TULSA, Okla. – November 2017 – The holiday tradition of The Nutcracker will return to the Tulsa Performing Arts Center December 9-23, 2017. This will mark the fifteenth year this particular version will be performed. Tulsa Ballet Artistic Director Marcello Angelini reminisces and says, “I remember the discussions that took place in the early 2000s about how a new Nutcracker for Tulsa Ballet should be. Since its first presentation, the work has changed a lot, especially in the party scene. The rest, starting from the battle scene, has virtually remained the same.” Breathtaking choreography, elaborate sets and stunning costumes help bring this classic holiday fairytale to life.
While we continue to celebrate the success of our current version of The Nutcracker, Angelini is already busy at work planning for a new version. He says “The planned lifespan our current version was ten years, I am amazed that still, in its 15th season, the ballet is current in concept and look. By the same token, with the inception of technology in dance productions and the exponential growth of the company, we know the next version of this classic will be extraordinary. There is so much you can do today with hydraulics and projections that was not even on the horizon 15 years ago. The budget for the new production is set at 3.5 times the cost of the current version and will definitely wow our audience.”
Still, Angelini says, the current production has so much to offer to Tulsa audiences. Set in 1920’s Paris, the show pays tribute to both the birthplace of classical ballet and the art deco architecture of Tulsa. The battle scene is exciting and intense and the snow scene is intricate and dynamic, while the snow pas de deux is gentle and touching. The dances in the second act are some of the audience favorites, from the Arabian quartet to the Russian solo, not to mention the Waltz of the Flowers, a piece that showcases both the dancing quality of the company and the alternate casts of the lead Marie. Angelini says, “Our current version relies heavily on the choreography to create the excitement of the show. And that’s great for both dancers and patrons. The show is also short enough to keep the attention of the young patrons who come with mom and dad to experience the magic of the holiday season, and has enough dancing to make the piece exciting for adults as well.”
Each year during The Nutcracker, four generations share the stage. Over 100 students, TBII (the second company of Tulsa Ballet), the main company and retired dancers all come together to help create the unique and special holiday show. The students featured are given the opportunity to dance along the professional company. This year, the young cast members represent the communities of Bixby, Broken Arrow, Claremore, Coweta, Durant, Edmond, Glenpool, Grove, Inola, Jenks, Locust Grove, Oklahoma City, Porter, Sand Springs, Sapulpa, Vinita and Wagoner. Tulsa Ballet is excited to give dancers throughout the state the opportunity to perform.
Artistic Director Marcello Angelini says, “The best moment of The Nutcracker for me is the end of the night, when I see happy faces leaving the theater. The original purpose of our version was to whisk our audience away from Tulsa on a magic carpet to a place and time where they would experience a story of innocent love, all told through dance. Even in its 15th season, this show still achieves this goal!”
Tulsa Ballet will once 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 package includes premium 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.
A total of eight performances of The Nutcracker will run from December 9-23, 2017 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 8, 2017, 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 special evening for the Tulsa Performing Arts Center, which buzzes with the excitement of 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.
Artistic Director Marcello Angelini says, “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. The audience reaction is always spontaneous and sometimes rowdy, which is great for the dancers as they feel the energy from the audience. It’s always rewarding to see the expression of our audience members after a show and see if we truly touched them.”
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, 16, 17, 23 at 2:00 p.m.
December 9, 15, 16, 22 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 2017/18 Season shows begin at only $97 and include invites to special subscriber-only events.
For more info on 2017/18 Season visit www.tulsaballet.org.