Every year, I take my daughter to The Nutcracker, and every year, save for this year, I splurge on really good seats — not to be pretentious, but because my daughter is severely nearsighted. Like any mom before the holidays, the last thing I want to do is pay more money for something I’m already buying. (We’re on a budget, dammit!)
It’s really disappointing that scammer sites and AI bots are buying up tickets for my favorite tradition and selling them for inflated prices.
Recently, Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre released a warning about online ticket scams, scalpers, and price gouging. It turns out, many online ticket sales for the dance company’s annual holiday production of The Nutcracker are not issued by PBT. Illegal ticket resellers purchase tickets at their original price and then resell them on the secondary market for much higher prices. This practice is often facilitated by AI bots that can purchase tickets much faster than humans.
High demand has allowed resellers to post tickets at prices far above face value — in some cases, up to 400% higher — causing unsuspecting buyers to unknowingly overspend or end up with counterfeit tickets.
Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre’s The Nutcracker Credit: Michael Henninger
“Online resellers are posting PBT tickets for outrageous amounts,” said PBT Executive Director Nicholas Dragga. “We do not charge these kinds of rates.”
Dragga adds that patrons should only purchase tickets at pbt.org or by calling 412-456-6666.
Misleading ticket-selling websites often appear at the top of search results, reinforcing the misconception that legitimate tickets are unaffordable. Tickets to The Nutcracker start at $33.50 with all fees included, and direct buyers retain eligibility for ticket exchanges in cases of illness, weather concerns, or schedule conflicts.
This year, like last year and the year before, I got my tickets directly from PBT, which I will pick up at the box office. Because the last thing I want to miss is former Steelers player Charlie Batch appearing in the party scene. Batch joins fellow guest celebrities making Nutcracker cameos this year, along with Mayor-elect Corey O’Connor, Allegheny County Executive Sara Innamorato, local rap artist Frzy, KDKA meteorologist Mary Ours, and others.
The Nutcracker runs Fri., Dec. 5–Sun., Dec. 28 at the Benedum Center and boasts more than 100 dancers from PBT’s company and school, sleight-of-hand illusions, a large-scale battle sequence, 150 costumes, falling snow effects, and a Christmas tree that expands to 15 times its size. Choreographed and conceived by Terrence S. Orr, the ballet includes numerous Pittsburgh nods, from Kennywood to the Kaufmann’s Clock.
This article appears in Nov. 26-Dec. 2.
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