State Street Ballet and Spokane Symphony create Nutcracker Magic

Nov 16, 2011

For Immediate Release

Contact: Annie Matlow 464-7071

For over three decades, the Spokane Symphony’s presentation of Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker Ballet has been an integral part of December’s festivities for families throughout the region, with two and three generations of families sharing the magical experience during the holiday season. This year, State Street Ballet and almost 120 local young dancers will create the timeless magic of The Nutcracker with live music provided by the Spokane Symphony under the baton of Resident Conductor Morihiko Nakahara. There will be five performances at Martin Woldson Theater at The Fox on Friday, Dec. 2 at 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, Dec. 3 at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.; and Sunday, Dec. 4, 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Please note the additional performance on Sunday evening.

This year, The Nutcracker will be held at Martin Woldson Theater at The Fox for the first time. The old-world grandeur of the Theater’s decor, all decked out for the holidays, will add enchantment to the audience’s experience. The chefs from Glover Mansion are developing special Nutcracker themed refreshments that will be on sale before the ballet and during intermission. In addition, the Theater Gift Shop, located in the North Gallery of the lobby, will have a variety of items sure to delight the Nutcracker fan in everyone.

This year a commemorative Fox ornament, made in support of The Theater by Old World Christmas, will be available for purchase. This exquisite glass ornament was carefully mouth-blown into a finely crafted mold. Then a hot solution of liquid silver was poured inside. Finally, the ornament was carefully hand-painted with brightly colored lacquers and glitters to create a beautiful and unique collectable item. All proceeds from the sale of this ornament are being donated to the Spokane Symphony.

The Nutcracker is based on the charming children’s book The Nutcracker and the Mouse King by E.T.A. Hoffman, and set to the music of Tchaikovsky. Young Clara is presented with a beautiful toy nutcracker during a holiday party by her godfather, Drosselmeyer, a skilled clock and toy maker. That night, the toy comes to life in Clara's holiday dream. After a rousing battle in which the Nutcracker Prince defeats the Mouse King and his minions, Clara and her Prince journey to a magical land of sweets and snow, complete with exotic inhabitants to entertain her.

“Everyone should have the opportunity to see this timeless and beautiful ballet during the holidays,” explains State Street Ballet Artistic Director Rodney Gustafson. “It’s a story everyone can follow as it’s brought to life through familiar music and timeless dance.”

Staging and choreography for the production are by Rodney Gustafson and Choreographer and Ballet Master Gary McKenzie. Costume design is by A. Christina Giannini, and the sets were designed and produced in Moscow.

State Street Ballet is a vibrant, innovative professional dance company based in Santa Barbara, California. Known for combining the rigors and timeless beauty of classical technique with updated looks, special effects and digital technology, the company produces original works that captivate today's diverse audiences. The company was founded in 1994 by Rodney and Allison Gustafson. With at least three productions each season in Santa Barbara, State Street Ballet has also toured throughout the United States, as well as internationally in Taiwan and China. State Street Ballet is known for its innovative choreography and unique style.

Artistic Director Rodney Gustafson was formerly with Geneva Ballet, Cleveland Ballet and American Ballet Theatre. He went on to receive his B.S. from University of Arizona, and his M.B.A from Antioch University. He has worked with many of the greatest dancers of our time including Mikhail Baryshnikov and choreographers like Alvin Ailey, George Balanchine, Rudolf Nureyev, Jerome Robbins and Antony Tudor.

Ticket prices for The Nutcracker start at $22 for adults, $16 for children 12 and under. Tickets are available with personalized service at the Spokane Symphony Ticket Office at Martin Woldson Theater at The Fox or by calling 509-624-1200, or at our website at www.spokanesymphony.org. Tickets may also be purchased at all TicketsWest outlets or by calling 1-800-325-SEAT. We do not recommend purchasing from unknown outlets.

Nutcracker is underwritten this year by Avista, and American Family Insurance with additional support provided by DoubleTree by Hilton Spokane City Center.