Festival Ballet's 'Nutcracker' Dec. 18-19
Special to The Facts
Published November 7, 2004

Close your eyes make a wish and open your heart. Experience the warmth of the holiday season when you see Festival Ballet’s production of “The Nutcracker.”

Festival Ballet unwraps its glittering holiday treat at the Alvin Community College theater, 3110 Mustang Road, with both evening and matinee performances on Dec. 18 and 19.

The 2 p.m. performance on Dec. 19 is a special “Sugar Plum Day at the Ballet.” Children who come dressed in their favorite costume will receive a complimentary gift.

Audience members will enjoy the time-honored story by E.T.A. Hoffman of one very special night. Every toy under the Christmas tree comes alive with all the splendor and merriment of the season.

The stage will be filled with magnificent costumes and spectacular sets, including a tree that grows tall and falling snow that blankets a Nutcracker wonderland!

“The Nutcracker” is a fairy-tale story that never fails to enchant — from the spinning snowflakes and waltzing flowers, to the toy soldiers battling the Mouse King, and of course, the Nutcracker Prince, the Sugar Plum Fairy and her dashing Cavalier.

“It's a wonderful story that never grows old,” said Festival Ballet artistic director Deborah Rayburn.

It’s “a beloved holiday tradition that touches the hearts of young and old alike,” she said.

This “Nutcracker” includes talented young dancers from the greater Houston area, including Brazoria County, who have roles in Festival Ballet’s production.

Open auditions were held at the Academy of Ballet and Dance Arts in Lake Jackson. The opportunity to perform in a production of this caliber is an experience the young dancers will treasure.

As always, Festival Ballet performances feature both professional guest artists and local area dancers. The guest artists for this production include Norbert Nirewicz (Polish National Ballet), and Sara Coats (Carolina Ballet).

Festival Ballet will present a Sugar Plum Fairy Tea at 2 p.m. on Nov. 28 at the Lake Jackson Civic Center.

Bring your special sugar plum and enjoy a Nutcracker Tea. The event is an opportunity to sample treats from the Land of the Sweets, enjoy Nutcracker Story Time and meet the dancers dressed in costume.

Admission is $10 and space is limited. Tickets for the events may be purchased in person at the Academy of Ballet studios, 435 This Way, Lake Jackson or charged by phone at (979) 292-0117, or online at www.festivalballet.info.

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