The 2015 production introduces a newly choreographed party scene set to the iconic Nutcracker March music
TULSA, Okla. – November 9, 2015– Tulsa Ballet transforms the Tulsa Performing Arts Center into a winter wonderland with The Nutcracker from December 11-20, 2015.
With breathtaking choreography, fantastical sets and stunning costumes, this timeless holiday classic will delight audiences both young and old. Tulsa Ballet’s production brings a unique spin to the classic tale of The Nutcracker, setting the magical journey of young Marie Stahlbaum in 1920s Paris. A young girl’s fantasy unfolds in this remarkable production that mixes the visuals of a Broadway show with the heartwarming story of a fairytale Christmas.
Artistic Director Marcello Angelini says, “The Nutcracker is an American tradition. Our production is both traditional and updated, as I felt the two qualities are part of the personalities of Oklahomans. It is traditional because it follows the original story, it has casts of over 100 children (the original production of 1892 was much criticized because it had a large cast of children in it) and tells the story, distilled and simplified, of the Hoffman novel. By the same token, in an effort to modernize it a bit, I moved it to the early 1920s in Paris, as I love the look of the Art Deco time. I also wanted to celebrate the history of our city, as I believe we are the second municipality in the country for the quantity and quality of Art Deco architecture. Our production doesn’t have a Sugar Plum Fairy as the original Hoffman story is all about Marie (the original name in the novel), and The Nutcracker who saves her from mice that invade her bedroom. In our story she finds herself all grown up at the end of the battle and The Nutcracker becomes the prince of her dreams. I think the love shared by the two lead characters really encompasses the spirit of the Holiday Season.”
New elements include a brand new opening party scene and the return of beloved character Mother Ginger return again as part of the 2015 production. Tulsa Ballet’s Center for Dance Education faculty member Stephanie Murrish-Gaifullin will be contributing brand new choreography to act one with the reintroduction of the “march of the presents.” Tulsa Ballet Master Alfonso Martin and former Tulsa Ballet Principal dancer Alexandra Bergman will also be appearing in the production. Marcello Angelini says, “It will be wonderful to see dancers who have created this production in the past, and performed it for over 100,000 audience members, share the stage with the new generation of Tulsa Ballet dancers.”
More than 100 local children will join the professional company to help the larger-than-life Mouse King battle the Nutcracker Prince and his toy soldier brigade. The young cast members are selected through auditions and represent Tulsa and other Oklahoma Communities such as Bartlesville, Bixby, Broken Arrow, Claremore, Coweta, Cushing, Edmond, Glenpool, Grove, Jenks, Locust Grove, Mustang, Owasso, Sand Springs, Sapulpa, and Siloam Springs.
The Tulsa Ballet will again offer a V.I.P Experience for those who want to make their visit at The Nutcracker extra special. At $100 per ticket, The V.I.P Experience includes prime seating in the center section of the orchestra level, a commemorative autographed Nutcracker and post-show Behind-the-Scenes Experience and Dancer Meet-and-Greet which provides patrons the opportunity to pose on stage 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.” Only 96 V.I.P Experience tickets are available for each performance and they sell out quickly.
A total of eight performances of The Nutcracker will run from December 11-20, 2015 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.
Hi-Res images and interview opportunities available:
Ryan Allen
Communications & Public Relations Manager
Tulsa Ballet
ryan.allen@tulsaballet.org | tulsaballet.com
###
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 12, 13, 19, 20 at 2:00 p.m. & December 11, 18, 19, 20 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 starting at just $100.
3-Show packages to any of Tulsa Ballet’s remaining 2015/16 Season shows begin at only $100.
For more info on our 2015/16 Season visit www.tulsaballet.org.