the north carolina state ballet “nutcracker”
In the season of wonder, tradition and fun, it is that special time of year when “The Nutcracker Ballet” comes to the Crown Center in Fayetteville.
The North Carolina State Ballet’s full production of “The Nutcracker” will take the stage at the Crown Center Theatre Sunday, December 2nd, Saturday, December 8th, and Sunday, December 9th. It is the 35th gala consecutive year of “The Nutcracker” in Fayetteville.
Directed by Charlotte Blume, the cast of 60 dancers and actors will bring the familiar story and music to life. Leading the cast will be guest artists.
new backdrops
“The Nutcracker” has two new backdrops. A backdrop for Act II has been designed and painted by local artist Cindy Slappey, along with her former art student, Caroline Geiger. It shows the entrance to the “Land of Sweets” and the Castle of the “Sugar Plum Fairy.” The Act I backdrop was designed by Jennifer O’Kelly of O’Kelly Design Studios. O’Kelly is a graduate of the North Carolina School of the Arts and has produced backdrops for several venues, including the North Carolina Shakespeare Festival, PBS's “Great Performances,” and the Toronto International Ballet.
the story of the nutcracker
The ballet is set in the 19th century and tells the story of “Clara”, who receives an enchanted “Nutcracker” from her godfather (Drosslemeyer) and then embarks on a magical journey. She travels from the terror of the “Mouse King” to a romantic odyssey with the “Nutcracker Prince” to the “Land of Snow” and to foreign lands in the “Kingdom of Sweets”.
sponsors
“The Nutcracker” was supported in part for 2009 by Target Stores and for 2010 in part by a grant from the Fayetteville Arts Council. 2012 sponsors will be announced soon.
tickets
Tickets for “The Nutcracker Ballet” will go on sale October 1st, 2012. They may be purchased at the Crown Center Box Office or through TicketMaster. The price is $16.00 for general seating. Military personnel receive a discounted ticket of $12.00 at the Crown Center Box Office with ID.
showtimes
Curtain time is 3:00 p.m. for each show.
school performances
In addition to the three public performances of “The Nutcracker”, the North Carolina State Ballet will offer one school performance on Friday, December 7th for all area schools public and private.
Admission is $6.00 for both teachers and students. Please contact our office at (910) 485-4965 to schedule your class for the December 7th performance of “The Nutcracker”.
