The Kansas City Ballet Presents THE NUTCRACKER, Now thru 12/24

Kansas City Ballet presents its 42nd annual production of Todd Bolender'sThe Nutcracker at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts from today, Dec. 6 through 24, 2014. This two act ballet is a holiday experience unlike any other in Kansas City. It delights audiences with its magnificent sets and costumes. Special effects like the magical Christmas tree never fail to elicit gasps of surprise and applause.

Tchaikovsky's memorable score carries us to a world of child-like wonder where troublesome mice are tamed by toy soldiers, the stage is covered with snow and snowflake clad ballerinas as we travel to the Kingdom of Sweets presided over by the Sugar Plum Fairy and her cavalier. For over four decades the opening of this production has marked the start of the holiday season.

Featuring dozens of colorful characters, all led by the extraordinary professional dancers of Kansas City Ballet, the Kansas City Ballet Second Company and 150 students selected from the Kansas City Ballet School, this production is one of the region's most successful presentations. Adding to the luster of the experience are the musicians of the Kansas City Symphony under the baton of Kansas City Ballet Music Director and Conductor Ramona Pansegrau who brings to life this beloved and familiar score.

Following a remarkable run of 33 years and more than 600 performances, this season's presentation marks the final performances of this revered production before it is retired and archived.

In 2015, Kansas City Ballet will present the World Premiere of its new Nutcracker destined to provide joy and awe to coming generations of children and adults across future decades. Choreographed by Kansas City Ballet Artistic Director Devin Carney, this new full-length holiday tale will be a traditional yet lively, adventurous and reimagined production employing state of the art technology and stagecraft to magnify the experience in the audience's eyes as it tells the story of Clara, the Mouse King, and her Nutcracker prince.

"After more than three decades of presenting this glorious holiday tradition, we felt it was time to introduce a new production for our audiences - one that utilizes the most current theater technology and design techniques," Carney said. "It should be said, one that can showcase the considerable talent that we currently have in our company of 40 dancers including our second company troupe. Every generation of artists improves upon itself; it's the natural product of the daily pursuit of excellence. Today we have without question a collection of the most technically accomplished and artistically mature dance artists we have ever assembled as a group at one time. We owe it to them, as well as to our audience members, to provide them with challenges, to offer them new ideas, and to ask more of them so that they may give more back to our community and to our art form."

Sponsors

The Nutcracker is presented by Bank of America.

Ticket Information

This classic American tradition is extremely popular and those interested in purchasing tickets are advised to act quickly. Tickets may be purchased by telephone at 816.931.2232, in person at the Kansas City Ballet Box Office located at the Bolender Center at 500 W. Pershing Rd. (west of Union Station) or with "Select Your Own Seat" capability online at kcballet.org. Tickets also may be purchased at the Kauffman Center Box Office and website. Visit the Kansas City Ballet website for more information about performance times, seating options and parking atkcballet.org. Ticket prices range from $29 to $119. There is a $6.00 Kauffman Center facilities/service fee per ticket.

Parking and Downtown Maps

Information and maps for Kauffman Center parking and construction updates can be found online athttp://www.kcballet.org/planyourvisit. The Arts District parking garage, immediately south of - and underneath - the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts, is the primary parking garage for Kansas City Ballet patrons. Event parking is $8 per car and can be purchased in advance or at the gate upon arrival.

Nutcracker Ball Presented by the Kansas City Ballet Guild
Don't miss the most delightfully festive party in town - the Ballet Guild's 47th annual Nutcracker Ball, Friday, Dec. 5, 2014 at Union Station in downtown Kansas City. The evening begins with an enchanting cocktail hour accompanied by endless Christmas goodies, followed by a delicious three-course meal and a behind-the-scenes VIP performance by Kansas City Ballet dancers. Dance all night at Kansas City's premier holiday event to the music of The Michael Beers Band! The Honorary Chair is James Jordan, former Kansas City Ballet Master. The Chair is Anna Allen. For more information, contact balletball@kcballet.org or 816-216-5606 or visit kcbguild.org.

The 20th Annual Sugar Plum Fairy Children's Ball

The Sugar Plum Fairy Children's Ball takes place from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2014 at Sprint Festival Plaza at Union Station in downtown Kansas City. Guests will park at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts and be whisked off to the beautiful Union Station and the magic of the holidays. Children will delight in having their complimentary picture taken with the Sugar Plum Fairy, watching traveling magicians and interacting with costumed characters. Parents will enjoy shopping at our fantastic silent auction. You will dine on a delicious lunch prepared by Lon Lane's Inspired Occasions, enjoy entertainment provided by Kansas City Youth Ballet and dance with your family and friends to holiday music. The excitement continues as a shuttle transports you to the 2 p.m. matinee performance of everyone's holiday favorite, The Nutcracker.

This event is committed to promoting the arts, Kansas City Ballet's production of The Nutcracker and raising funds for the Kansas City Ballet School and its scholarship program. Luncheon tables for 10 are on sale for $1,500. Individual luncheon tickets ($70 child/$85 adult) and luncheon/show packages ($110 child/$125 adult) are on sale now. For reservations or more information contact Rene Horne at 816.216.5589.

The Holiday End-of-Year Campaign

This holiday season Kansas City Ballet is partnering with the Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Kansas City to send area children and their families to The Nutcracker. For many local children, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see the Ballet, experience The Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts, and enjoy live music provided by Kansas City Symphony. A gift of only $50 will send one child to The Nutcracker; $200 will send a family of four. To donate to this initiative, please contact Michaela Pearce, Manager of Individual Giving at816.216.5597 or mpearce@kcballet.org.

The Nutcracker Special Events Calendar

Fri., Dec. 5 Nutcracker Ball at Union Station, Cocktails 6:30 p.m., Dinner 8:00 p.m.
Sat., Dec. 6 Sugar Plum Fairy Children's Ball at Union Station 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Sat., Dec. 6 The Nutcracker opens at 2:00 p.m.

The Nutcracker

December 6-24, 2014 | Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts | Music performed by Kansas City Symphony

Kansas City's favorite holiday tradition continues with the final presentation of Todd Bolender's delightful version of The Nutcracker. Presented by Bank of America.