News Release
For Immediate Release
Contact: Logan McSwain, communications manager
704.372.0101 x2765
lmcswain@ncdance.org
Photographs: at http://www.ncdance.org/ImageLibrary.asp#Nut. Please credit photographer.
Charlotte, N.C. - North Carolina Dance Theatre presents Jean-Pierre Bonnefoux’s Nutcracker live with the Charlotte Symphony December 12-14 and 19-21.The sights and sounds of this holiday classic resonate with adults and children of all ages. The performanceis presented by Levine Children’s Hospital.
Set to Tchaikovsky’s immortal score performed live by the Charlotte Symphony, Bonnefoux’s Nutcracker boasts a cast of more than 100 dancers, led by the professional dancers of North Carolina Dance Theatre. The cast also includes students from the community, many who train at NC Dance Theatre School of Dance.
The classic family ballet is portrayed through the eyes of a young and talented Clara. This year two dancers, 13-year-old Jasmine Perry and 12-year-old Ellie Frith, share the role of Clara. Nick Wilson, 14, dances the role of the Nephew and Nutcracker Prince, and 14-year-old Roderick Pitts and 12-year-old Tyler Haritan share the role of Clara’s mischievous brother, Fritz.
Featuring a glamorous Sugar Plum fairy, a brave Nutcracker Prince and a lovable, and quite large, Mother Ginger, Nutcracker’s timeless tale takes children and adults alike on a journey filled with wonder, magic and holiday cheer.
Nutcracker Details
Dates: Friday, December 12, 2008, at 7 p.m.
Saturday, December 13, 2008, at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Sunday, December 14, 2008, at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Friday, December 19, 2008, at 7 p.m.
Saturday, December 20, 2008, at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Sunday, December 21, 2008, at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Location: Belk Theater, 130 N. Tryon Street, Charlotte, N.C.
Tickets: Students $10; Tickets start at $20
Groups of 10 or more receive discounts off the regular price of tickets. Call 704.379.1380 to find out about group tickets.
Ticket Purchasing Details:
Online: ncdance.org
By phone: 704.372.1000
In person: Blumenthal Performing Arts Center
Box Office, Founders Hall
Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
History of Nutcracker
The first performance of the Nutcracker was December 6-18, 1892, at the Mariinsky Theatre in St Petersburg, Russia. The ballet was conducted by Riccardo Drigo and choreographed by Lev Ivanov. The premiere had limited success.
The current popularity of the Nutcracker is due in part to Willam Christensen, former Ballet master of the San Francisco Ballet. Christensen imported the Nutcracker to the United States in 1944. George Balanchine decided to choreograph his own version for the New York City Ballet in 1954, and since then the Nutcracker has become a winter tradition in the United States.
The Nutcracker Story
Nutcracker might well be called Clara’s Dreams—a little girl’s colorful dreams spring to life from the excitement and splendor of a holiday party.
The story begins on a crisp winter’s evening at the home of Clara’s parents, where close family and friends have gathered to celebrate a joyous holiday season. At the height of the evening’s festivities, Clara’s favorite uncle Herr Drosselmeyer arrives with his nephew, bearing glorious gifts for everyone at the party. Clara is presented with a wonderful Nutcracker doll, which Fritz, her mischievous brother, ends up breaking as he goes about teasing all the girls in attendance. Herr Drosselmeyer saves the day by mending the doll for Clara.
After the party, the tired young Clara falls fast asleep, and Herr Drosselmeyer uses enchantment to guide her through a series of vivid dreams. The Mouse King arrives on the scene and attempts to kidnap Clara; but with the help of Drosselmeyer’s magic, the beloved Nutcracker doll comes to life as a handsome Prince who battles the Mouse King, ultimately saving Clara from an unhappy fate. The Nutcracker Prince then transports Clara to the glittering Land of Snow, where they meet the Snow King and Queen.
Again, with Drosselmeyer’s magic, Clara and the Nutcracker Prince are transported to the Land of Sweets, where they encounter the Sugar Plum Fairy, and Clara is entertained by dancing sweets. They are surrounded by Chocolate, Tea, Candy Canes, Mother Ginger and Flowers.
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Details:
North Carolina Dance Theatre has established itself as one of America’s premier dance companies. Led by internationally acclaimed President and Artistic Director Jean-Pierre Bonnefoux, NC Dance Theatre is based on strong dancers, high energy and a versatile repertoire that ranges from classical ballet to bold contemporary works. NC Dance Theatre School of Dance parallels the professional company’s tradition of excellence.
North Carolina Dance Theatre is supported, in part, with operating support by the Arts & Science Council. Dance Theatre is also supported by individuals, corporations, and local and national foundations; the North Carolina Arts Council; ArtsTeach; and the National Endowment for the Arts.
Nutcracker is presented by Levine Children’s Hospital.
To find out more about NC Dance Theatre visit ncdance.org.
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