2012 Pittsburgh Holiday Theater Preview
"Honeck and a Waltz Tradition"
Heinz Hall
600 Penn Ave.
Pittsburgh, PA 15222
(412) 392-4900
www.culturaldistrict.org Hours: Nov. 23 and 24 – 8 p.m.; Nov. 25 – 2:30 p.m.
Price: $20 to $93
Before your holiday party calendar gets busy in the month of December, treat yourself to a newly-minted Thanksgiving tradition with the Pittsburgh Symphony. Conductor Manfred Honeck will once again play a variety of waltzes and polkas for the audience the weekend after Thanksgiving at Heinz Hall. Billed as an event that is a fun and lighthearted way to get into the holiday party spirit, Honeck's concert will feature Grammy Award-winning pianist Yefim Bronfman for Beethoven's Piano Concerto No. 5 as well as the promise of some audience-friendly surprise pieces. If you haven't been to a performance by the Pittsburgh Symphony before, this is a great introduction to Pittsburgh's world-class symphony orchestra.
Heinz Hall
600 Penn Ave.
Pittsburgh, PA 15222
(412) 392-4900
www.culturaldistrict.orgHours: Dec. 3 and 4 – 7:30 p.m.
Price: $40 to $125
This December, the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra will host Celtic Woman, an all-women Irish singing group. You may have seen its high-energy performances on PBS, but now is your chance to see the ladies in person in Pittsburgh where Irish heritage is still strong. The group will sing traditional holiday songs and new takes on beloved classics. Buy your tickets soon, seats are already selling out.
"The Nutcracker"
Benedum Center
803 Liberty Ave.
Pittsburgh, PA 15222
(412) 456-6666
www.trustarts.org/Dates: Dec. 7 to 30/see website for curtain times
Price: $25.75 to $95.75
The holiday season isn't complete without a trip to the Benedum Center to see "The Nutcracker." Performed in Pittsburgh annually since 2002, the story of Marie and the Nutcracker Prince is a fantastic display of stunning costume design and booming music by Tchaikovsky. Be sure to venture out of your seats at intermission for a sweet treat of cinnamon and sugar roasted nuts in the lobby and picture opportunities with the dancers from the Land of Enchantment.
Related: Benedum Center Gets New Seat
Byham Theater
101 6th St.
Pittsburgh, PA 15222
(412) 456-6666
www.trustarts.org/
Dates: Dec 7 to 23/see website for curtain times
Price: $14.75 to $60.75
The story of Mr. Scrooge and Tiny Tim is enough to get the grumpiest and most stressed among us into the holiday spirit. Charles Dickens' classic story is hosted by the Pittsburgh Civic Light Opera with some amazing special effects and familiar holiday songs. Even better? Macy's is subsidizing the cost of tickets for children this year to make this an affordable trip to the theater for the whole family. Enjoy half-price tickets for kids ages 3 to 14.
"B. E. Taylor"
Heinz Hall
600 Penn Ave.
Pittsburgh, PA 15222
(412) 392-4900
www.culturaldistrict.orgHours: Dec. 10 to 11 – 7:30p.m.
Price: $35.75 to $58.75
Like "The Nutcracker," B.E. Taylor's annual performance during the holiday season is a can't miss. A Pittsburgh native, Taylor is often spotted getting the fans at Heinz Field warmed up with songs before Steelers' games on wintery Sundays. Get out of the cold and into a cushioned theater seat at Heinz Hall for his celebrated Christmas concert in which he's sure to play traditional Christmas carols as well as his fun and energetic takes on pop holiday music. Get your tickets now; this concert sells out early every year.
