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Pennsylvania Ballet's Riolama Lorenzo and Sergio Torrado in George Balanchine's The Nutcracker (photo by Alexander Iziliaev)

Pennsylvania Ballet: George Balanchine's The Nutcracker™

Pennsylvania Ballet presents the D.C. premiere of George Balanchine's The Nutcracker™ featuring magnificent new sets and lavish costumes. The Philadelphia Inquirer says this "dressed-up Nutcracker dazzles."

About the Program | Watch and Listen | Additional Resources | Related Events | Gift Items | Sponsors

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About the Program

Artists:
Pennsylvania Ballet
Roy Kaiser, Artistic Director

Washington, DC Premiere
George Balanchine's The Nutcracker™
Choreography by George Balanchine
Music by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky
 
"Pennsylvania Ballet's dressed-up Nutcracker dazzles"
--The Philadelphia Inquirer

"Explodes with vital energy... a visual fantasy... this Nutcracker shows off the Pennsylvania Ballet at its finest."
--Courier-Post
 
Washington has been witness to many Nutcrackers over the years but now, for the first time ever, the city will experience the timeless and spectacular wonder of one of this classic's most famous productions. George Balanchine's The Nutcracker™ is among the best-loved versions of this seasonal favorite, and Pennsylvania Ballet has been one of the few companies nationwide to have the honor of performing it. Even for those who faithfully attend The Nutcracker as a winter tradition, George Balanchine's production holds many surprises. With brand new sets designed by Peter Horne, 192 lavish new costumes designed by Judanna Lynn, Bethesda's Norwood Middle School Chorus, and Balanchine's masterful choreography, the stage is set for holiday enchantment for all ages.
 
From the arrival of little Marie's mysterious godfather with his gift of the Nutcracker to the battle against the Mouse King, the young and young at heart will delight when Marie meets her prince and escapes to the Land of the Sweets. Since 1969, Pennsylvania Ballet has danced this classic in joyful proclamation that the Yuletide is here. Balanchine believed that The Nutcracker was appropriate for any time of year and his production continues to stand as a piece of art and a magical doorway into the beautiful world of ballet.  Performed with the Kennedy Center Opera House Orchestra.

Performance Time:  Approx. 2 hours:  Act I - 50 min.; Intermission - 20 min.; Act II - 43 min.
[Altria logo.] The Kennedy Center Ballet Season is sponsored by Altria Group, Inc.

Additional support is provided by Elizabeth and Michael Kojaian.

This project is partially supported by a grant from Pennsylvania Performing Arts on Tour, a program developed and funded by The Heinz Endowments; the William Penn Foundation; the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts, a state agency; and The Pew Charitable Trusts; and administered by Mid Atlantic Arts Foundation.



All events and artists subject to change without prior notice.

Group of 20 or more? Group Sales offers special terms and discounts for most performances.

Additional Resources

About the Kennedy Center Ballet Series

Artist's Web Site

Pennsylvania Ballet's Facebook Page

Pennsylvania Ballet's YouTube page : one of the premier ballet companies in the United States and has been at the forefront of American dance since 1963.

Cast and Company

Arranger:
George Balanchine

Company:
Pennsylvania Ballet

Related Events

Ballet 360° - Choreographers: George Balanchine  Oct 17, 2009 at 3:00 PM [Performance Plus logo.]

What to Listen for in Russian Composers II: Tchaikovsky & Prokofiev  Dec 12, 2009 at 3:00 PM [Performance Plus logo.]

From the Gift Shop


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