[NEohioPAL] The Nutcracker returns to The Akron Civic Theatre

[Jen Desberg]

 A "Sweet" way to create a family holiday tradition! 
Ballet Theatre of Ohio (BTO), under the artistic direction of Christine Meneer, will present "The Nutcracker" at the historic Akron Civic Theatre for seven public performances, November 26-December 4. Voted Akron's #1 Holiday Show, BTO's Nutcracker has been delighting audiences for 19 years. No matter the age, from 3 to 103, BTO's Nutcracker event is the perfect way for your family to start the holidays. 

Hundreds of families share the tradition of ringing in their holiday season by being transported to a beautiful Victorian Christmas, and sharing the magical dream of a young girl, set to Tchaikovsky's brilliant score. What keeps them coming back year after year is the superb quality of the production. Breath-taking sets, stunning costumes, and entertaining choreography performed by an exceptionally talented troupe of professional and pre-professional dancers keep the audience enthralled. BTO has remained committed to keeping the production fresh with yearly updates and additions. 

Annual attendees know that coming out to Akron's "Jewel on Main Street", as the Akron Civic Theatre is known, is so much more than a simple trip to the ballet - it is an event not to be missed! Whether it's your first time, or an annual tradition, the moment you step through the door into the lobby of the grand theatre you will feel the joy of the season. You'll be greeted by the Nutcracker and his soldiers as they pass out candy canes. At the top of the grande staircase, families can be seen lining up in front of the Nutcracker Tree - a favorite photo op for your family Christmas card. Add to, or start your own nutcracker collection from BTO's extraordinary boutique featuring over 100 different nutcrackers of all shapes and sizes!

Continue into the Grand Salon of the Mezzanine to find "The North Pole", featuring small vignettes of Santa and his elves' busy workshop, the sleigh full of toys and of course, the real Santa ready to hear what is on every child's wish list! New this year, children can hopscotch down the candy cobbled lane to The Gingerbread Room featuring award winning gingerbread mansions designed by local artist, Dr. John Learner of Stow.

The role of Clara will be danced by Aimee Gjurkovitsch, a 7th grade student at Woodridge Middle School in Peninsula. Guest artists joining her that weekend will be Gary Lenington as the Nutcracker and Arabian Prince; Damien Highfield will guest as the Snow King and Spanish Senor; Jennifer Safonovs as the Sugar Plum Fairy and Brian Murphy as her Cavalier. Week two, Hannah Smolinski, a 9th grader at Stow-Munroe Falls High School, will dance the role of Clara. She will be joined by Gary Lenington as the Nutcracker and the Arabian Prince; Jennifer Safonovs as the Sugar Plum Fairy; and Damien Highfield as the Snow King, Spanish Senor and Cavalier. For the 19th season, Joshua Isley will play the role of Drosselmyer, and his brother Jeremiah will be the Mouse King. Other long time cast members include Kim Sulek (Mother Ginger) and Erin Kelly (Clara's Mother). All lead characters will come out to the lobby to sign autographs for their adoring fans. 

BTO will present The Nutcracker: Nov. 26 at 2 pm and 7 pm; Nov. 27 at 2 pm; Dec. 2 at 7 pm; Dec.3 at 2 pm and 7 pm; and Dec. 4 at 2 pm. Ticket prices are $40, $28, and $18 with discounts available by visiting BTO's website www.BalletTheatreOhio.org Through November 13, save 25% off the regular ticket price by purchasing season subscription tickets for both The Nutcracker and BTO's spring ballet Coppelia. Tickets are also available at the Akron Civic Theatre Box Office at 330-253-2488. Doors open one hour prior to the performance so families can visit with Santa and the Nutcracker, and enjoy all the wonderful sights to see! 

Ballet Theatre of Ohio receives major funding from The Margaret Clark Morgan Foundation, Akron Community Foundation, and The Mary S. and David C. Corbin Foundation. If you would like to help BTO to continue to bring professional quality performances at family affordable prices to the Akron Civic Theatre, please visit the website for information.



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