Roberts,” “Striking Distance” and “My Bloody Valentine 3D,” as well as “M*A*S*H,” “The Rockford Files,” “Homicide” and “Law & Order: Criminal Intent.”  A Pittsburgh native, he has performed in numerous Pittsburgh Public Theater productions, most notably starring as Art Rooney Sr. in The Chief.  On Broadway, he appeared in The Changing Room and The Front Page.

Allison Cahill (Charity Worker/Ghost of Christmas Past/Peg) joins this Pittsburgh CLO tradition for the first time. She is from Saxonburg, PA and is an AADA Graduate (NYC).  Her recent credits include: My Fair Lady (Pittsburgh Public Theater) andAlways, Patsy Cline (Louise). Pittsburgh CLO: The Full Monty, Music Man, Sound of Music, Oliver! (Mrs. Sowerberry).

Justin Fortunato (Fred/Businessman) returns to A Musical Christmas Carol for a fourth time.  He is an actor and director who has worked for companies such as Pittsburgh Public, PICT, The REP, Pittsburgh CLO, Primestage, St.Vincent Summer Theatre and Dream Catcher Theatre. He is the co-founder of Carrnivale Theatrics and is currently the Artistic Producing Director of Lincoln Park Center for the Performing Arts.

Michael Fuller (Vendors/Topper) works as a professional actor and teacher in the Pittsburgh area. Most recently, he was the male swing for Boeing, Boeing at the CLO Cabaret. Other recent credits include Baines in Soldier’s Heart and Steve inBecky’s New Car at Point Park’s The Rep. He teaches at Point Park University, Pittsburgh CAPA 6-12 and Carnegie Mellon University.

Lisa Ann Goldsmith (Mrs. Cratchit) has performed with many notable companies regionally and Off-Broadway, most recently for Pittsburgh CLO as Gretchen inBoeing Boeing at the CLO Cabaret.  Ms. Goldsmith has appeared locally with Pittsburgh Public Theater, Quantum Theatre, PICT, The REP, Off the Wall, Saint Vincent Summer Theatre and Unseam’d Shakespeare.  She is also an SDC director, and has numerous SAG-AFTRA film and TV credits.

Ashton Guthrie (Dick Wilkins, Tom Watkins, The Undertaker) is returning to A Musical Christmas Carol for his second year. A senior at Point Park University, he was most recently seen as Hialmar Ekdal in the Conservatory's production of The Wild Duck. He also had the privilege of joining Pittsburgh Public Theater in last season's hit, My Fair Lady. A native North Carolinian, Mr. Guthrie has more than enjoyed his four years in Pittsburgh and plans to move to New York in the fall. Up next: Guys & Dolls at The Public.

Luke Halferty (Town Crier/Young Scrooge/Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come) makes his Pittsburgh CLO debut in A Musical Christmas Carol. A recent graduate of Point Park University's Conservatory of Performing Arts, he has appeared regionally with PICT Classic Theatre, The Rep, Conservatory Theatre Co., Playhouse Jr., St. Vincent Summer Theatre, and the All-University Choir with the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra.

Tim Hartman (Charity Worker/Businessman/Mr. Fezziwig/Ghost of Christmas Present) is appearing in his 23^rd year in Pittsburgh CLO's A Musical Christmas Carol.  Broadway: A Tale of Two Cities and Finian's Rainbow. Regional Theater: C.S. Lewis in Shadowlands, Don Quixote in The Man of La Mancha and Daddy Warbucks in Annie. Film: “Silence of the Lambs,” “The Mothman Prophecies,” “The Piano Lesson,” and “The Fault in our Stars.” Mr. Hartman is also an award-winning storyteller and cartoonist. timhartman.com 

Jeffrey Howell (Bob Cratchit) includes the following among his credits: Choir Boy at the REP, The Light in the Piazza at Front Porch Theatricals, Man of La Mancha andThe Wedding Singer at Pittsburgh CLO. Other favorites include Souvenir, Singin’ in the Rain, Lost Highway, Sunset Boulevard, Beauty and the Beast, Candide, Bells are Ringing, and Mrs. Bob Cratchit’s Wild Christmas Binge.

Brian Knoebel (Peter Cratchit) was most recently seen in the Off-Broadway production of Whoopee with Musicals Tonight. Regional: Mirror Mirror (Tunnel Theatre Co.-Featuring Alice Ripley), as well as The REP, Primestage, St. Vincent’s Theatre, Living Room Theatre, among others. Graduate from Point Park University, Member of BrickaBrack Theatre Ensemble in NY.

Daniel Krell (Businessman/Marley) has appeared in over 35 productions with Pittsburgh CLO and acted in major roles in professional theatres such as the Pittsburgh Public, City Theatre, Quantum, Bricolage, PICT, and The Rep, and in regional theatres such as Clarence Brown Theatre and Gateway Playhouse. Mr. Krell is also a veteran of many films, commercials, industrials, and voice-overs. Up next: Guys and Dolls at the Public.

Julia Paladino (Missy Watkins/Martha Cratchit) is making her Pittsburgh CLO debut. Regional credits include The Fantasticks (Luisa), Sound of Music (Brigitta),Oliver! (Bet), Dames at Sea, South Pacific, Anything Goes, Cinderella, Carousel, and many more. In addition, some of her favorite roles Millie in Thoroughly Modern Millie and Adele in Die Fledermaus.

Erika Strasburg (Bess/Belle) returns for her second year as Belle, and her third year with A Musical Christmas Carol. A proud Carnegie Mellon drama graduate, Ms. Strasburg has toured nationally, performed off-Broadway, and worked locally with City Theatre, Quantum Theatre and the CLO Cabaret.

Terry Wickline (Mrs. Dilber/Mrs. Fezziwig) returns to A Musical Christmas Carol for the 16^th year.  Credits include many Pittsburgh CLO productions, as well as Pittsburgh Public, PICT, Quantum, Unseam'd Shakespeare, Pittsburgh Musical Theatre, West Virginia Public, St. Vincent’s Theatre, Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, and Theatre By The Sea. Watch for her this spring as Nancy Yates in the new television series “Outsiders.”

Mario Williams (Tiny Tim) is a 5^th grader at St. Louise de Marillac School in Upper St. Clair enjoying his fourth appearance in A Musical Christmas Carol.  He recently starred as Michael Banks in Pittsburgh CLO’s Summer Season production of MARY POPPINS. He is currently in his 3^rd year at the Pittsburgh CLO Academy.  In his spare time, Mario plays baseball for Collier Township, is an avid pianist and enjoys countless adventures with his five siblings.

Magan Dee Yantko (Fan/Alice/Laundress) returns to A Musical Christmas Carol for the third time.  She graduated from Point Park University with a B.F.A degree and along with Pittsburgh CLO she has worked with companies such as Dream Catcher Theatre, Pittsburgh Playhouse, Carrnivale Theatrics, Primestage, and the Cleveland Public Theatre.

The cast is rounded out by a host of carolers and party guests.

John Dooley (Caroler) counts the following among his credits: Ensemble - Carousel(New York Philharmonic), Anthony - Sweeney Todd (Opera Roanoke), Captain Von Trapp -The Sound of Music (Arizona Broadway Theater), Bruce Granit - On the Twentieth Century (Theater at Monmouth), Soloist - The Best of Sondheim (Utah Symphony). Other companies: Portland Opera, Tulsa Opera, Central City Opera, Amarillo Opera, Opera Delaware, Opera Memphis, Opera San Antonio.

Brittany Graham (Caroler) was recently seen performing for Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines as a featured vocalist. Credits: Sessions (Off-Broadway), The Club, Zombies from the Beyond, The Frogs, Ragtime and more. She holds a BA from Point Park University.

Lara Hayhurst (Caroler) returns to Pittsburgh CLO, where she was last seen as Margot in Legally Blonde. Ms. Hayhurst has also been seen at The Public Theater (Company) and Pittsburgh Musical Theater (Young Frankenstein, Legally Blonde, The Sound of Music).

Scott P. Sambuco (Caroler) counts numerous Pittsburgh CLO shows among his credits:  42^nd St, Seven Brides.., 1776, Guys and Dolls, My Fair Lady, Annie, She Loves Me, Funny Girl, Crazy For You,  Bye Bye Birdie,  Grand Hotel,  Pirates Of Penzance,  A Musical Christmas Carol (14 Years),  Pittsburgh Public Theater:  1776,  …Forum,  HMS Pinafore.  As well as PMT, Stage Right, TUTS, North Shore Music Theatre, Stages Theatre Company St. Louis-10 Seasons.

Several Pittsburgh CLO Academy students will also take part in the holiday production

Justin Bell (Turkey Boy) is in his second year of studies at the CLO Academy. Past performances with the Academy include High School Musical (Troy); Honk! (Father Duck); Mary Poppins (Michael Banks). He is thrilled to be performing in his first main stage production.

Ariel Cameroe (Cratchit Child) is 12 years old and making her Pittsburgh CLO debut. She has enjoyed many wonderful opportunities with the Pittsburgh CLO Academy, school musicals, talent shows and competitions and National Anthem performances.

Simon Nigam (Cratchit Child) returns to A Musical Christmas Carol for his fourth year. Theater credits include Rodelinda with the Pittsburgh Opera (Flavio), The Secret Garden (Colin Craven), Mary Poppins (Michael Banks) and The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (Edmund). Mr. Nigam is a fourth grader at the Falk School.

Gracie Vensel (Cratchit Child) is a Pittsburgh CLO Academy student making her debut in A Musical Christmas Carol. Most recently, Gracie appeared in Prime Stage Theatre's The Crucible (Betty) and Pittsburgh CLO's GYPSY (Balloon Girl). She is in 5th grade at Steenrod Elementary.

About the Creative Team

Tim Gregory (Director) is back for an eighth year directing A Musical Christmas Carol.  He is the Founding Artistic Director of Provision Theater Company in Chicago, where some of his directing credits include Provision Theater’s Jefferson Award–Nominated productions of A Christmas Carol, The Hiding Place and the critically-acclaimed production CS Lewis On Stage.

McCrae Hardy (Musical Director) previously served as music director/conductor for the North Carolina Theatre in Raleigh, NC from 1984-2005 as well as numerous other theatres. Currently, he is the Conductor for The Triangle Youth Symphony. He holds the Raleigh Medal of Arts “for extraordinary achievement in the arts.”

Andrew David Ostrowski (Lighting Designer) has a host of international credits including productions in France, Scotland, Sweden, Belgium, Italy, Spain, Germany, Ireland, The Netherlands and Switzerland. National credits: The Asolo, The Arden, Madison Opera, Merrimack Rep., Virginia Stage, North Shore Music Theater, Spoleto USA, amongst others. Local credits: City Theatre, Pittsburgh Opera, Pittsburgh Public Theater, Pittsburgh Ballet, PICT, PNME, The Rep and many others.

This production features original scenery by D Martyn Bookwalter.

More Merry Musical InformationIn what has become A Musical Christmas Carol tradition, local choirs will perform prior to select performances. Musical groups from all over the Tri-state area have the opportunity to perform on the Byham Theater stage and take part in this special holiday celebration. The list to date includes:

December 12	7:00pm	Pittsburgh CLO Mini Stars & Academy Students
December 19	7:00pm	West Allegheny High School Show Choir
December 23	7:00pm	Eastern Valley Youth Chorale

A Musical Christmas Carol will be presented at the Byham Theater (6^th & Fort Duquesne Boulevard) December 4-23. Tickets range from $30.75 - $60.75 withhalf-price tickets for children 3-14 and are now available by calling 412-456-6666, online at pittsburghCLO.org or at the Theater Square Box Office.

Special events available for groups include School Matinees Dec. 9-11, 16-18 and 21-22, A Very Merry Meal with Lidia’s Pittsburgh on December 13, and two fantasticGirl Scout Pizza Parties December 11 & 13. Our dedicated staff will help you perfect your holiday outings with A Musical Christmas Carol, from choosing a nearby restaurant, to finding a pre-show drink spot.  For more information on these and other group events and discounts, please call Group Sales at 412-325-1582 or email Groups@PittsburghCLO.org.

Pittsburgh CLO is also pleased to announce that together, with The Salvation Army, they will conduct a food drive during all performances of A Musical Christmas Carol.  Audience members are invited to help fellow Pittsburgh residents by dropping non-perishable food items in barrels stationed in the Byham Theater lobby this December.

Pittsburgh CLO gratefully acknowledges the support of our production sponsor First Niagara and Macy’s for sponsoring Half-priced Tickets for Kids.

A Musical Christmas Carol Public Performance Schedule

Day	Date	Time
Friday	December 4	7:00pm
Saturday	December 5	2:00pm & 7:00pm
Sunday	December 6	2:00pm & 7:00pm
Friday	December 11	7:00pm
Saturday	December 12	2:00pm & 7:00pm
Sunday	December 13	2:00pm & 7:00pm
Friday	December 18	7:00pm
Saturday	December 19	2:00pm & 7:00pm
Sunday	December 20	2:00pm & 7:00pm
Monday	December 21	7:00pm
Tuesday	December 22	7:00pm
Wednesday	December 23	7:00pm

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Since 1946, the Pittsburgh CLO has been the driving force behind live musical theater in Pittsburgh and the entire Southwestern Pennsylvania region. Under the direction of Van Kaplan since 1997, this not-for-profit arts organization appreciates the support of nearly 200,000 patrons each year and produces a subscription series, educational programs, national tours and develops and invests in new works, including 20 Broadway shows (29 Tony Awards®) featuring the current productions of An American in Paris, Kinky Boots and Matilda. Its dedication to the musical theater art form extends to include such programs as the CLO Academy, the CLO Mini Stars, the Gene Kelly Awards, theRichard Rodgers Award, the National High School Musical Theater Awards, the Construction Center for the Arts and theCLO Cabaret.