Pennsylvania Ballet Celebrates 50 Years Of Performing THE NUTCRACKER

By: Nov. 02, 2018
Enter Your Email to Unlock This Article

Plus, get the best of BroadwayWorld delivered to your inbox, and unlimited access to our editorial content across the globe.




Existing user? Just click login.

Pennsylvania Ballet Celebrates 50 Years Of Performing THE NUTCRACKER

Philadelphia's favorite holiday tradition, now in its 50th year, returns as Pennsylvania Ballet and Artistic Director Angel Corella present George Balanchine's The Nutcracker. Presented by Cigna, performances run December 7-31 at the Academy of Music.

"We love capturing the holiday spirit of Philadelphia each year with The Nutcracker," said Angel Corella. "Whether it's your first year or 50th, join us for festive holiday magic while making lifelong memories. Some of our dancers actually got their start as children in The Nutcracker. For many at the Ballet, as well as our audience, this magical story is how they fell in love with the art form."

In 1968, Pennsylvania Ballet's founder, Barbara Weisberger, felt it was time to establish Pennsylvania Ballet as an important part of Philadelphia's cultural scene while also offering her dancers and students more opportunities to perform - an annual production of The Nutcracker was the perfect solution. Pennsylvania Ballet's performances of The Nutcracker quickly become an annual holiday tradition for thousands in the Philadelphia area, which over the past 50 years has been seen by well over a million people.

Immerse yourself in the magical tale of Marie and the Prince as they battle the Mouse King, dance in a glistening snow fall, and celebrate in the land of sweets. Dancers from The School of Pennsylvania Ballet join company members in this exquisite production with magical costumes and sets. The iconic Tchaikovsky score, performed live by the Pennsylvania Ballet Orchestra with accompaniment by the Philadelphia Boys Choir, makes this a holiday classic that Philadelphia audiences have loved for 50 years.

Once again, Pennsylvania Ballet is proud to offer a specially adjusted sensory-friendly performance on the main stage of the Academy of Music. In partnership with Art Reach, Pennsylvania Ballet will offer a theater experience focused on providing a relaxed atmosphere that is welcoming and inclusive of children and families with a wide range of sensory, learning, and communication differences including autism spectrum. The program gives families space to move around, permission to speak during the performance, and areas to decompress with assistance from trained staff. Prior to the performance, families will be provided Program and Facility Guide Books which outline the story of The Nutcracker with visual images and the layout of the Academy of Music. Pennsylvania Ballet is pleased to offer this performance again so that more families can enjoy this beloved tradition. The sensory friendly performance will be held on December 27, 2018 at 12:00 PM at The Academy of Music.

Performances at the Academy of Music:

- Friday December 7 at 7:00 PM

- Saturday December 8 at 2:00 PM

- Saturday December 8 at 7:00 PM

- Sunday December 9 at 12:00 PM

- Sunday December 9 at 5:00 PM

- Friday December 14 at 11:00 AM Student matinee performance*

- Friday December 14 at 7:00 PM

- Saturday December 15 at 12:00 PM

- Saturday December 15 at 5:00 PM

- Sunday December 16 at 12:00 PM

- Sunday December 16 at 5:00 PM

- Friday December 21 at 2:00 PM

- Friday December 21 at 7:00 PM

- Saturday December 22 at 11:00 AM

- Saturday December 22 at 3:00 PM

- Saturday December 22 at 7:00 PM

- Sunday December 23 at 12:00 PM

- Sunday December 23 at 5:00 PM

- Monday December 24 at 12:00 PM

- Wednesday December 26 at 2:00 PM

- Thursday December 27 at 12:00 PM Sensory friendly performance

- Thursday December 27 at 5:00 PM

- Friday December 28 at 2:00 PM

- Saturday December 29 at 12:00 PM

- Saturday December 29 at 5:00 PM

- Sunday December 30 at 5:00 PM

- Monday December 31 at 2:00 PM

Tea with the Sugarplum Fairy at the Academy of Music Ballroom

(Saturday, December 8 and Saturday, December 15 starting at 12PM)

Join the star of Philadelphia's most anticipated holiday tradition for a magical afternoon of tea and tutus at the Academy of Music Ballroom. Enjoy a delectable buffet and photo opportunity with the Sugarplum Fairy and experience a captivating performance of George Balanchine's The Nutcracker. To order, contact Manager of Sales and Audience Development Arajua Backman at abackman@paballet.org.

Founded in 1963 by Balanchine student and protégée Barbara Weisberger, Pennsylvania Ballet is one of the nation's leading ballet companies. In its most diverse season yet, the Pennsylvania Ballet presents six programs featuring two full length classical ballets, Balanchine classics, contemporary works, world premieres, and the Philadelphia holiday tradition, George Balanchine's The Nutcracker. For more information, visit pabllet.org, call 215.551.7000 or connect with us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube to get a behind the scenes looks at our dancers in the studio and onstage.



Videos