Travis Scott in Concert at PPG Paints Arena; ‘The Nutcracker’ Opens at Pittsburgh Ballet (Fri., 12/8/23)

1) Is Travis Scott a modern-day Renaissance Man? His sneaker collection is state-of-the-art. He’s had a McDonald’s burger named after him. But above all—and aside from such mass-market markers of fame—this hip-hop artist, video artist, and mega-producer is in the vanguard of a new generation proving, once more, that mass-market pop culture can be seriously good culture, period. (For a sample of how Scott can blend roots signifiers with the avant-garde, try his “Hyaena” video.) But Scott also has been at the center of controversy and tragedy. The saddest incident occurred on November 5, 2021, when 10 young concertgoers died in a crowd crush during his set at the outdoor Astroworld Festival in Houston. Scott was criticized for not stopping the show when early signs of trouble emerged; the whole scene was chaotic, and one can only hope that costly lessons were learned all around. Currently Scott is on his first tour since the calamity. It’s the Circus Maximus Tour, tied to his Billboard #1 album Utopia. Bring your best behavior to PPG Paints Arena for Travis Scott’s Pittsburgh visit. Teezo Touchdown is slated to open. 1001 Fifth Ave., Uptown. (M.V.) 

Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre’s principal artist Tommie Lin O’Hanlon in ‘The Nutcracker.’ (Photo: Rosalie O’Connor)

THE NUTCRACKER (ballet) with music by Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky, choreographed by Terrence S. Orr. December 8 – 28, Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre.

2) Here comes the ballet that even non-ballet fans enjoy. The Nutcracker provides a big share of annual ticket sales for ballet companies across the nation, and Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre’s production is among the grandest. It was developed by PBT’s former longtime artistic director, Terrence S. Orr, who drew in part from the original 1892 choreography by Marius Petipa and Lev Ivanov. But Orr also studied contemporary versions, then teamed with his PBT colleagues to create a one-of-a-kind synthesis of classical ballet, modern artistry, and stunning stagecraft. (See the background story here.) This Nutcracker is set at an old-time Christmas party in Pittsburgh at the turn of the last century. Then, as we move into the realm of fantasy—with the Nutcracker doll coming to life and leading a cast of adult and child dancers through a visit to the Land of Enchantment—there are dazzling special dances, amazing magic tricks, and breathtaking stage effects. The music of course is by Tchaikovsky, and The Nutcracker is presented this holiday season under the aegis of Pittsburgh Ballet’s current artistic director, Adam W. McKinney. PBT’s production includes local celebrity appearances on certain nights. Those participating include Kym Gable (Dec. 8) and Daisy Jade (Dec. 15) from KDKA-TV, Scott Blasey (Dec. 21) of The Clarks, Gisele Baretto Fetterman (Dec. 10), and rapper Frzy (Dec. 9). Benedum Center, 237 7th St., Cultural District. (M.V.)

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