Watching the gorgeous spectacle of “The Nutcracker” at Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre (PBT) has been a tradition for many Pittsburgh-area families for generations. Kids and grownups look forward to the timeless story, the beautiful music, the skill of PBT’s principal dancers and the joyful energy of the student dancers who light up the stage each year.

Now, for the first time in 24 years, PBT is crafting a brand-new version of “The Nutcracker.”

This new interpretation won’t be premiering until December 2027, but the team at PBT has already begun preparing to share this new “Nutcracker” with Pittsburgh audiences. And you’re welcome to follow along as this creative work happens.

A first look at costume sketches and design details will be available this August (you can sign up for updates right here). In the meantime, you can read the new story of PBT’s “The Nutcracker,” check out descriptions of new and classic characters, explore the new show’s Pittsburgh connections and meet the creative team that’s busy making this show happen.

Courtesy of PBT.

Want more info? PBT’s artistic director Adam McKinney shared these details with Kidsburgh:

Kidsburgh: What inspired your new vision for “The Nutcracker” at PBT?

McKinney: “I was inspired to create an ode to Pittsburgh that celebrates the city’s cultures, neighborhoods and rich histories. In some respects, it can be seen as a sequel to the current version of ‘The Nutcracker,’ which delves even further into situating Pittsburgh as its central theme. It was important to me to keep the classic story and many of the well-known, beloved characters, while also introducing amusing, new characters, such as Pierogies, Geodes, baseball players and Mother Ginger and her gingerbread babies. I am so excited for Pittsburghers to experience this new version of ‘The Nutcracker’ in December 2027!”

Kidsburgh: What do you think will surprise and/or delight children and their families most about this new version?

McKinney: “I think children and families will be delighted by the new characters, colorful costumes and interesting details, such as Marie riding on a cloud. The new storyline twists, including the mice kidnapping the Nutcracker and taking him into the walls of Marie’s house, will also spark curiosity and excitement. I was inspired to make Marie a strong female heroine and role model for young people. Audience members will also be captivated by Pittsburgh references, including the Duquesne Incline, sports, Phipps Conservatory and the Carnegie Museum of Natural History. The beautiful Tchaikovsky music will remain the same, though I have re-included a piece from the original 1892 production that is not commonly used.”

It may be hot and sunny outside right now, but this news has us thinking about shiny tin soldiers, sugar plum fairies and plenty of frosty snow.