NUTCRACKER RETURNS WITH A FLURRY OF HOLIDAY ENCHANTMENT
RWB’s timeless family favourite promises to delight audiences of all ages
WINNIPEG—November 29, 2017. Join a holiday tradition nearly 20 years in the making. The Royal Winnipeg Ballet (RWB)’s Nutcracker, a Canadian Christmas staple, returns to the Centennial Concert Hall from December 21-30. Audiences will be swept away with the story of Clara and the Nutcracker Prince while experiencing the magic of the Sugar Plum Fairy, Filbert, reindeer, and polar bear cubs as they are brought to life on stage.
Nutcracker features stunningly beautiful and intricate costumes, set designs reminiscent of Winnipeg at the turn of the century, and lighting that illuminates the stage with magical winter wonderland effects. The Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra completes the time-honored traditions as they accompany the dancers with Tchaikovsky’s brilliant and enduring score.
“The Royal Winnipeg Ballet has performed Nutcracker annually since 1999 and has become a classic family tradition for Winnipeggers”, states André Lewis, Artistic Director, Royal Winnipeg Ballet. “Nutcracker highlights our Season of Storytelling with the enchanting tale of Clara and the Nutcracker Prince. Nutcracker, RWB’s largest production, I sure to bring out the child in all of us.”
A production as large as Nutcracker requires an equally large troupe of dancers. Two casts perform Nutcracker during its run, with guest walk-on roles and more than 30 dance students from the RWB School joining the Company dancers on stage each performance.
“The mice, Mounties, angels, reindeer, and polar bear cubs are students from our Recreational Division, while Clara and Dieter are played by students from our Professional Division,” says Jaime Vargas, Ballet Master and Community Outreach Coordinator, Royal Winnipeg Ballet.
Prior to Winnipeg’s performances, the RWB celebrates the spirit of the holidays with its production of Nutcracker at the National Arts Centre in Ottawa from December 6-10.
Nutcracker has been made possible in part by the Government of Canada, the Canada Council for the Arts, and the Manitoba Arts Council. The RWB would like to express their gratitude to Great West Life, Premier Sponsor of Nutcracker.
CALENDAR LISTING
What:
Nutcracker
Location:
Centennial Concert Hall, 555 Main Street, Winnipeg, Manitoba
Date:
Thursday, December 21 to Saturday, December 30, 2017
Time:
7:00 pm December 21, 22, 23, 28, 29; matinees at 1:00 pm on December 23, 30; afternoon at 4:00 pm on December 26
Tickets:
Tickets for Nutcracker start as low as $29.00 for adults and $25.00 for children plus taxes and fees and can be purchased online at www.rwb.org, in person through the RWB Customer Service Office at 380 Graham Avenue or by calling 204-956-2792 or toll free 1-800-667-4792. Groups of ten or more should contact the RWB Customer Service Office for more information on group discounts.
“a captivating fantasy…rapturously romantic.” Winnipeg Free Press, 2011
“RWB hasn’t lost fairy-tale touch…seasonal tradition delightful, dazzling.” Winnipeg Free Press 2015
“Royal Winnipeg Ballet’s talent is pristine and flawless, never missing a beat with this ever-moving narrative.” Lords of Dogwood, 2014
About Nutcracker
Royal Winnipeg Ballet’s acclaimed production of Nutcracker is a sheer delight, and features endearing Canadian scenes such as a snowy pond hockey game and a scene on Parliament Hill and 13 heart-warming polar bears! Danced to Tchaikovsky’s timeless score, Nutcracker featuring the dancers of the Royal Winnipeg Ballet and performed by the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra, will take you on a wondrous adventure this holiday season.