The Omaha Theater Ballet Brings THE IMPERIAL NUTCRACKER to The Orpheum Theatre, 12/3-12/6

The professional dancers of Omaha Theater Ballet will ignite holiday spirit with their production of The Imperial Nutcracker presented at The Orpheum Theatre December 3-6. First premiered in 2007, this ballet features all of the splendor and majesty of imperial Russia. Making this thoroughly delightful production even more irresistible, patrons can save up to $10 off the price of each ticket by taking advantage of a variety of discounts being offered this year.

To make sure everyone has the opportunity to see The Imperial Nutcracker this holiday season, tickets have been reduced to $24 - $36, which is a $5 reduction off last year’s prices. In addition, with coupons available at any Omaha/Council Bluffs Hy-Vee Food Store, patrons can save an additional $3 per ticket. Rose members will receive the best ticket discount, which is an automatic $5 off the already reduced price range of $24 - $36 by providing the ticket agent with their member ID number.

The traditional Nutcracker ballet tells the story of a young girl named Clara who receives a handsome Nutcracker Doll from her favorite Uncle Drosselmeyer during a wondrous holiday party. Later that night, she falls asleep and her incredible dream begins. In her dream, fantasy and reality blend together to take her on a fantastic journey to magical lands filled with fascinating characters. During her adventure, she saves her Nutcracker, transforming him into a handsome prince. To thank Clara for saving him, he introduces her to the Sugar Plum Fairy who commands a spectacular celebration
to thank the young heroine.

The Imperial Nutcracker offers a very traditional version of this classic story-ballet. It takes place in 1892 in the opulent golden age of St. Petersburg, Russia which inspired Tchaikovsky’s famous musical score. Omaha Theater Ballet Artistic Director Robin Welch and Set Designer Thom Peterson created this beautiful version by translating the grandeur and essence of the era into their sets, costumes, characters and choreography.

“This production allows us all – both children and adults – to see the world through the eyes of Clara and to transport us to a magical realm where anything is possible,” said Welch. “From the lavish sets and costumes to the exquisite dancing and choreography, every detail of this production reflects the boundless imagination of a child and the opulence of the era.”

The Imperial Nutcracker will showcase the amazing artistry of the professional dancers of Omaha Theater Ballet. The impressive cast also features more than 100 local children who auditioned for the coveted roles of Clara, Fritz, the Nutcracker mice and others.

In its first two years, The Imperial Nutcracker has been a favorite of audiences and critics alike. In its 2008 review, the Omaha World-Herald raved “It’s an ideal holiday treat…offering enough smoke, pixie dust and magic to satisfy even the most discriminating of 6-year-olds.”

The Imperial Nutcracker will be presented December 3 – 6 at the Orpheum Theatre with
performances at 7:30 pm on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, and at 2 pm on Saturday and Sunday. Tickets are on sale now at Ticket Omaha at (402) 345-0606 or www.ticketomaha.org. Group rates are available for parties of 10 or more by contacting Deidra at (402) 661-8516 or groups@omahaperformingarts.org.

The Rose’s 2009/2010 season is sponsored by Children’s Hospital & Medical Center. The Imperial Nutcracker is sponsored by Roberts Dairy, Hy-Vee Food Stores, KGOR 99.9 FM, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 and the Nebraska Arts Council.

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