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Nevada Ballet Theatre’s “The Nutcracker” Returns to Paris Theatre Dec. 17–26

Nevada Ballet Theatre (NBT) is pleased to announce its 2010 holiday production of The Nutcracker. With choreography by Peter Anastos, this beloved family tradition will be presented on Dec.17 – Dec. 26 at the Paris Théâtre at Paris Las Vegas.

Debuting last year as a new production to Las Vegas, Anastos’ fanciful version will include charming new highlights and exciting visual effects. NBT’s second year performing in the grandeur of the Paris Théâtre will consist of eight performances; dates include: Dec. 17 at 8 pm, Dec. 18 at 7 pm, Dec. 19 at 1pm and 5pm, Dec. 22 at 7pm, Dec. 23 at 7pm, Dec. 24 at 1pm and Dec. 26 at 1pm.

“We are grateful to Harrah’s for hosting The Nutcracker once again in their jewel of a theatre at Paris Las Vegas,” said Executive Director and CEO Beth Barbre. “This is a family friendly show that will appeal to residents and tourists alike. It is a great way to experience traditional holiday culture on the Strip. We would also like to thank the Harrah’s Foundation for their continued support of NBT.”

NBT’s production of The Nutcracker has been a holiday main stay in Las Vegas for over 25 years. To add to the excitement of this popular full-length ballet, the company holds student auditions every September for the roles of Clara, Fritz, Soldiers, Mice and Party Scene children to name a few. This provides over 90 students from the company’s affiliated school, the Academy of Nevada Ballet Theatre and its Education and Outreach program, Future Dance, the opportunity to gain valuable performance experience while sharing the stage with professional dancers.

NUTCRACKER STUDENT AUDITIONS – COMMUNITY WIDE

• When: Saturday, September 11, 2010 at 10 am.
• Ages: students 7 and up
• Registration Deadline: On or before Sept. 9.
• Where: Nevada Ballet Theatre; 1651 Inner Circle.
• Audition Fee: $35 for non-Academy students.
• Children’s roles include: Bakers, Sailors, Angels, Soldiers, Mini-Mice and Mice, Party Girls, Party Boys and Mini-Variations.
• For more information: Please call the Academy at (702) 243-2623.

Based on the famous novel by E.T.A. Hoffmann entitled The Nutcracker and the Mouse King, this family-friendly story was transformed into a classical ballet over 100 years ago in St. Petersburg, Russia by famed choreographers Marius Petipa and Lev Ivanov. After its United States premiere by the San Francisco Ballet, the New York City Ballet cemented the production’s popularity in 1954 when it performed George Balanchine’s version. In addition, Tchaikovsky’s score of The Nutcracker is now considered the composer’s most celebrated composition and the ballet itself regarded as a true American pastime.

“Harrah’s Entertainment and the Harrah’s Foundation believe strongly in the enrichment of our community cultural organizations,” said NBT Board Member, Harrah’s Entertainment’s Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer and Trustee of the Harrah’s Foundation, Jonathan Halkyard. “NBT and their production of The Nutcracker will bring lasting memories to many members of our community and it is an honor to host them in the Paris Théâtre at Paris Las Vegas.”

Anastos, known for injecting a sense of humor into all of his works, brings whimsy to his version of The Nutcracker, but maintains the traditional aspects that make this famous story so cherished. “Though my production of The Nutcracker honors the original story line and is filled with some of the traditional characters and family-favorites, it also has some unique elements that audiences won’t find in other versions,” said Anastos.

“In Act I, a mechanical mouse thrills the children in the party scene and a life-size Nutcracker doll dances with Clara. Instead of the well-known “Mother Ginger” divertissement, this production features student dancers who perform as “Salt Water Taffy” Sailors. They arrive in a boat and dance to a wonderful hornpipe,” said Anastos.

In addition to Anastos’ imaginative choreography, audiences will delight to fashionable sets and costumes designed by A. Christina Giannini, complemented by Peter Tchaikovsky’s magnificent score.

TICKET INFORMATION AND GROUP SALES

Tickets can be purchased beginning July 15 by calling the Paris Théâtre Box Office at (702) 946-4567 or (877) 374-7469, online through www.ticketmaster.com or www.nevadaballet.org or in person at the Paris Box Office or Ticketmaster outlets. Ticket prices range from $30 to $85 (plus fees). NBT Subscribers receive priority seating and 25% off their tickets. Special group pricing is also available for groups of 10 or more and can be purchased by calling Joel Mann at (702) 967-4938.

NEW! SUGAR PLUM PARTY PACKAGE

Nevada Ballet Theatre will hold a special Nutcracker Sugar Plum Party at Paris Las Vegas on Dec. 19 from 3 pm – 4:30 pm as an add-on for Blue, Green and Red section ticket purchasers attending either the 1 pm or 5 pm performance. Event will include holiday dessert buffet and a chance to be photographed with a Nutcracker character. Call Nevada Ballet Theatre at (702) 243-2623 for more information.

ABOUT NEVADA BALLET THEATRE

Under the artistic direction of James Canfield, Nevada Ballet Theatre is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, and the largest professional ballet company and dance Academy in the state. Committed to the highest artistic standards, this classically-based company is at home in an eclectic repertory, moving easily from the classics to the high-energy contemporary ballets. The mission of Nevada Ballet Theatre is to educate and inspire statewide, regional and national audiences and vitally impact community life through professional company productions, dance training and education and outreach. Nevada Ballet Theatre will be a resident company in the new world-class Smith Center for the Performing Arts upon its completion.

ABOUT THE ACADEMY OF NEVADA BALLET THEATRE

The Academy of Nevada Ballet Theatre is the official school of Nevada Ballet Theatre and the premier ballet and dance training center of Southern Nevada. Founded in 1979, the Academy is guided by a commitment to excellence in classical ballet tradition. Offering training in many forms of dance with classes for students 18 months of age through adult, the Academy is housed in a 36,000 square foot state-of-the-art facility, offering the highest standard of artistic education taught by distinguished and world-renowned instructors

ABOUT PARIS LAS VEGAS

Paris Las Vegas is a Harrah’s Entertainment resort. From its dramatic 50-story replica of the Eiffel Tower to authentic architectural reproductions, Paris Las Vegas features elegant décor, European-inspired boutiques, a distinctive array of fine cuisine, including Chef Joho’s acclaimed Eiffel Tower Restaurant, Les Artistes Steakhouse and French-bistro Mon Ami Gabi. The resort celebrates the romance, excitement and savoir-faire of the European City of Light. In the heart of the famous Las Vegas Strip, the passion and sophistication of Paris Las Vegas transports guests to Europe’s most romantic city.

ABOUT THE HARRAH’S FOUNDATION

The Harrah’s Foundation is a private, 501(c)(3) foundation established to provide financial support to qualified organizations in communities where employees of Harrah’s operating subsidiaries live and work. Established in 2002, the Harrah’s Foundation is funded by Harrah’s Entertainment, Inc., portfolio of properties and supports social reinvestment programs by funding eligible 501(c)(3) organizations dedicated to seniors, education and civic programs. Since its formation, the Harrah’s Foundation has committed over $70 million to nonprofit organizations throughout the United States. More information is available at http://www.harrahsfoundation.com