Festival Ballet Providence to Present 40th Annual Production of THE NUTCRACKER

Festival Ballet Providence's cherished holiday production of The Nutcracker, celebrating its 40th year delighting New England audiences, will come alive with spirit and sparkle this holiday season. The Nutcracker takes along both the young and young-at-heart on this magical and heartwarming journey December 15-17, 2017 at the Providence Performing Arts Center.

The iconic holiday tradition promises audiences a shimmering production which tells the story of Clara and her Nutcracker prince as they dance their way into the Kingdom of Sweets. With restored and reimagined costumes, classically opulent sets, elegant dancing, and breathtaking choreography, the dazzling splendor of The Nutcracker is more lavish than ever before.

Last season the Company was shaken by the theft of many of the production's costumes, which, in a bizarre turn of events, were partially returned just days after the 2016 performance concluded. "We had a wild ride last season," said Artistic Director Mihailo Djuric, adding, "We still have a lot of work to do restoring this production." Certain key costumes remain missing and are being rebuilt, including a set of costumes from the Act II "Waltz of the Flowers."

FBP's beloved mascot, Archie the "senior" Yorkshire terrier, will charm audiences as he makes his 18th annual trot across the stage. Archie has appeared in nearly 140 performances of FBP's productions of The Nutcracker, earning this little pooch a place as one of the production's longest running stars.

For the third year, the production will feature students from the FBP School's adaptive dance program, designed for children with Down Syndrome. "Our adaptive dance students are truly becoming an integral part of this production," said Djuric, adding, "their spirit is a big part of what makes this production so special."

The enormously popular educational Discover Dance series will open the theater doors again to thousands of students from schools across the region. "This opportunity provided students information and insight into ballet that most would never have the opportunity to experience," said Arthi Sundaresh whose middle school class attended Discover Dance. "The exposure itself has an enormous effect on students," Sundaresh said.

The 2017 production will feature Kirsten Evans and Eugenia Zinovieva alternating in the lead role of Sugar Plum Fairy, with Alex Lantz and Alan Alberto as their Cavaliers, respectively. Olivia Lucianno, 17, will return as Clara, with Azamat Asangul and Ty Parmenter alternating as The Nutcracker.

IF YOU GO:

Festival Ballet Providence presents

THE NUTCRACKER

Thursday December 14, 2017 -10:00am (Discover Dance educational performance*)
Friday December 15, 2017 - 10:00am (Discover Dance educational performance*)
Friday, December 15, 2017 - 7:30pm
Saturday December 16, 2017 - 2:00pm
Saturday December 16, 2017 - 7:00pm
Sunday December 17, 2017 - 1:30pm
*For educational groups. Prior reservations required.

Approximate running time: 2 hours

At Providence Performing Arts Center, 220 Weybossett Street, Providence, RI

Tickets: $23, $38, $53, $68 and $85
(Groups 10 or more: 401-574-3162)
Tickets/Info: www.ppacri.org/events/detail/festival-ballets-the-nutcracker or call 401-421-ARTS

Clara's Tea: FBP's signature holiday event, taking place at Gracie's (194 Washington St. Providence, RI) Sunday December 17, prior to the Matinee at PPAC. Includes complimentary valet thru conclusion of performance. RSVP: 401-353-1129.

The Nutcracker tells the story of a young girl named Clara, who on Christmas Eve receives a toy Nutcracker as a gift from her mysterious uncle, Herr Drosselmeyer. After falling asleep with the toy cradled in her arms, Clara is startled awake by a group of terrifying mice who are the same size as she is. An exciting battle ensues between the gang of mice and an army of larger-than-life toy soldiers led by Clara's Nutcracker, who has grown and come to life. The battle ends with a sword fight between the Mouse Queen and The Nutcracker, who ultimately wins the fight. He takes Clara on an adventure through a forest filled with snowflakes that float and dance through the air. Then, they arrive at the Kingdom of Sweets, led by the Sugar Plum Fairy herself, who invites the entire kingdom to dance for their special guest

For more information, visit www.festivalballetprovidence.org.

Pictured: FBP School Students (foreground), Jordan Nelson and Bryce Mitchell (background) in Trepak.