The 2016 production introduces a newly choreographed party scene
Choreographed by former Principal Dancer Yi Wang
TULSA, Okla. – November 9, 2016– Tulsa Ballet is extending its classic holiday tradition, The Nutcracker, an additional weekend this year from December 10-23, 2016. Outstanding choreography, elaborate sets and stunning costumes help bring this fairytale to life. This enchanting fairytale takes place in Paris in the 1920s, where a young girl’s dreams of Christmas adventures come to life on stage. Tulsa’s unique spin on the traditional ballet is sure to please everyone in the family.
Artistic Director Marcello Angelini says, “The way I chose to honor the tradition of The Nutcracker was to start with the original E.T.A Hoffmann novel. That’s where we learn of the story of how Drosselmeyer’s nephew, a very handsome young man, first saves Princess Pirlipat only to be banned from the court for stepping on the Queen Mouse’s tail. He is transformed in an ugly wooden doll closely resembling a Nutcracker. Then we learn that Marie is able to see the beyond the mask and love the puppet in spite of its rather unorthodox looks. The Nutcracker, with the help of Marie, fights the seven-headed Mouse King, regains his human looks and brings Marie to the Doll Kingdom. To me this is truly the story of The Nutcracker – a story about love that goes beyond superficial looks. It’s a story of true love, seen from the eyes of a young maiden.”
This year’s production features brand new choreography for the opening party scene. Tulsa Ballet’s Center for Dance Education faculty member, Wang Yi, will choreograph all of the children’s dances in act one this year. Wang was a principal dancer at Tulsa Ballet for six years and has danced in The Nutcracker many times. His unique style and vision will be a wonderful addition to all of the performances. Talented dancers of all ages, from various cities across our state, have been chosen to join our company dancers onstage this year. Our young cast members represent the communities of Bartlesville, Bixby, Broken Arrow, Claremore, Edmond, Glenpool, Grove, Jenks, Locust Grove, Oklahoma City, Owasso, Sand Springs, Sapulpa, Siloam Springs, Vinita and Wagoner.
Angelini says, “The young dancers add a new dimension to the piece, especially since they actually outnumber the number of professional dancers on the stage. Having four generations of dancers performing at the same time, on the same stage, adds multiple layers of artistry to the show. And it is four generations: first there are the young students, who one day will hopefully enjoy a professional career. Then there are our TBII dancers (members of the second company), who have already finished their studies with some of the most prestigious schools in the world, including Tulsa Ballet Center for Dance Education. They are all performing together with the main company dancers, or the third generation of performers in the show, who come to Tulsa from all over the world. Lastly you have the retired dancers who are part of the ballet staff and are now performing character roles. I am talking of artists like retired Principal dancers Alexandra Bergman and Alfonso Martin, both of them having performed the lead roles in this version of The Nutcracker. Seeing young promise, accomplished professionals and retired stars on the same stage is just fabulous!”
Tulsa Ballet will again offer a V.I.P Experience for theater-goers who want to create an extra special tradition for their families. At $105 per ticket, the V.I.P Experience ticket includes prime seating in the center section of the orchestra level, a keepsake Nutcracker autographed by the cast and an on-stage Dancer Meet-and-Greet with the stars of the show, which provides patrons the rare opportunity to see the sets up close and pose with costumed dancers for photographs. “The Nutcracker has been a beloved holiday tradition for Tulsa families for decades and we want to make that experience even more magical,” Tulsa Ballet General Manager Stacey Jenkins said. “Our V.I.P. Experience will give families an opportunity to experience The Nutcracker in a whole new way: up-close and personal.” The V.I.P Experience is limited to just 96 ticket holders per performance.
A total of eight performances of The Nutcracker will run from December 10-23, 2016 at the Tulsa Performing Arts Center. All performances include live music provided by Tulsa Symphony Orchestra. Tickets start as low as $25 and may be purchased by calling (918) 749-6006 or by visiting www.tulsaballet.org.
HOPE FOR THE HOLIDAYS
Tulsa Ballet will treat more than 2,400 local social service clients and non-profit agencies with its 16th annual Hope for the Holidays on Friday, December 9, 2016, at 7:00 p.m. at the Tulsa Performing Arts Center. Dancers will grace the stage for the first performance of the season of The Nutcracker, dedicated to sharing holiday cheer to this special audience.
Hope for the Holidays and Partners in Art are programs that share the joy of dance with members of the Tulsa community who would not otherwise have the opportunity to attend ballet performances. For one magical night each December, Tulsa Ballet opens its doors to more than 2,000 clients of area social service agencies, who come to experience the enchanting story, beautiful costumes and live music of The Nutcracker, complete with juice and cookies for the family and a take home holiday gift—all at no cost to them. Hope for the Holidays is what the holidays are all about, as Tulsa Ballet gives back to the community, and to those who would never have the chance to attend a performance on their own.
Hope for the Holidays is a night where the Tulsa Performing Arts Center is buzzing with families who are eager to experience the magic of Tulsa Ballet and the holiday season. Attendees are consistently captivated by the enchanting story of The Nutcracker illustrated with stunning costumes and whimsical scenery, set to thrilling music performed by the Tulsa Symphony Orchestra. The festive evening also features costumed volunteers , delicious refreshments for every guest, and limited edition custom coloring books for children.
Artistic Director Marcello Angelini says, “Hope for the Holidays is, for many people, their first and only exposure to the art of dance. I am always so eager to sit in the audience for the performance as I know the reaction we are going to get from the audience is a direct reflection of how the show impacts them. It’s always rewarding to see the expression of our audience members after a show and see if we truly touched them. There is nothing that matches the feeling of pure joy that follows a performance of Hope for the Holidays; seeing the audience leave the theater dancing, singing and smiling with happiness is what we are all in this business for!”
Hi-Res images and interview opportunities available:
Ryan Allen, PR & Communications Manager
918.392.5949, ryan.allen@tulsaballet.org
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Tulsa Ballet’s The Nutcracker
QUICK FACTS
Choreography: Marcello Angelini
Music: Composed by Peter Illyich Tchaikovsky
Performed live by Tulsa Symphony Orchestra
Peter Stafford Wilson, Principal Conductor
Dates: December 10, 11, 18 at 2:00 p.m.
December 16, 17, 22, 23 at 7:00 p.m.
Tickets: Call (918) 749–6006 or visit www.tulsaballet.org.
Tickets to The Nutcracker start at $25.
The special Nutcracker V.I.P. Experience is available for just $105.
4-Show packages to Tulsa Ballet’s remaining 2016/17 Season shows begin at only $ 97 and include invites to special subscriber-only events.
For more info on our 60th Anniversary 2016/17 Season visit www.tulsaballet.org.