Ballet MN presents the 37th Classic Nutcracker

The much-beloved Special guest soloist, Violeta Angelova, returns this season to perform the pas de deux in the signature role of Sugar Plum Fairy with Benji Pearson as the Cavalier. More than 100 students from Classical Ballet Academy iround out this large cast. “We are very fortunate to have nationally known professional dancers as guest artists with Ballet Minnesota in the lead roles of Sugar Plum Fairy and Cavalier,” said Andrew Rist, co-founder and Artistic Director of Ballet Minnesota. This year also marks Robert Cleary’s landmark 27th appearance in the production as the mysterious Godfather Drosselmeyer. “Robert has an amazing stage presence and a deep understanding of humanity that shines through in his performances. I will do whatever I can to keep him as Drosselmeyer for as long as he is willing,” said Rist. Robert Cleary, age 68, and a cancer survivor, can be seen as Herr Drosselmeyer for his 26th year in the production! He is the artistic director and choreographer for Kanopy Dance in Madison, Wisconsin. He recently debuted a new Glam Rock Ballet, titled “Puppet Master.” The 37th Annual production of Ballet Minnesota’s “The Classic Nutcracker” introduces several new dancers to title roles, along with the professional guest stars. Cindy Chen, age 13, from Woodbury, a student at Math and Science Academy, and, Clara Jang, age 13, also from Woodbury, a student at Woodbury Middle School, will share the role of Clara, the heroine of the story. University of Minnesota student, Toby Joseph, returns for his second year as the debonair Nutcracker Prince. Joseph, age 21, studying theater arts, and lives in Woodbury. Two advanced students will share the prominent soloist role of Rose, in the Waltz of the Flowers is the highlight of Act II, symbolizing the transition into the magical Land of Sweets. Olive Charais, age 17, of Marine on St. Croix, is an apprentice with Ballet Minnesota and will attend the University of Minnesota next year to study dance. Flannery Page, age 17, lives Saint Paul and Little Canada. The role of Snow Queen, the final dance of Act I, will be performed by Zoe Charias, a Ballet Minnesota company member, and studying architecture at the University of Minnesota. More than 100 dancers make up the full cast for this holiday classic, ready to enthrall you with light-as-air dancing, gorgeous costumes and larger-than-life scenery. A new backdrop for the Victorian living room scene A Minneapolis Children’s Theater set/props designer, Mary Novodvorsky, has designed a new backdrop for Act I of Ballet Minnesota’s Nutcracker. This is the setting for the grand Christmas Eve party in the home of Clara’s parents, Herr and Frau Stahlbaum. It will look refreshed and brighter with new details for the discerning eyes of devoted audience members. “I’ve added detail to the fireplace and windows and used a new technique to add more sparkle to the Christmas tree,” said Novodvorsky. The Classic Nutcracker Production and Story Ballet Minnesota’s company veterans and apprentices, along with a host of students fill out the roles ranging from the luminary Clara to the youngest dancers as scampering mice and winged angels who seem to float on and off the stage. Enchanted sets further the magic with an adrenaline-filled battle, a fire-breathing dragon, lollipop swings appearing along with Madame Ginger, and gentle snow falling on the corps de ballet at the close of Act I. To brush up on your knowledge of this holiday classic, we begin on Christmas Eve in the richly decorated Victorian-era home of a young girl, Clara, her mischievous brother, Fritz, and their family is hosting a Christmas party. Godfather Drosselmeyer arrives late, under a cloak of mystery. Clara’s Godfather presents her with a marvelous gift, a Nutcracker doll. As Clara drifts to sleep that night, the young girl’s dream transports the audience into a new realm. As Clara tiptoes back to the living room, she is met by the life-sized Rat King and Nutcracker. A battle then ensues with an army of soldiers in Clara’s living room. Clara successfully defeats the Rat King, breaking the Nutcracker’s spell, and he becomes Prince once again. The Nutcracker, along with the Snow Queen and Prince, escorts Clara into the Kingdom of Sweets.

Event Links

Tickets: https://go.evvnt.com/3360371-0

Website: https://go.evvnt.com/3360371-2

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