Tulsa, OK –Tulsa Ballet returns to the Tulsa Performing Arts Center with The Nutcracker for its golden anniversary December 7 – 22. For tickets and information, call (918) 749-6006 or visit tulsaballet.org.
There is a reason why The Nutcracker has continuously charmed the hearts of families all around the Tulsa area for 50 years. It’s not just because of the surreal magical moment snow drops on the stage from the sky inside of the Tulsa PAC during the performance, it’s not just the breathtaking choreography from Artistic Director Marcello Angelini, and it’s not just the classic story of the beloved Nutcracker character we have come to love since its storybook debut in 1816. Audiences from all over come to see Tulsa Ballet’s The Nutcracker not only for all of those reasons, but because of all of the incredible history The Nutcrackerholds within the hearts of the Tulsa community.
Tulsa Ballet (then known as Tulsa Civic Ballet) first debuted its first full-length performance of The Nutcracker on December 13, 1969, with choreography by Tulsa Ballet founders Roman Jasinski and Moscelyne Larkin. Many of the dancers from this first performance went on to achieve Principal positions at prestigious ballet companies all around the U.S., along with two of the original cast members, Cheryl Forrest and Georgia Snoke, still holding positions on the Tulsa Ballet Board of Directors, heading up the archives department, preserving Tulsa Ballet’s long and inspirational history.
After an outstanding 33 years of Jasinki’s The Nutcracker, its final presentation was in 2002, ushering in a new and exciting production from Artistic Director Marcello Angelini the next year, staring Daniela Buson and Alfonso Martin. Set in 1920’s Paris, Angelini’s The Nutcracker is a beautiful and magical version of this classic tale that is synonymous with the holiday season.
Angelini reflects, “Celebrating 50 years of continuous run of The Nutcracker is an opportunity for reflection and assessment. I wouldn’t be surprised if the total number of people that interacted with our The Nutcracker during its 50-year run is close to a million. Those are lives that, in one way or another, were touched and maybe even shaped by the Mouse King, The Nutcracker, or the Sugar Plum Fairy and her Cavalier. No matter on which side of the pit they happen to be, we left a small piece of The Nutcracker in their hearts!”
Tulsa Ballet has also created The Nutcracker Alumni Association to connect with all past cast members of Tulsa Ballet’s The Nutcracker to share old photos, swap stories, and create new traditions. To help celebrate this golden anniversary, tickets are available for a special Alumni Association Night held on December 21st, where alumni can enjoy a dinner with past members followed by a performance of The Nutcracker. Alumni can join The Nutcracker Alumni Association at tulsaballet.org.
A special student matinee performance of The Nutcracker will also be held on Friday, December 13th at 11:00am that will be perfect for school field trips. Study guides will be provided to teachers ahead of the performance to enhance the learning experience of this production. Teachers can call 918-392-5914 to get group tickets.
FOR CALENDAR EDITORS
WHEN AND WHERE:
Tulsa Performing Arts Center | 110 E 2nd St, Tulsa OK 74103
December 8, 14, 15, 21, 22 | 2:00 p.m.
December 7, 13, 21 | 7:00 p.m.
December 13 | 11:00 a.m. (School Matinee)
TICKETS: Start at $25 | Call the Tulsa Ballet Box Office at 918.749.6006 or visit tulsaballet.org.
FOR MORE INFORMATION: tulsaballet.org or 918.749.6006
Hi-Res images and interview opportunities available:
Bethany Kirby | Marketing Manager
918.392.5949 | Bethany.kirby@tulsaballet.org