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BELOVED NUTCRACKER BALLET RETURNING TO PRINCE GEORGE FOR ANOTHER HOLIDAY SEASON
The Prince George Symphony Orchestra and Judy Russell Presents have teamed up again to continue a decades-long Christmas tradition in the community. Tchaikovsky’s beloved ballet The Nutcracker has become a bi-annual tradition in the city. This will be the 18th co-production of the show by the two companies.
“We love bringing this show to the community year after year,” said Judy Russell. “It’s a lot of work, but seeing the joy and excitement it brings, from the youngest dancers, to the oldest audience members makes it worth it every time.”
The show is a timeless favourite for all ages. Written and premiered in 1892, the ballet tells a magical story about a young girl on Christmas Eve and her adventures with toy soldiers, mouse armies, dancing candies, and a nutcracker who transforms into a prince. The ballet became a Christmas tradition all across North America after a notable production in New York in the 1950s by George Balanchine.
“This is one of those perfect scores,” said Michael Hall, the PGSO’s Music Director. “The music is so inspiring and unforgettable, and it’s also so well written that the musicians never get tired of playing it – and some of them have now played it close to a hundred times.”
The show will be performed by a cast of over 100 dancers, with live orchestra and choir. Nove Voce will appear as the Snow chorus, as well as providing some ambience by singing in the lobby before each performance.
As part of the ongoing community outreach by both organizations, the PGSO and Judy Russell Presents are giving away a significant number of tickets for the opening performance of this well-loved seasonal ballet. The companies are working with various local organizations to help get these tickets into the hands of community members who perhaps need a lift this Christmas.
The production is made possible by a generous contribution from Marcotte Law.
The Nutcracker will have six performances from December 14th – 17th at Vanier Hall. The is about two and a half hours long in two acts with one intermission. Tickets are available online at PGSO.com but some shows are selling out quickly.