Canberra ballet fans rejoice as the Queensland Ballet brings The Nutcracker to the Canberra Theatre Centre for the first time.
The Canberra stint of The Nutcracker will open on 23 – 27 November for the fourth season of the show.
Artistic Director Li Cunxin says he was thrilled that Brisbane audiences have made The Nutcracker part of their Christmas tradition and that more and more people are discovering this delightful classic.
“Since we committed to staging Ben Stevenson’s The Nutcracker as an annual season in 2013, we’ve sold out each season and continually have to add performances due to demand,” Mr Li says.
“This being our fourth year of The Nutcracker is no exception with the announcement of two extra performances being added to the 2016 season to cope with ticket sales.
“This year will also see us take the ballet to Canberra for the first time with this southern season opening in late November before we return to the Brisbane stage in early December.
“We’re so pleased to be sharing this wonderful ballet with new audiences in Canberra. The Nutcracker is a cherished Christmas tradition for many families around the world and we love being part of introducing this tradition to Australian families.”
The story of The Nutcracker is well known to many and Ben Stevenson’s choreography brings a special magic to the tale.
At midnight on Christmas Eve, little Clara begins a magical journey into a wondrous world where toys come to life, she fights off King Rat and his giant mice, she encounters delicate dancing snowflakes and the beautiful Sugar Plum Fairy, who reigns over the Kingdom of Sweets.
With its gorgeous sets, costumes and stunning dance, combined with Tchaikovsky’s evocative music, this production of The Nutcracker delights audiences young and old.
“I first danced Ben Stevenson’s production of The Nutcracker in 1979 in Houston Ballet,” Mr Li says.
“Ben is a master at story-telling and bringing his own special magic to this story.”
The Nutcracker
Canberra Theatre Centre
23-27 November 2016
Click here to purchase tickets.
