Pittsburgh Celebrity Guest Stars in PBT’s 2024 Nutcracker

Posted on November 19, 2024 by Griffin Wirth

Pittsburgh Celebrity Guest Stars Shine in PBT’s The Nutcracker: A Holiday Tradition with a Local Twist!

This year, PBT’s beloved production of The Nutcracker will feature 14 special celebrity guest appearances of Pittsburgh celebrities across 12 performances. Each celebrity will make a guest appearance in a walk-on role during the opening prologue and in the entirety of the “Party Scene” during Act l of the classic holiday production.

PBT’s current version of The Nutcracker, choreographed and created by former PBT artistic director Terrence S. Orr, is the perfect fit for local celebrity appearances because of its unique Pittsburgh twist to the classic tale. The Nutcracker includes more than 13 Pittsburgh connections – from Kennywood, the Kaufmann’s Clock and Shadyside to the Pirates, Penguins, Mount Washington and more.

The distinctive Pittsburgh feel of this ballet makes it great fun to include local celebrity guest stars in walk-on roles – adding to the Pittsburgh flair! Join us as we celebrate the holiday season with local stars who bring their own flair and charm to the stage. From news anchors and musicians to Dance Moms stars and Miss Pennsylvania, these guest performers will make this year’s The Nutcracker an unforgettable experience.

PBT will present this holiday classic at the Benedum Center from December 6 to 27.

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The Pittsburgh celebrities participating in cameos in The Nutcracker this year include:
*Please note that guest star appearances may be subject to change

Charlie Batch, Pittsburgh Steelers & Founder of Best of the Batch Foundation

Saturday, December 7, 7:00 pm

Charlie Batch is an NFL quarterback, community advocate, author, media personality, entrepreneur, and professional speaker who takes his “Expect Your Best” message to audiences across the country. Charlie’s NFL career spanned 15 years, and in 2002, he joined the Pittsburgh Steelers as the backup quarterback and was instrumental in critical game wins that led the team to Super Bowl XL and XLIII. After his retirement, he has continued to be a respected strategist in the NFL, providing game commentary for national sports outlets, including CBS, FOX, NBC, ABC, ESPN, NFL Network, SiriusXM NFL Radio, and Yahoo! Sports.

In 1999, Charlie created the Best of the Batch Foundation, which gives Pittsburgh city kids a safe place to learn and grow. The Foundation offers numerous programs that teach kids life skills and help them succeed. He also serves on multiple non-profit boards to help improve the lives of others. A graduate of Steel Valley High School and a native of Homestead, PA, he has become widely known as a service leader who gives back to his hometown. Charlie resides in Pittsburgh with his wife, Latasha, and their five dogs.

Latasha Wilson-Batch, Executive Director of Best of the Batch Foundation

Saturday, December 7, 7:00 pm

Latasha Wilson-Batch serves as the Executive Director of the Best of the Batch Foundation. Her leadership has helped spearhead the growth of the Batch Foundation, which reaches more than 3,300 boys and girls from financially challenged communities annually. She has also developed special programs for young girls and women with emphasis on education, sports, and fun. Latasha is a community advocate and motivational speaker. Honored by the National Association of Women Business Owners and the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center for Engagement and Inclusion, Ms. Wilson-Batch serves on several boards, in the Pittsburgh area and is currently Vice President in the Off The Field Players Wives Association, which raises funds for local and national charitable organizations with a focus on supporting children’s health and charities that strengthen families.

Latasha and her husband, Charlie Batch, have five four-legged kids: Roxie, Bunz, Snoop, Nate, and Aysia. They reside in the Pittsburgh area. Ms. Wilson-Batch recently completed her MS degree in Professional Counseling at Carlow University and is now pursuing her doctorate in psychology.

Page Weinstein, Miss Pennsylvania 2024

Friday, December 13th, 7:00 pm

Page Weinstein is a proud Pittsburgh native and the current Miss Pennsylvania 2024. She graduated Magna Cum Laude from The University of Alabama with degrees in Dance and Telecommunication & Film.

Page has a diverse background in media, having worked as a News Producer, On-air Personality, and Content Creator for CBS4 News. She is deeply committed to her 501©3 corporation, Confident Heart, Courageous Soul, Inc., and serves as the chairwoman of the Best Buddies Friendship Walk in Pittsburgh, advocating for a more inclusive society.

An accomplished dancer and baton twirler, Page has performed internationally and was a featured member of the University of Alabama Crimsonettes.

Lindsay Ward, KDKA-TV News Anchor

Saturday, December 14th, 2:00 pm

Lindsay Ward is an award-winning journalist who co-anchors the KDKA-TV Morning News from 4:30 am to 7 am. She lives in Pittsburgh with her husband, Tony, and their two children, Sebastian and Aurora.

When she’s not busy at work or chasing after her kids, Lindsay enjoys traveling, trying new restaurants and breweries, and reading.

Kym Gable, KDKA-TV News Anchor

Saturday, December 14th, 7:00 pm

Kym Gable is an Emmy and Telly award-winning journalist and a lead anchor at KDKA-TV. She hosts the weekly segment ‘On A Positive Note,’ which highlights unsung heroes and uplifting stories in the community.

Kym has a background in dance and theater and enjoys returning to the stage for special appearances. Kym is also an accomplished voice actress, speaker, and confidence coach. Her company, Vision and Voice, helps individuals and businesses elevate their communication skills.

Kym serves on the advisory board for Astyr Wealth Management and is the director of the South chapter of ‘Inspired Women Paying it Forward,’ a charity organization that has donated over $750,000 to non-profits supporting women and girls in need. Her motto is, “You can’t live an extraordinary life if you keep doing ordinary things.

Kristine Sorensen, KDKA-TV News Reporter

Saturday, December 15th, 12:00 pm

Kristine Sorensen anchors KDKA News at 5 p.m. and produces special reports and Kidsburgh stories in partnership with Kidsburgh.org. Kristine also hosted “Pittsburgh Today Live” for 11 years.

She has won awards including a Mid-Atlantic Emmy Award for Features reporting, an Edward R. Murrow journalism award, and an AP Award for hosting Pittsburgh Today Live, which won best news talk show. In 2022, she was among only five people to win the “Paramount Impact Award” for her community service. She served on the Board of Trustees for the Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre for 10 years and has written about dance for the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

Kristine holds a Master’s Degree in Journalism from Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism and a Bachelor’s Degree in Government with a minor in dance from the College of William and Mary. She also earned a graduate marketing certificate from Southern Methodist University and has taught as an adjunct professor at Point Park University.

Savannah Saccucci, Piatt Sotheby’s International Realty

Thursday, December 19th, 7:00 pm

Savannah Saccucci graduated from Slippery Rock University with a degree in Psychology and a minor in Special Education. She worked with children facing psychological and behavioral challenges before finding her true calling in real estate. Previously, she served as an admin/assistant to the CEO of another real estate brokerage, gaining valuable experience in transactions, construction analysis, and remodeling.

Pittsburgh holds a special place in Savannah’s heart. Born in St. Petersburg, Florida, she moved to Moon Township, Pennsylvania, and has lived in various cities surrounding Pittsburgh. The city’s architecture, the vibrant city-life feeling, and the diverse communities filled with design elements all contribute to her love for Pittsburgh. Joining the Fraser Team has been a game-changer, with its collaborative spirit and dedication to client success.

Chandi Chapman, WTAE-TV Anchor & Reporter

Thursday, December 19th, 7:00 pm

Chandi Chapman anchors Pittsburgh’s Action News 4 weekend evening newscasts and reports during the week. She is a New Castle native and University of Pittsburgh graduate who joined the WTAE team in 2017. Chandi has won several awards for her work, including multiple regional Emmys and two Edward R. Murrow awards. She has also been honored with two National Association of Black Journalist Salute to Excellence Awards and numerous Associated Press and state broadcast association awards, including Best TV Personality.

Chandi held positions in the industry that include anchoring, producing, editing, shooting, web producing and assignment desk duties. Chandi started her career at WTAE and has worked in various positions at stations in Ohio, South Carolina, Pennsylvania and Georgia before returning to Pittsburgh’s Action News 4. Outside of the newsroom, she enjoys cooking, traveling, volunteering in the community, watching mystery and comedy movies and having new adventures. She is active in the Junior Miss Program to help young girls shape their futures and loves practicing martial arts whenever she gets a chance. She resides in the Pittsburgh area with her family.

Daisy Jade, KDKA-TV “Pittsburgh Today Live” Reporter

Friday, December 20, 7:00 pm

Pittsburgh native Daisy Jade is a Film/TV Actress, TV Host, and Producer. She is the Host and Co-Producer of Fan N’ATion, an award-winning and Emmy-nominated show on KDKA-TV/CBS Pittsburgh, highlighting Pittsburgh sports fans from all over the world. Daisy also reports for the city’s lifestyle and entertainment show, Pittsburgh Today Live. Additionally, Daisy is the on-air talent for Pittsburgh’s CW (WPCW-TV), representing the station at live events and producing content for their website and social media accounts. She hosts and produces the web show The CW Buzz. Fan N’ation won a Keystone Media Award for Best Regularly Scheduled News or Sports Talk Program in 2022, and has been nominated for a Mid-Atlantic Emmy.

She is a proud member of SAG-AFTRA, appearing in numerous national and regional shows, commercials, and industrials since 1999. She is also involved with various film organizations in Pittsburgh, including Women in Film and Media Pittsburgh and the Pittsburgh Film Industry Association (PAFIA). Daisy graduated from the University of Pittsburgh with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Theater Arts and a Film Studies Certificate.

Frzy, Musician/Rapper

Saturday, December 21st, 7:00 pm

Harvey “Frzy” Daniels is a 2018 regional Emmy Award winner for his collaboration with WQED on a hip-hop version of “Won’t You Be My Neighbor.” Frzy is a member of the Recording Academy and serves as a Governor of the Board for its Philadelphia Chapter. The City of Pittsburgh declared January 11, 2018, as “Frzy Day” in his honor.

Frzy has raised over one million dollars for charities and increased diversity and inclusion awareness through the “Books to Bars” campaign with the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh. In November 2023, he collaborated with the Pittsburgh Symphony for a historic concert at Heinz Hall, premiering his new album, Success.

Boaz Frankel, KDKA/Yinzer Backstage Pass

Sunday, December 22nd, 12:00 pm

Boaz Frankel is a TV reporter, writer, and gardener based in Pittsburgh, PA. He hosts and produces NEXTpittsburgh’s “Yinzer Backstage Pass” series and is a correspondent on KDKA’s Pittsburgh Today Live and TALK Pittsburgh.

Boaz lives in Squirrel Hill with his wife Brooke, their son Aviv, and their very cute terrier mutt, Kip.

Jill Szwed, WTAE-TV Meteorologist

Sunday, December 22nd, 4:30 pm

Jill Szwed forecasts Pittsburgh weather every weekend on Pittsburgh’s Action News 4. A Butler native, she graduated with a degree in meteorology from Saint Louis University and began her career in Clarksburg, West Virginia.

Certified by the American Meteorological Society, her passion for weather began in middle school, inspired by local snowstorms and a tornado in downtown Pittsburgh. She has covered severe storms, and heavy snow, and broadcasted live from events like the Kentucky Derby and PGA tour.

When she’s not forecasting, Jill enjoys cooking, baking, ballet, pilates, and exploring the great outdoors. She’s a lifelong fan of everything black and gold.

Chloe Lukasiak, Dance Moms

Monday, December 23rd, 7:00 pm

Chloe Lukasiak was born and raised in the Pittsburgh area and was an original cast member of the reality dance show “Dance Moms,” appearing in seasons 1-4 and the “Dance Moms Reunion Series” in 2024. Chloe is an award-winning dancer, actor, author, and activist who has inspired generations with her grace and charisma.

She is a best-selling author of “Girl on Pointe: Chloe’s Guide to Taking on the World” and has a strong social media following, with over 8.3 million followers on Instagram and 3.8 million on TikTok. She has also served as a ‘Messenger of Peace’ for the United Nations. Chloe graduated from Pepperdine University last year and recently moved to New York City.

Clara Lukasiak, Dance Moms

Monday, December 23rd, 7:00 pm

Clara Lukasiak, best known as the younger sister of Chloe Lukasiak from Dance Moms, is making a name for herself with her talent and determination. A sophomore at Sewickley Academy, Clara is an accomplished tennis player on the school team and a dedicated student with aspirations of becoming an astrophysicist.

In addition to her studies, Clara shares her love of learning as a physics and math tutor, helping her peers excel in these challenging subjects. She also gives back to her community by volunteering at the local food bank and pet shelter.

Holly Hatcher-Frazier, Dance Moms

Friday, December 27th, 2:00 pm

Dr. Holly Hatcher-Frazier is best known as the “voice of reason” from the popular docuseries, Dance Moms. She holds a doctorate from the University of Pennsylvania’s Graduate School of Education and has over 20 years of experience in education, serving as a teacher, administrator, and principal.

An avid traveler and adventurer, she serves on the boards of City Theater and the Pittsburgh Film Office. She is a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, and values service, leadership, and scholarship. Her most fulfilling roles are being a wife and mother to three fabulous children.