Yes, there’s a dizzying number of “The Nutcracker” performances right about now. This one, presented at The Grand Opera House December 17-19, is not to be missed.
First State Ballet Theatre, Delaware’s professional ballet company, joins forces with the Delaware Symphony Orchestra and the Wilmington Children’s Chorus to serve the ultimate holiday banquet. Think of it: Three acclaimed arts leaders coming together for an exceptional performance: David Amado (DSO), Pasha Kambalov (FSBT), and Kimberly Doucette (WCC).
“FSBT’s ‘Nutcracker’ on the mainstage of the Grand will be undoubtedly the finest Nutcracker in Delaware history,” says Robert Grenfell, FSBT’s president and executive director. “Add the DSO and the WCC to FSBT’s already sumptuous production with costumes from Russia and staging by Pasha Kambalov and you have a Delaware ‘Nutcracker’ for the ages.”
First State Ballet Theatre has offered professional, fully-staged major ballets such as “Coppélia,” “Don Quixote,” “Paquita” and “Sleeping Beauty,” as well as several mixed-repertory performances that exploded with original choreography from internationally acclaimed choreographers. Check it out.
The Wilmington Children’s Chorus is comprised of about 100 male and female singers, ranging in age from 8 to 18. Its mission is to nurture and develop a choir for the Greater Wilmington area, and to share a love and desire to excel in choral singing, performance and musical knowledge. The love is there. Just listen.
And, of course, the Grammy-nominated Delaware Symphony Orchestra has been in existence for more than 100 years, and has earned national, rave reviews for its music and it music director, David Amado. Read about the Latin Grammy nod.
The music of “The Nutcracker Ballet” was composed by Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky, but its story is based on “The Nutcracker and the King of Mice,” by E.T.A. Hoffman. The ballet revision, which is more reflective of the staging we see today, was written by French author Alexander Dumas. All three would be proud.
Contact info: First State Ballet: firststateballet.com, or 658-7897 x3851