PENNSYLVANIA BALLET
PRESENTS ITS 40 TH SEASON
OF THE NUTCRACKER
Start a new tradition with you family this year and take them to see Philadelphia’s most treasured holiday event as Pennsylvania Ballet and PNC present George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker. Last December, magnificent new sets and exquisite new costumes were unveiled with resounding success. Pennsylvania Ballet first performed The Nutcracker in November 1968. Through the late 1970s, the Company performed a version of Act I choreographed by Oswaldo Riofrancos, with the exception of the snow scene, which was choreographed by Robert Rodham; and the Balanchine version of Act II. From the late 1970s through 1986, Pennsylvania Ballet performed Act I choreographed by former Artistic Director Benjamin Harkarvy, again with the exception of the snow scene by Rodham, and the Balanchine Act II. Then in 1987, the Company commissioned a million dollar production of the full Balanchine version, and remains one of the few companies nationwide licensed to present Balanchine’s rendition. The new production features all the splendor Philadelphia audiences expect: an opening party scene of families celebrating the holidays with 19th century charm; little Marie’s dream of her Nutcracker Prince and his toy soldiers battling a fleet of mice led by the Mouse King; and the captivating divertissements in the magical Land of The Sweets. The Company is joined by the Philadelphia Boys Choir for the glistening snow scene, as much a signature of this production as the tree ascending into the rafters and the gliding sleigh boat. The enduring combination of Tschaikovsky’s endearing score, Balanchine’s masterful choreography and the artistry of Pennsylvania Ballet’s dancers continues to leave audiences of nearly 50,000 people awestruck each year.
Performances of George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker are as follows:
Friday, December 12 at 7 p.m.
Saturday, December 13 at 11 a.m., 3 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Sunday, December 14 at noon* and 4 p.m.
Thursday, December 18 at 7 p.m.
Friday, December 19 at 7 p.m.
Saturday, December 20 at 11 a.m.*, 3 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Sunday, December 21 at noon* and 4 p.m.
Tuesday, December 23 at 7 p.m.
Wednesday, December 24 at noon
Friday, December 26 at 2 p.m.* and 7 p.m.
Saturday, December 27 at noon* and 4 p.m.
Sunday, December 28 at noon and 4 p.m.
Monday, December 29 at 2 p.m.* and 7 p.m.
Tuesday, December 30 at noon and 4 p.m.
Wednesday, December 31 at noon
Ticket prices for George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker range from $24-129 and can be purchased by calling 215.893.1999 or by visiting paballet.org.
For more information: http://www.paballet.org/news/pressrelease/detail.aspx?id=291
Location: Academy of Music at Broad and Locust Streets Philadelphia, PA
This event is appropriate for ages 5 and up
Cost: range from http://paballet.org/$24-129
This event is appropriate for ages 5 and up
Cost: range from http://paballet.org/$24-129
