New Bedford Ballet will perform its annual production of A New England Nutcracker December 1 through 9 at the NBB Community Theatre, located at 2343 Purchase Street in New Bedford. Journey back to the 1850s, as this favorite holiday story is reimagined through New Bedford’s historic whaling era, and prepare for the “City That Lit the World” to light up your holiday season.
Set to Tchaikovsky’s beloved score, the performance follows young Mary through a night of adventure. You’ll begin at the lavish home of Captain Ephraim Williams where many guests, including Herman Melville, arrive at a holiday party, and the family celebrates the homecoming of the Captain after years at sea. He shares tales of his travels and comes bearing gifts, including exotic dancing animals, and of course, a beautiful nutcracker for young Mary. After Mary drifts to sleep, the real adventures begin as the audience watches battling mice and soldiers, ending with the triumphant defeat of the Mouse Queen. The magical journey continues as Mary sails through dancing snowflakes to the Land of Sweets. The performance is filled with colorful and playful characters from around the globe, including those unique to the New England region. The audience is entertained by Chinese, Spanish, French, and Russian dancers, as well as whaling sailors and Native Americans. The performance brings a much-loved international holiday tale into our hometown.
This original adaptation of the traditional Nutcracker ballet, created by Rebecca Waskiel-Marchesseault, Director of the New Bedford Ballet, features choreography by Ms. Waskiel-Marchesseault, Erin Petitjean Allen, and Eugenia Zinovieva. The performance takes place in New Bedford Ballet’s studio, offering an intimate environment charged with the dancers’ energy. This simple version with narration is engaging for children, and the hour-long performance is perfect for anyone juggling the many events that fill the holiday season.
Ten performances will take place over two weekends:
Saturday,December 1at 1:30 pm and 3:00 pm
Sunday, December 2at 1:30 pm and 3:00 pm
Friday, December 7at 6:30 pm and 8:00 pm
Saturday,December 8at 1:30 pm and 3:00 pm
Sunday, December 9at 1:30 pm and 3:00 pm
Ticket prices are $12 for adults and $7 for seniors, students, and children. Group rates for non-profit organizations are available. All proceeds from the ballet support the New Bedford Ballet Foundation, a non-profit organization. For over twenty years, the Foundation has granted scholarships and given thousands of area school children and seniors the opportunity to witness the splendor and beauty of ballet. As a result of private and corporate contributions to the Foundation, the Youth Ballet will also be performing A New England Nutcracker for students from PACE Head Start, Early Learning Center, the Schwartz Center for Children, the Kennedy-Donovan Center, Hayden-McFadden Elementary School, and adults from Project Independence.
Celebrate the season with this classic holiday story that never gets old. Tickets are limited and sell quickly; reserve yours soon by contacting the New Bedford Ballet at 508-993-1387. For more information, visit our website, www.newbedfordballet.org.