Yinzer Yuletide celebrates Christmas traditions

Yinzer Yuletide, Pittsburgh Public Theater’s new entertainment experience, fills the O’Reilly Theater with holiday spirit.

Beginning with the decor of the theater’s large front windows, the experience features WQED producer Rick Sebak hosting a variety show.

The idea for the program came from the theater’s managing director, Lou Castelli, and artistic director Marya Sea Kaminski, says theater spokeswoman Margie Romero.

“They wanted to do holiday programming for a change and bring families to our theater who might not come for the more serious plays,” Romero says.

Visitors take a step back in time as windows, glowing with nostalgic tableaus by theater scenic artists Celeste Parrendo and Mark Kissner, a Greensburg resident, give a nod to yesteryear’s department store holiday displays.

The windows are “our homage,” Romero says, to the holiday windows that stores such as Kaufmann’s once displayed.

One window features Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood of Make Believe. “The other side is more Market Square, with the distinctive buildings around it and the PPG Place skyscraper, the skating rink and tree,” Romero adds.

Some famous Pittsburghers make the scene as well, including Andy Warhol, Mario Lemieux and Martha Graham.

Step inside to shop for Love Pittsburgh items, visit Santa’s Workshop gift area for kids and enjoy everything from hot chocolate to Curly Tail coffee (which helps support animal rescue) to craft cocktails at Nebby and Nice bars.

The O’Reilly stage transforms into Sebak’s cozy living room for “Pittsburgh Lights & Legends,” where he welcomes guests including Pittsburgh icons Lenora Nemetz and Etta Cox; 7-year-old singer Victory Brinker; rocker Josh Verbanets; juggler and clown O’Ryan the O’Mazing; and Ben Prisbylla, known for YouTube’s Ukes & Suits.

“The little Latrobe girl (Victory) is bringing down the house,” she says.

Nick Stamatakis will direct the music for the show, which runs at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 19-22.

Tickets are $41, VIP; $31, general admission; and $15-$20, kids.

The 30th anniversary of “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” will be screened at the O’Reilly at 9:30 p.m. Dec. 20-21, with the bars and shopping experiences open. Admission is $11.

For the younger set, at 10 a.m. Dec. 21-22, Yinzer Yuletide will hold Breakfast With Santa and “Mickey’s Christmas Carol” movie.

Santa and Mrs. Claus will be available for complimentary pictures and a sweet and savory hot breakfast will be followed by the Disney classic film. Kids can also shop at Santa’s Workshop, where Love Pittsburgh gift items will be available for under $10.

Admission is $26, $15 for ages 3-12, free for age 2 and under. The theater is at 621 Penn Ave., Pittsburgh.

Details: 412-316-1600 or ppt.org