What’s a winter without The Nutcracker? Ballet BC brings Alberta Ballet back in the holiday classic The Nutcracker, at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre from December 28 to 31
with live music by the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra. “The Nutcracker is unforgettable family entertainment that is sure to enrich your holiday season,” said Ballet BC Artistic Director Emily Molnar. Not convinced? Here are eight reasons to buy your tickets right now.
1. Relax! It’s the holidays
With five dates to choose from after Christmas, The Nutcracker is the perfect way to chill out and relax during your winter break. Better yet, give the gift of The Nutcracker to your special someone during the holidays and make it a date night!
Image: Paul McGrath
2. The Sound of Music
Enjoy music performed live from the one and only Vancouver Symphony Orchestra. Founded in 1919, the VSO performs more than 140 concerts a year to more than 200,000 people. You’ll get goosebumps from the 48 members of the VSO live and in flesh from the QE orchestra pit.
3. Million Dollar Baby
Alberta Ballet’s show features million dollar sets and costumes from Emmy Award-winning designer Zack Brown. How cool is that?! Zack Brown has designed sets and costumes for more than 150 productions, from the Metropolitan Opera to the Washington Opera at the Kennedy Center. His sets give “WOW” a whole new meaning. You’ll be dazzled.
Image: Darren Makoivichuk
4. The costumes
On that note, wait until you see Brown’s costumes. There are 13 layers of tulle in the Sugar Plum Fairy’s tutu, 65 costumes worn on stage by Alberta Ballet company dancers for each performance and 60 costumes worn by the children. That’s a total of 125 costumes.
Image: Darren Makoivichuk
5. Guilt-free sweets
Not to give anything away, but… let’s just say there is a sugar rush on stage during the second act. Hot chocolate, coffee, candy canes and marzipan come to life – you’ll never feel less guilty enjoying sweets as you will during this show!
6. The real deal
If you haven’t had the pleasure of seeing Alberta Ballet before, you’re in for a treat. As Canada’s second largest ballet company, they have a company of 30 classically trained professional dancers from as far away as Japan and as close to home as… Alberta.
[youtube id=”xr0o5JD8rfg”]
7. Make it a tradition
When was the last time you had a family outing? Make The Nutcracker your holiday tradition by bringing your family together this December. With a little something for everyone in this classic show, including a fight scene, romance and whimsical dance sequences, you’re sure to leave the theatre with a smile on your face.
8. Support local
The cast features more than 100 local children (not all in the same performance) from Lower Mainland dance schools across Vancouver, Burnaby, Richmond, Delta Tsawwassen, Surrey and North Vancouver! Check out this rehearsal photo. How cute are they?! Now imagine them dressed up in 19th Century Imperial Russian gear.
Image: Taryn Langeman
Alberta Ballet’s The Nutcracker
Dates:
Saturday, Dec. 28 at 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, Dec.29 at 2 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.
Monday, Dec. 30 at 7:30 p.m.
Tuesday, Dec. 31 at 2 p.m.
Where: Queen Elizabeth Theatre – 649 Cambie Street, Vancouver
Tickets: Through Ticketmaster at 1-855-985-ARTS (2878) or online at balletbc.com or ticketmaster.ca ranging in price from $26.50 to $85 (plus service charges). Family packs and child prices are available.
Feature Image: Paul McGrath
Advertorial. If you are interested in sponsored content, please contact us.
Follow Channels and Categories