'THE COLONIAL NUTCRACKER' Opens At Brooklyn College 12/14

Brooklyn Center for the Performing Arts at Brooklyn College continues its 2008-09 Target FamilyFun series with the return of The Colonial Nutcracker, presented by Dance Theatre in Westchester, on Sunday, December 14, 2008 at 2pm.

An annual holiday tradition at Brooklyn Center, The Colonial Nutcracker sets the classic ballet in wintry colonial Yorktown during the Revolutionary War. Dance Theatre in Westchester's hour-long production features a red-coated mouse army, an enchanted nutcracker prince, and compelling narration that will help to enhance young viewers' understanding and enjoyment of this timeless story. From "Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy" to "Waltz of the Snowflakes," Rose Menes' delightful staging and choreography, coupled with colorful costumes and Tchaikovsky's timeless score, will captivate audiences of all ages.

Brooklyn Center for the Performing Arts' Target FamilyFun series also includes Fred Garbo Inflatable Theatre Co. (February 8, 2009 at 2pm); The Wizard of Oz (March 8, 2009 at 2pm); and Hot Peas ‘N Butter (April 5, 2009). All tickets for Target FamilyFun performances are $6.

About Dance Theatre in Westchester

Dance Theatre in Westchester is a professional company founded in 1979 by Artistic Director Rose Menes. With a repertoire that includes The Colonial Nutcracker, Sleeping Beauty, Peter and the Wolf, and Cinderella, the company engages both professional dancers from around the world as well as talented students from throughout the tri-state area for its ballets. In addition to creating all of the staging and choreography for her company, Ms. Menes has also choreographed several operas including The Merry Widow, Faust, and Orfeo ed Eurydice at theaters ranging from the Williams Center for the Perfoming Arts in New Jersey to the Anchorage Opera in Alaska.

About Brooklyn Center for the Performing Arts

Founded in 1954, the mission of Brooklyn Center for the Performing Arts is to present outstanding performing arts and arts education programs, reflective of Brooklyn's diverse communities, at affordable prices. Brooklyn Center's presentations explore both the classical traditions and the boldest contemporary performances, embracing the world culture that defines Brooklyn. Brooklyn Center for the Performing Arts welcomes over 70,000 people to the 2,400 seat Walt Whitman Theatre each season, and boasts one of the largest arts education programs in the borough, serving schoolchildren from over 225 schools annually. Brooklyn Center for the Performing Arts was recently awarded Brooklyn's Best Place for Family Bonding as part of Nickelodeon's ParentsConnect's 2008 Parents' Picks Awards.

The Colonial Nutcracker at Brooklyn Center for the Performing Arts
Walt Whitman Theatre at Brooklyn College, 2900 Campus Road, Brooklyn
(2 train to Flatbush Avenue / on-site paid parking available)
Sunday, December 14, 2008 at 2PM
Tickets: $6
Running time: approximately one hour
Recommended for ages 5 and up

Online orders: BrooklynCenterOnline.org
Box Office: (718) 951-4500, Tuesday - Saturday, 1PM - 6PM
Groups of 15 or more: (718) 951-4600, ext. 22

Brooklyn Center for the Performing Arts' 2008-09 Target FamilyFun series is sponsored by Target.

Brooklyn Center for the Performing Arts' programs are made possible in part with public funding from the City of New York Department of Cultural Affairs and the National Endowment for the Arts. Funding for Brooklyn Center for the Performing Arts' 2008-2009 season is provided by: JP Morgan Chase; Independence Community Foundation; Con Edison; National Grid; Citi Foundation; Commerce Bank; Macy's; The Harkness Foundation for Dance; Air Jamaica; the Carnegie Corporation of New York; and the Lila Acheson Wallace Theater Fund, established in the New York Community Trust by founders of The Reader's Digest Association. Additional support provided by the Best Western Gregory Hotel, Courier-Life Publications, The Brooklyn Eagle, and The Brooklyn Paper.

Brooklyn Center gratefully acknowledges the support of the Brooklyn Delegation of the New York State Assembly: Assemblymembers William F. Boyland, William Colton, Steven Cymbrowitz, Diane Gordon, Janele Hyer-Spencer, Rhoda Jacobs, Alan Maisel, Joan Millman, Felix Ortiz, N. Nick Perry, Sheldon Silver, Darryl C. Towns, Helene E. Weinstein; and members of the Brooklyn Delegation of the New York State Senate: Senators Eric Adams, Martin Golden, Kevin Parker and John L. Sampson. Brooklyn Center thanks the New York City Council: Councilmembers Simcha Felder, Domenic M. Recchia Jr., Kendall B. Stewart, and Albert Vann, Council Speaker Christine C. Quinn, and Cultural Affairs Commissioner Kate D. Levin.