The Nutcracker
WHEN: Saturday,
December 10th, at 4 pm and Sunday, December 11th, at 12 pm and 4 pm
WHERE: Princeton High School Performing
Arts Center, 16 Walnut Lane, Princeton
TICKETS: $25.00 and are on sale now at www.princetonyouthballet.org
Experience the tale of a brave young girl’s adventures into a world of magic as she rescues her Nutcracker from the menacing Mouse Queen, and they journey together into a Forest of Dancing Sugar Crystals and the enchanted Land of the Sweets.
Accompanied by the familiar swells of Tchaikovsky’s iconic musical score, PYB’s full-length presentation of The Nutcracker is sure to deliver a satisfying dose of holiday cheer. The Nutcracker is an icon of classical repertory and a beloved holiday tradition for audiences around the world.
The more-than-century-old ballet, initially adapted from the story “The Nutcracker and the Mouse King” by E.T.A. Hoffman has, over time, evolved into countless versions of the 1892 original choreographed by Marius Petipa and Lev Ivanov. While most present-day productions follow the same familiar libretto — a young girl receives a Nutcracker doll on Christmas Eve, the doll magically becomes a young man, she travels with him to a fantastic kingdom of sweets, and at the end of the ballet “wakes up” in her living room to discover that it was all a dream (or was it?) — different company productions vary greatly in terms of style and choreography.
PYB’s version of The Nutcracker remains comfortingly true to the best parts of the original story with imaginative choreography by artistic director emeritus, Risa Kaplowitz. The production showcases a technically and artistically fluent cast, and features PYB Artistic Director Talin Kenar’s meticulous staging, which includes some especially delightful and unique details of the story. “The production is vivid, enchanting, and affectionate, and the young artists of PYB (8-22 years old) perform with skill beyond their years,” said Kenar. “I find it especially gratifying to see PYB dancers advance to more challenging roles as they progress in their training. Witnessing the pure joy as their aspirations and accomplishments come to light in front of an audience is as moving to behold as their dancing.” In fact, many of the company’s alumni have gone on to careers throughout the professional ballet world.
This year’s production will feature a cast of over 60 dancers and gorgeous projection backdrops created by Raymond DeVoe. The lead role of Marie will be danced by Madison Carrión, a senior at North Brunswick Township High School. “The most inspiring thing about ballet is its ability to evoke emotions solely thorough movement,” said Carrion, “and I am excited to be able to make the magic of the holiday season come to life for the audience.” PYB executive Director Audrey Yeager added, “Moment after moment of amusement, whimsy, and exceptional dancing is sure to satisfy our collective yearning for the heart-warming beauty this holiday season. I hope our audiences will experience as much joy in seeing the ballet as our company has in preparing it.”
This family-friendly performance is recommended for audience members ages 4 and up.
For information about PYB and the company’s 2022-2023 season, visit www.princetonyouthballet.org. Find us on social media @PrincetonYouthBallet on Facebook and Instagram, and @PYBallet on Twitter
