Hartt Community Division's NUTCRACKER to Return this December

The Hartt School Community Division presents its annual production of Tchaikovsky's The Nutcracker beginning on December 12 at 7:30 p.m. This year the Community Division's beloved production will be enhanced by new sets designed by the University of Hartford's very own scenic artist, Paula Bleck.

Nutcracker Performance Information:

· Friday, December 12, at 7:30 p.m. · Saturday, December 13, at 7:30 p.m. · Sunday, December 14, at 2 p.m. · Friday, December 19 at 7:30 p.m. · Saturday, December 20 at 7:30 p.m. · Sunday, December 21 at 7:30 p.m.

To purchase tickets, available to the public beginning October 28, visit or call the University Box Office in Lincoln Theater, 860.768.4228 or 800.274.8587, or hartford.edu/hcd. Tickets are $30 for adults, $15 for students 12 and under, and $20 for other students with valid ID and senior citizens. University of Hartford discount rates are not available for this production. Certain group rates and offers may be made available upon request. Contact Amanda Kilpatrick at 860.768.2495 for more information.

Also returning by popular demand and featuring a whole new plot, Nutty Nutcracker is a hilarious spoof on The Nutcracker with all new outrageous material. During last year's debut of Nutty Nutcracker, audience members were crying with laughter at the antics on stage. This performance not only showcases multiple casts of HCD's dancers, but also some of Hartt School's Musical Theater majors, local celebrities and dignitaries, as well as many other surprises. This season's off-the-wall twists are sure to have audience members rolling in the aisles again.

Nutty Nutcracker Performance Information:

• December 14, 7:00 p.m
• December 21, 7:00 p.m

All Nutty Nutcracker performances take place in Millard Auditorium. Tickets are $20. To purchase tickets, visit or call the University Box Office in Lincoln Theater, 860.768.4228 or 800.274.8587, or hartford.edu/hcd.

The Hartt School Community Division's annual presentation of Tchaikovsky's The Nutcracker premiered in December of 2011. It has become a beloved holiday tradition in the Greater Hartford community, and features an ever-growing cast of Hartt's most talented pre-professional ballet dancers. Set to Peter IIyitch Tchaikovsky's glorious score, The Nutcracker staged by Hartt Community Division's (HCD) Artistic Director, Samantha Dunster, is an exquisitely stunning production that makes for a family-friendly holiday experience.

Paula Bleck, The Hartt School's scenic artist, was asked by Ms. Dunster to take on the challenge of designing a new set that would feel more real and authentic. She will be revealing her new creations for the party and the snow scenes of Act One this year. Dunster says "Having a set that is our very own is a huge accomplishment for the school and one that will help solidify the tradition that we have created."

This season, HCD's production will feature, along with the magic that the sets will bring, a tree that grows to tremendous heights, falling snow, and the ultimate battle between Clara's beloved Nutcracker and his nemesis the Rat King. "The dancers look forward every year to the production of this time-honored tradition." Dunster says about the ballet. "It is not only the first opportunity [many] young dancers get to perform in a full-length ballet, but is also quite often the first exposure audience members have of this art form. This, combined with the world renowned score by Tchaikovsky, the radiant costumes, stunning sets and lighting, paired with our immensely talented dancers, makes for a magical experience for young and old alike."