Nevada Ballet Theatre Dazzles Audiences with its Holiday Favorite, The Nutcracker!
The most famous cast of holiday characters, including Clara, Fritz, the Mouse King and the Sugar Plum Fairy, reunite for Las Vegas’ most cherished and beloved annual event – The Nutcracker! (Photo by Edyta Sokolowska) Staged by Ballet Mistress Clarice Geissel-Rathers, with original choreography by Bruce Steivel, this annual tradition will be presented on Wednesday, December 17 through Sunday, December 28, 2008 at UNLV’s Judy Bayley Theatre, 4505 Maryland Parkway. Ticket prices range from $85 to $45 with premium and non-premium dates available and can be ordered by calling (702) 895-ARTS (2787) or by visiting www.nevadaballet.com.
The Nevada Ballet Theatre dancers perform Waltz of the Flowers (Photo by Jeff Speer)
Perhaps the most famous fairytale ballet of all time, The Nutcracker premiered over 100 years ago in St. Petersburg, Russia. Based on the famous novel by E.T.A. Hoffmann entitled The Nutcracker and the Mouse King, it was turned into a classical ballet by choreographers Marius Petipa and Lev Ivanov with an amazing score by Peter I. Tchaikovsky. This production not only became the most distinguished ballet in the world, but grew to become Tchaikovsky’s most celebrated composition.
Cathy Colbert as Arabian in Bruce Steivel's The Nutcracker (Photo by John Hanson)
“The Nutcracker is a city’s classical mainstay – and Nevada Ballet Theatre is proud to offer that to Las Vegas” says Interim Artistic Director James Canfield.
Nevada Ballet Theatre’s version of this heart-warming holiday tale has been enchanting local families for over 25 years and each time, the company has welcomed over 90 students into its yearly production. This season, to add to the excitement, the company held open auditions for this festive classic on Saturday, September 6. Aside from students from the Academy of Nevada Ballet Theatre, boys ages 7 and up and girls ages 11 an up from the community or who attend area dance schools were invited to audition for the city’s premiere holiday event. Students will be cast in the roles of Clara, Fritz, soldiers, mice, and party scene children.
First performed in America by the San Francisco Ballet, the New York City Ballet made The Nutcracker even more popular when it premiered George Balanchine’s version in 1954. This family-friendly classic was catapulted into a true American pastime with hundreds of professional ballet companies and dance academies performing it all over the country. It is known as the most beloved ballet as it reveals the mysteries and enchantments of the holiday season as seen through the eyes of innocent children.
NUTCRACKER CHARACTER PHOTO OPPORTUNITY AND BOUTIQUE
This year, Nevada Ballet Theatre will offer special holiday photos with the beautiful “snowflakes” from its most popular and beloved ballet, The Nutcracker. Photo opportunities will be offered during intermission at all 15 performances of this holiday masterpiece. For only $10, patrons can pose with these beautiful ballerinas for a treasured keepsake memento! In addition, Nevada Ballet Theatre’s boutique will have Nutcrackers, special Nutcracker books and CDs available for purchase.
GIVE THE GIFT OF THE NUTCRACKER – GROUP DISCOUNTS
Corporations and organizations are encouraged to bring their staff and employees to a performance of The Nutcracker as a unique holiday gift or to sponsor underserved youth groups. Groups of 15 or more will enjoy fantastic savings and personal service. To book your group, contact Marketing Manager Julie Hord at (702) 243-2623 ext. 234 or email jhord@nevadaballet.com. Discounts are only available on non-premium dates.
SINGLE TICKETS STILL AVAILABLE
Single Tickets for the remainder of Nevada Ballet Theatre’s 2008-2009 Season are on sale and can ordered online at www.nevadaballet.com or by calling the UNLV Performing Arts Center box office at (702) 895-ARTS (2787).
For more information on Nevada Ballet Theatre, its programs, or for 2008-2009 production-specific information, call Nevada Ballet Theatre’s Marketing department at (702) 243-2623 or email info@nevadaballet.com.
THE NUTCRACKER
December 17- 28, 2008
Choreography: Bruce Steivel
Music: Peter I. Tchaikovsky
Venue: UNLV Performing Arts Center, Judy Bayley Theatre
Performance Description
What would the holiday season be without snowflakes, hot cocoa, and The Nutcracker? Nevada Ballet Theatre’s production has it all! Captivating performances, lavish costumes and sets, special effects, and Tchaikovsky’s soaring masterpiece completes an annual experience that thousands flock to each year. Bring your friends and family to an enchanting winter tradition here in Las Vegas.
Ticket Information
Call the UNLV Box office at: 895-ARTS (2787)
Premium Dates: Section A, $85; Section B, $55
Non-Premium Dates: A, $75; Section B, $45
Performances
Wednesday, December 17, 2008 at 8 pm – Opening Night
Thursday, December 18, 2008 at 8 pm
Friday, December 19, 2008 at 8 pm
Saturday, December 20, 2008 at 2 pm
Saturday, December 20, 2008 at 8 pm
Sunday, December 21, 2008 at 1 pm
Sunday, December 21, 2008 at 4:30 pm
Tuesday, December 23, 2008 at 8 pm
Wednesday, December 24, 2008 at 1pm
Friday, December 26, 2008 at 2 pm
Friday, December 26, 2008 at 8 pm
Saturday, December 27, 2008 at 2 pm
Saturday, December 27, 2008 at 8 pm
Sunday, December 28, 2008 at 1 pm
Sunday, December 28, 2008 at 4:30 pm
For more Information, visit www.nevadaballet.com.
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