Culture Vulture: The Nutcracker Ballet Returns To Hanover Theatre
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Friday, November 15, 2013
Susan Wagner, GoLocalWorcester Contributor
See The Nutcracker November 29-December 1 at the Hanover Theatre.
Experience the beloved holiday tradition of The Nutcracker as it returns to the
Hanover Theatre for the Performing Arts for the seventh consecutive year.
Ballet Arts Worcester’s own version of this timeless classic is a treat for audiences of all ages.
The holiday ballet everyone loves has become a family tradition in a whole new way in the Calandra household. Thirteen year old Isabella Calandra of Grafton was cast as the lead role of Clara. Isabella debuted in Ballet Arts Worcester’s production of The Nutcracker playing a mouse when she was seven years old. Her sister Sophia was cast as Clara in the production two years ago and this year will dance supporting roles. The girls’ youngest sister, 11 year old Arianna, will be performing minor roles as well.
Ballet Arts Worcester owner Jennifer Agbay says the sisters were cast in the same role for very different reasons. “We cast Isabella as Clara this year because she has a juvenile quality that this role needs. She can create this young persona yet be very strong technically. We cast Sophia as Clara two years ago because she was very technically advanced. She ended up really growing artistically through the show and we saw huge development from dancer to artist.”
One hundred and twenty five local ballet students auditioned for the show this year, which according to Agbay, made competition fierce. “I cast the parts with two other teachers,” says Abgay. “These roles are precise and require high level technique, artistry and acting. The role of Clara is particularly challenging to cast because we have to find a girl who can manage this demanding role with the appearance and movement of a child.”
Ballet Arts Worcester will present The Nutcracker at The Hanover Theatre for Performing Arts, November 29 through December 1st. Set to Tchaikovsky's unforgettable score, The Nutcracker tells the timeless story of Clara, a young girl who receives a wooden nutcracker as a Christmas gift. That night she dreams that her nutcracker comes to life and, together, they battle the wicked Mouse King. As he and Clara defeat the ferocious king, her nutcracker transforms into a handsome prince and takes Clara on a great adventure to the Sugar Plum Fairy's magical Kingdom of Sweets.
Audiences can enjoy this limited-engagement performance at The Hanover Theatre November 29-December 1. Tickets are $24, $30, and $36*. A $3 discount is available for members of The Hanover Theatre, groups of 15 or more, corporate partners, kids, students and WOO Card holders. A $1 discount is available for Price Chopper Advantage card holders. Tickets are available online at TheHanoverTheatre.org, by phone at 877.571.SHOW (7469) or at The Hanover Theatre box office located at 2 Southbridge Street in downtown Worcester. The Nutcracker is sponsored by Commerce Bank and Price Chopper.
Central MA Culture Vulture is the portal for arts and cultural events in the region. The heart of Massachusetts, rich in arts and culture, provides a wide array of events in venues that range from refurbished architectural gems to full stadiums. Central MA Culture Vulture will shine a weekly spotlight highlighting one of the many diverse cultural opportunities.
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