The Magic of Rochester's Family Tradition Takes Center Stage With The Nutcracker

Rochester, NY – As the lights begin to dim and the familiar strains of “Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairies” drift through the theatre, a hush settles over the crowd – and the magic begins.  This has been the experience of thousands who have enjoyed the charm and magic of a decade of collaboration between the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra and the Rochester City Ballet, preparing again to present its beloved live production of Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker.  This year, a special 50% “sugarplum” sale is being offered for children under 18; visit www.rpo.org/sugarplum.

During Thanksgiving Weekend, six performances of The Nutcracker will be staged twice daily at 2:00 and 7:00 pm on Friday, November 23, Saturday, November 24, and Sunday, November 25 at the Eastman Theatre (60 Gibbs Street).  The visual and musical magic of Tchaikovsky’s famous ballet comes to life under the guidance of RCB’s artistic director, Jamey Leverett, and RPO conductor Michael Butterman (The Louise and Henry Epstein Family Chair).  In addition to the voices of the Bach Children’s Chorus, in residence at Nazareth College and directed by Karla Krogstad, gorgeous new costumes will debut for the roles of “Flowers,” “Spanish,” “Party Girls,” and “Dewdrop,” with “Pages” showing off their new velvet.

The professional credentials of the guest artists are indicative of the enormous talent that audiences have come to expect from these performances.  Appearing courtesy of the American Ballet Theatre are Kristi Boone, Sarah Lane, Luis Ribagorda, and Isaac Stappas; courtesy of Cincinnati Ballet is Cervilio Miguel Amador; courtesy of Les Ballets Grandiva is Tetsushi Segawa;  and courtesy of Pilobolus and Phoenix Danse Theatre is Derek Stratton.

“The Rochester City Ballet’s Nutcracker is certainly in a class by itself,” said Leverett. “We strive to interpret each part of this classic ballet in our own special way, all with the grace and technical excellence for which our company is known.”  Michael Butterman remarked, “Tchaikovsky’s vivid score is a masterpiece that sounds fresh and yields new delights every time one hears it.”

Tickets for The Nutcracker may be purchased online at www.rpo.org, at the RPO Box Office, 108 East Avenue, or by phone at 585-454-2100. Ticket prices range from $24-$60.  New this year is a special 50% children’s “sugarplum” sale. In addition, ticket buyers can save 10% on adult tickets with their Wegmans Shoppers Club card.  For more information, visit the RPO online at www.rpo.org.

The Nutcracker is sponsored by Fiandach & Fiandach, Caldwell Manufacturing, Constellation Brands, and Bartholomew Health Care Group, with additional support by Time Warner Cable, 98.9 The Buzz, and 98 PXY.

Celebrating its 86th season in 2008-09, the RPO inspires and enriches the community through the art of music, presenting nearly 200 performances each season to a combined audience of an estimated quarter of a million people, including more than 70,000 who experience the RPO’s broad range of educational and community programs.  The Orchestra is passionately dedicated to outstanding musical performance at the highest artistic levels, and has a unique tradition of musical versatility, commitment to music education in the broadest sense and a deep and enduring engagement with the community.  The RPO has been honored with the New York State Governor’s Arts Award and two recent ASCAP awards for adventurous programming. 

The Rochester City Ballet (RCB), founded in 1987, is a non-profit, educational corporation. The Company presents a full season of quality dance to diverse audiences and helps keep the arts alive by presenting performances to educate and entertain adults and children at community events and special RCB performances.  The RCB has created at least 20 new ballets including Firebird, Don Quixote, Cinderella and the annual Nutcracker.