The Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre's hometown-inspired "Nutcracker" gives pause for reflection in many ways.

This year audiences can be a little more nostalgic, given the proscenium clock that is inspired by "I'll meet you under Kaufmann's Clock" and the book "Kaufmann's Christmas Stories for Boys and Girls" that occupies a prominent space in Marie's dream.

And with the recent takeover attempt at Heinz, one wonders if the logo on the delivery wagon might go the same route.

But some of PBT's ballerinas provided a tasty antidote to such thoughts at this year's grand opening of the annual PBT "Nutcracker" Friday at the Benedum Center.

The ballerinas continue to provide much of the news this season -- particularly in the "Nutcracker," where women's roles dominate the production.

First of all, it was good to see Erin Halloran (Snow Queen) and Kaori Ogasawara (Columbina) so quickly back in form after extended maternity leaves.

Maribel Modrono, one of the hardest-working dancers you'll find and a pillar of strength over the years, continued to reinvent herself in the role of Marie.

With airy soft bourrees and a winsome port de bras, she was younger and fresher than ever in the production's central role.

Since the story is seen through her eyes and imagination, a strong Marie is the magical glue that holds this holiday tale together, albeit the sensitivity of her Nephew/Nutcracker Kwang-Suk Choi added immensely to the buoyant spirit.

Modrono's reaction to those first pointe shoes, symbol of a child on the threshold of adulthood, the gift of a beautiful scarf, the Stahlbahm party and, of course, the Nutcracker, was put forth in a way that invited us all to participate in her journey.

In a smaller but always spectacular role, Julia Erickson concocted the aromatic spirits of the Arabian.

Deftly supported by strongman Christopher Rendall-Jackson, Erickson wafted through a series of lifts, adding key pauses to the suppleness of her characterization.

Kumiko Tsuji provided a powerful climax as the Sugarplum Fairy, ably added by Cavalier Christopher Budzinski, who proved himself to be an able partner as well as soloist dancer in his variation.

For the first time, the audience rightfully applauded the pair's supported pirouettes, eight by my count on one series. Tsuji continued to promote her easy and expansive technique, surprising with deep-cut penche arabesques, dazzling balances and full-blown extensions that set a new company standard.

This wasn't a fairy composed of spun sugar.

Tsuji capitalized on a pert demeanor and commanding technique for her own sense of crystallized sweetness, completing a confectionary trio of women who provided an undeniable treat for the eye.

Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre will present "The Nutcracker" through Dec. 23. Times vary. Call 412-456-6666, go online at www.pbt.org or visit the Box Office at Theater Square.