Maine State Ballet to Launch Holiday Season with THE NUTCRACKER

Maine State Ballet kicks off the holiday season with eight performances of its glorious production of The Nutcracker at Merrill Auditorium Friday, November 24 through Sunday, December 3.

Maine State Ballet has been staging The Nutcracker since 1976, making it the longest-running Nutcracker in Maine. This is the original classic production, set in early 19th century Germany, featuring Clara, Fritz, Uncle Drosselmeyer and all the familiar characters. Maine State Ballet is the only company in Maine with permission to perform original choreography by world-renowned choreographer George Balanchine. His classic choreography can be seen during Snowflakes, Waltz of the Flowers, and the Marzipan Shepherdess dance. All other choreography is by Artistic Director Linda MacArthur Miele.

This beloved family tradition features live music from the Maine State Ballet Orchestra, conducted by Carla M. Kelley Brenner, accompanied by the voices of the new Maine State Ballet Choir. Gorgeous costumes and scenery by Production Designer and Associate Director Gail Csoboth make The Nutcracker a feast for the eyes. And, of course, beautiful dancing by 30 professional Company members along with 300 dancers of all ages from across southern Maine make Maine State Ballet's production of The Nutcracker the largest and most spectacular in northern New England.

The role of Clara is shared this year by Principal Soloist Adrienne Pelletier and Soloist Brooke Sowerby, who will be making her debut. Principal Dancer Nathaniel Dombek reprises his role as the Cavalier, and Corps de Ballet member Boomer Druchniak will debut as the Nutcracker Prince. Principal Dancers Veronica Druchniak and Rhiannon Pelletier split the demanding roles of the Sugar Plum Fairy and the Dew Drop Fairy. Character Artist Fred Bernier plays the mysterious Drosselmeyer, and Principal Dancer Roberto Forleo brings his boundless energy to the roles of Toy Soldier and Russian.

Performances of Maine State Ballet's The Nutcracker run two weekends only, at Merrill Auditorium in Portland. Performances dates are Friday, November 24 at 2:00 p.m.; Saturday, November 25 at 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.; Sunday, November 26 at 2:00 p.m.; Friday, December 1 at 7:00 p.m.; Saturday, December 2 at 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.; and Sunday, December 3 at 2:00 p.m.

Tickets are on sale through Porttix at 207-842-0800, or www.porttix.com, or at the Merrill Auditorium Box Office (Open Monday through Saturday, 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.).

Tickets are priced at $21-66, with discounts available for groups, seniors & children. Friday, Dec. 1 is Student Night. Specially-discounted student tickets for that show only can be purchased by calling or visiting the Merrill Auditorium Box Office.

For more information, call Maine State Ballet at 207-781-7672, or visit www.mainestateballet.org.

Maine State Ballet, based in Falmouth, Maine, is one of New England's leading performing arts institutions and twice named Maine's Best Dance Group by Downeast Magazine. Its two components are the School for the Performing Arts, offering instruction in ballet, tap, jazz and other dance styles to more than 500 children and adults; and the Maine State Ballet Company, comprised of more than 25 professional dancers. Maine State Ballet is a nonprofit organization.

Pictured: Maine State Ballet's The Nutcracker. Photo by C.C. Church.