NUTCRACKER Community Dress Rehearsal Shares Joy Of The Season

Anchorage Concert Association's annual presentation of The Nutcracker is a beloved holiday tradition for many Alaska families. Before the public performances begin Thanksgiving weekend, a special community dress rehearsal brings clients of more than 100 social service agencies together for a magical journey to the Land of the Sweets.

The Nutcracker first premiered in St. Petersburg, Russia in 1892. More than 120 years later, The Nutcracker has become a long-held Christmas tradition in America, enjoyed by families across the country. In Anchorage this year, the beautiful and elegant Eugene Ballet dances to live music from the Anchorage Symphony Orchestra, alongside more than 100 young dancers coordinate by Alaska Dance Theatre.

Anchorage Concert Association's vision is for all Alaskans to experience the performing arts, creating a more vibrant and enriched community. ConocoPhillips Alaska sponsors The Nutcracker and supports the community dress rehearsal for clients of social service agencies in Anchorage. More than 1,500 people are expected to experience the fantastical masterpiece this year for free thanks to support from ConocoPhillips. Agencies include Hope Community Resources, Anchorage Senior Center, Kids Corp Head Start, Southcentral Foundation's Native Men's Wellness, Special Olympics, and Volunteers of America. Attendees include veterans, children in foster care, cancer survivors, military families, and people experiencing disabilities.

A dance school from Dillingham is also bringing 16 students and several chaperones to Anchorage to see The Nutcracker and work with Eugene Ballet. Students from Bristol Bay Ballet 4H Club will receive a special backstage tour, meet principal artists, learn about costumes, and observe a company class prior to watching a matinee performance.

"This presentation of the Nutcracker offers young local dancers a unique chance to perform alongside professionals, while providing an opportunity to bring this classic holiday ballet to people who might otherwise never get to experience this tradition," said Portia Babcock, Director of Community Investment and Public Affairs for ConocoPhillips Alaska. "We are delighted to support this great community event and to welcome many Alaskans to the dress rehearsal."

Organizations interested in getting donated tickets for next year's Nutcracker dress rehearsal and other Anchorage Concert Association shows can email info@anchorageconcerts.org and visit anchorageconcerts.org/community.

Public performances of Anchorage Concert Association's presentation of The Nutcracker are Friday through Sunday, Nov. 23-25, Atwood Concert Hall. Tickets start at $29 for adults and $18 for youth 18 and under with an Anchorage Concert Association subscription of 3 or more shows. Tickets for just The Nutcracker start at $37 for adults and $22.50 for youth. Available at CenterTix box office (263-ARTS) and anchorageconcerts.org.

Photo: Eugene Ballet performs The Nutcracker at Atwood Concert Hall, presented by Anchorage Concert Association. Credit: Kerry Tasker

 

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