OPA to Present THE NUTCRACKER in December

Olmsted Performing Arts (OPA) in Olmsted Falls presents Tchaikovsky's most famous ballet, "The Nutcracker" this December.

"The Nutcracker" is a tale that follows the young Clara to gorgeous lands of Ice and Snow and Sweets. Clara meets a Nutcracker prince, an evil Mouse Kind and a Sugar Plum Fairy, among others. There are epic battles, beautiful dances, incredible displays of heartwarming joy and the inescapable feeling that you have witnessed a holiday classic that has made audiences smile for generations.

A Christmas time tradition at OPA, "The Nutcracker" is being directed once again by OPA dance instructor, Elyria native, and former member of the St. Louis Ballet, Janet Strukely-Dziak.
"Nutcracker is always such a magical experience for families during the holidays," says Strukely-Dziak. "I want the audience to be left in awe of the spectacle of the theater along with the impressive technical feats of professional classical ballet, and really feel like they are part of Clara's dream."

The large cast of around 100 professional and community dancers, actors, students and staff members of "The Nutcracker" has been practicing around 10 hours a week for at least three months. The cast members have taken acting classes, along with their one to 10 hours of ballet classes each week to make sure they can deliver the wide range of emotion and grace seen in "The Nutcracker."

Strukely-Dziak directs the ballet, with a bit of an angle toward a play, by including some strictly dramatic acting scenes and a narrator throughout the ballet. The approach gives the epic ballet an intimate feeling and makes it much easier to follow. Featured "The Nutcraker" cast members include renowned dancers Josh Landis (as Dr. Drosselmeyer), Jason Wang (as Harlequin Doll/Cavalier), Elizabeth Radachi (as a party guest), Marlee Roberts (as a the Dew Drop Fairy) and Strukely-Dziak (as the Columbine Doll/Sugar Plum).

"The Nutcracker" will be presented at the OPAC Dec. 5,6,12 and 13 at 7 p.m. and Dec. 7 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $13 - $18 and are available now.

Read an expansive interview with Strukely-Diaz about the "The Nutcracker" at OPA, and ballet in Cleveland, online at http://www.olmstedperformingarts.com

Before each performance of "The Nutcracker" will be the "Christmas in Italy" craft and food fair. The "Christmas in Italy" event will take place 90 minutes before each performance of "The Nutcracker." For tickets to "The Nutcracker" and more information on "The Nutcracker" and "Christmas in Italy" contact the OPA offices at 440.235.6722 or e-mail hq@olmstedperformingarts.com.

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