Pacific Northwest Ballet to Present THE NUTCRACKER, Today

SEATTLE, WA - A new/old holiday tradition comes to Seattle! Pacific Northwest Ballet is excited to premiere the centerpiece of its 2015/2016 season, a sparkling new production of George Balanchine's The Nutcracker™ featuring eye-popping colorful sets and costumes designed by author/illustrator Ian Falconer (Olivia the Pig). PNB's new production still features Tchaikovsky's timeless score performed live by the mighty PNB Orchestra, and the beloved story of Clara, her Nutcracker prince, and a magical journey to delight audiences both young and old. "As a ten-year-old boy, I stepped onto the stage for the first time as a member of the cast of George Balanchine's Nutcracker," said PNB Artistic Director Peter Boal. "The magic of this production was evident from that moment on, and now to have the opportunity to bring it to Seattle audiences wrapped in the brilliance of Ian Falconer's designs is a dream come true."

PNB's new production of George Balanchine's The Nutcracker™ premieres at Seattle Center's McCaw Hall for 37 performances November 27 through December 28, 2015. Tickets may be purchased through the PNB Box Office at 206.441.2424, online at PNB.org, or in person at 301 Mercer St. No other ticket outlets are authorized to sell tickets for PNB's production of George Balanchine's The Nutcracker™.

With his work on George Balanchine's The Nutcracker™, designer Ian Falconer becomes PNB's second Artist-in-Residence (following Twyla Tharp). Mr. Falconer will be spending approximately 12 weeks in Seattle over the course of the year, working with PNB costumers, scenic artists, dancers and stagers, to bring this new production to life. At the end of the 2015/2016 season, the PNB School will present two performances of Christopher Wheeldon's Scènes de Ballet, featuring scenic design by Mr. Falconer. "Ian's blend of wit, wonder and ingenuity fills the stage and delights the viewer," said Mr. Boal. "How lucky we are to have him as PNB's second Artist-in-Residence."

In anticipation of its premiere, PNB is presenting a series of three special events over the next three months, to introduce audiences to the production. Curated by Audience Education Manager Doug Fullington, Exploring George Balanchine's The Nutcracker™ will give audiences a sneak-peek before the curtain goes up in November.

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