RICHMOND BALLET PRESENTS THE NUTCRACKER:
A BREATHTAKING TRADITION RETURNS
Richmond Ballet Dancer Creates Children’s Book To Accompany Performances
RICHMOND – It’s a not-to-be-missed Richmond tradition that leaps with energy, and it’s back to delight for another spectacular season. The Nutcracker, presented by Richmond Ballet, takes the stage December 14- 23, 2012, with 13 performances at the Carpenter Theatre at Richmond CenterStage.
“At Richmond Ballet, we realize that attending The Nutcracker is a tradition for so many families,” notes Brett Bonda, Richmond Ballet Managing Director. “Our rendition of The Nutcracker has become a multigenerational experience, with parents, grandparents and children alike entranced by the magical story. This experience is a tradition we feel so honored to uphold.”
This year, ballet-goers can take the splendor of The Nutcracker home with them, by purchasing a special Richmond Ballet children’s book. This beautiful commemorative book, Richmond Ballet The Nutcracker, As told by the Sugar Plum Fairy, Valerie Tellmann, features photographs of the Ballet performing The Nutcracker, and Valerie’s story about her journey from the role of Clara in 1994 to the Sugar Plum Fairy.
While the company’s performance of The Nutcracker is celebrated locally, it has also drawn national attention. In his review, Alastair Macaulay of the New York Times stated that, “Stoner Winslett’s staging for Richmond Ballet was so satisfying all round — above all, in the scale of the Carpenter Theater in relation to the Richmond Symphony Orchestra — that I formed an ideal version of America in which every state in the Union has at least one local production that’s this perfect…”
With its leaping Russian bear, giant Mouse King, Chinese Dragon dancers, rabbits and a cast of dreamlike characters, Artistic Director Stoner Winslett’s choreography is filled with humor, excitement and magical energy. The world-class company artists of Richmond Ballet are joined this year by special guest artist Jens Weber, formerly of the Berlin Opera Ballet, along with students from the School of Richmond Ballet and the Ballet’s education outreach program, Minds In Motion.
The celebration continues after select performances at Clara’s Tea Party, a very special event featuring tea, sweets, and opportunities to both meet and pose for photos with the characters. The tea parties will take place in Rhythm Hall at Richmond CenterStage.
Tickets to The Nutcracker and to Clara’s Tea Party are available in person at the Richmond Ballet box office, by phone at 1.800.514.3849, or online at www.etix.com. Tickets for The Nutcrackerrange from $20 to $125. Tickets to Clara’s Tea Party are $25.
Performances
Friday, December 14 7:00pm
Saturday, December 15 2:00pm
Saturday, December 15 7:00pm
Sunday, December 16 1:00pm
Sunday, December 16 4:30pm
Tuesday, December 18 7:00pm
Wednesday, December 19 7:00pm
Thursday, December 20 7:00pm
Friday, December 21 2:00pm
Friday, December 21 7:00pm
Saturday, December 22 2:00pm
Saturday, December 22 7:00pm
Sunday, December 23 1:30pm
Clara’s Tea Parties*
Presented by Franklin Federal Savings Bank
Saturday, December 15 4:00 PM (after the 2:00 PM performance)
Friday, December 21 4:00 PM (after the 2:00 PM performance)
Saturday, December 22 4:00 PM (after the 2:00 PM performance)
*Clara’s Tea Party is a separately ticketed event.
The Nutcracker is generously sponsored by Dominion, with major support from the Richard S. Reynolds Foundation and the E. Rhodes & Leona B. Carpenter Foundation. Additional sponsorship has been provided by Franklin Federal Savings Bank and Martin’s Foods. Clara’s Tea Parties are presented by Franklin Federal Savings Bank.
For more information about Richmond Ballet and its classes and programs, visit www.richmondballet.com or call804.344.0906.
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Richmond Ballet, The State Ballet of Virginia, is dedicated to the education, promotion, preservation, and continuing evolution of the art form of ballet. Richmond Ballet strives to keep meaningful works of dance alive and to produce and foster new works that remain true to these values. Now in its 29th professional season, Richmond Ballet’s mission is to “awaken and uplift the human spirit, both for audiences and artists.”
