REVIEW ,'
The character Arabian is shown in "The Nutcracker" performance.
UNCS A celebrates
50th anniversary
of 'Nutcracker'
BY NIKKI BALDWIN
FOR THE CHRONICLE
The Friday, Dec. 9
opening night of "The
Nutcracker" presented a
magical journey for adults
and children, with a live
orchestra accompanying
the performance of the
ensemble.
The two-act ballet pre
sented by the University of
North Carolina School of
the Arts (UNCSA) cele
brates the 50th anniversary
since the first time it was
staged in 1966.
"The Nutcracker"
begins with the annual
Christmas party of the
Silverhauses, with Clara,
one of the Silverhaus chil
idreu, receiving a nutcrack
er from the family's long
time friend Herr
Drosselmeyer, who is
known for his legendary
magic. Drosselmeyer, who
arrives with his nephew
Sascha, hopes his nephew
hits it off with Clara.
Toward the end of the
night, the real magic begins
to take place. Upon saying
goodnight to each other,
Clara and Sascha are
placed under a spell by
Drosselmeyer that sends
the pair on a magical jour
ney.
The magical journey
spotlighted a realistic set
with magic illusions that
made the ballet come to
life. The changing set from
the location of the terrify
ing Mouse King and his
humorous gang, to the
beautiful forest of the
Snowflakes and to the
Land of Sweets transported
audience members to the
magical land created by
Drosselmeyer.
"The Nutcracker" dis
played a ballet with beauti
ful costumes and illusions
that made audiences
believe in the magic per
formed by Drosselmeyer
and in the spellbinding
magical land he created.
The ballet was turned into a
realm of realism that was
mesmerizing for all who
witnessed it.
The ballet was held at
the Stevens Center, with
seasonal merchandise that
was offered for purchase,
with proceeds benefitting
the UNCSA Parent Support
Organization. The organi
zation helps support
UNCSA's high school pro
grams and students.
"The Nutcracker" will
be performed today, Dec.
15, through Dec. 18, with
showcase guest dancers
Megan LeCrone and
Martin Harvey performing
as the Sugar Plum Fairy
and Cavalier Prince.
LeCrone, a soloist for the
New York City Ballet, and
Harvey, an accomplished
actor and award-winning
former member of
London's Royal Ballet
Company, will perform on
Thursday, Dec. 15.
The Dec. 15-17 per
formance begins at 7:30
p.m. and the Dec. 17-18
performance will be held at
2 p.m.
For ticket information,
contact the Stevens Center
Box Office at 336-721
1945 or at
uncsaevents.com.
The characters flowers are shown in "The Nutcracker" performance.
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THRILLER
4-PACK ^ k
Bring your friends and
save with this special offeii
Prices begin as low as $66
for four tickets, based on
seating. Available only mm
by phone: 336-464-0146.
?
For Tickets +V cv" -o8w<*
WSsymphony.org ? 336-464-0145! Sir <3^ eg?. *W
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