Pennsylvania Ballet: George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker

PENNSYLVANIA BALLET AND PNC PRESENT GEORGE BALANCHINE’S THE NUTCRACKER
NOW IN ITS 40th SEASON

December 12 – 31, 2008 at the Academy of Music

Discover a world of enchantment in 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. The majesty of this production returns to the Academy of Music at Broad and Locust Streets, December 12 through December 31, 2008 for its 40th Anniversary Season. 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:

Thursday, December 18 at 7 p.m.
Friday, December 19 at 7 p.m.
Saturday, December 20 at 11, 3, and 7 p.m.
Sunday, December 21 at 12 and 4 p.m.
Tuesday, December 23 at 7 p.m.
Wednesday, December 24 at 12 p.m.
Friday, December 26 at 2 and 7 p.m.
Saturday, December 27 at 12 and 4 p.m.
Sunday, December 28 at 12 and 4 p.m.
Monday, December 29 at 2 and 7 p.m.
Tuesday, December 30 at 12 and 4 p.m.
Wednesday, December 31 at 12 p.m.

Please visit www.paballet.org for more information.