The most famous cast of holiday characters, including Clara, Fritz, the Mouse King and the Sugar Plum Fairy, reunite for Las Vegas’ most cherished and beloved annual event – The Nutcracker! Staged by Ballet Mistress Clarice Geissel-Rathers, with original choreography by Bruce Steivel, this annual tradition will be presented on Wednesday, December 17 through Sunday, December 28 at UNLV’s Judy Bayley Theatre.

Perhaps the most famous fairytale ballet of all time, The Nutcracker premiered over 100 years ago in St. Petersburg, Russia. Based on the famous novel by E.T.A. Hoffmann entitled The Nutcracker and the Mouse King, it was turned into a classical ballet by choreographers Marius Petipa and Lev Ivanov with an amazing score by Peter I. Tchaikovsky. This production not only became the most distinguished ballet in the world, but grew to become Tchaikovsky’s most celebrated composition.

“The Nutcracker is a city’s classical mainstay—and Nevada Ballet Theatre is proud to offer that to Las Vegas,” says Interim Artistic Director James Canfield.

Nevada Ballet Theatre’s version of this heart-warming holiday tale has been enchanting local families for over 25 years and each time, the company has welcomed over 90 students into its yearly production. This season, to add to the excitement, the company held open auditions for this festive classic in early September. Aside from students from the Academy of Nevada Ballet Theatre, boys ages 7 and up and girls ages 11 and up, from the community or who attend area dance schools, were invited to audition for the city’s premiere holiday event. Students will be cast in the roles of Clara, Fritz, soldiers, mice, and party scene children.

This year, Nevada Ballet Theatre will offer special holiday photos with the beautiful “snowflakes” from its most popular and beloved ballet. Photo opportunities will be offered during intermission at all 15 performances of this holiday masterpiece. For only $10, patrons can pose with these beautiful ballerinas for a treasured keepsake memento! In addition, Nevada Ballet Theatre’s boutique will have Nutcrackers, special Nutcracker books and CDs available for purchase.

First performed in America by the San Francisco Ballet, the New York City Ballet made The Nutcracker even more popular when it premiered George Balanchine’s version in 1954.This family-friendly classic was catapulted into a true American pastime with hundreds of professional ballet companies and dance academies performing it all over the country. It is known as the most beloved ballet as it reveals the mysteries and enchantments of the holiday season as seen through the eyes of children.

Ticket prices range from $85 to $45 with premium and non-premium dates available and can be ordered by calling (702) 895-ARTS (2787) or by visiting www.nevadaballet.com. For more information on Nevada Ballet Theatre, its programs, or for 2008-2009 production-specific information, call Nevada Ballet Theatre’s Marketing department at (702) 243-2623 or email info@nevadaballet.com.

Nevada Ballet Theatre presents The Nutcracker
December 17- 28
UNLV’s Judy Bayley Theatre, 4505 Maryland Parkway
Call (702) 895-ARTS (2787) or visit www.nevadaballet.com

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