Festival Ballet Providence presents Tchaikovsky’s ‘The Nutcracker’ at PPAC

Posted 12/18/13

The spectacle and artistry of Rhode Island’s premier ballet company, Festival Ballet Providence, will take place in its annual production of one of the most timeless and magical holiday traditions, …

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Festival Ballet Providence presents Tchaikovsky’s ‘The Nutcracker’ at PPAC

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The spectacle and artistry of Rhode Island’s premier ballet company, Festival Ballet Providence, will take place in its annual production of one of the most timeless and magical holiday traditions, “The Nutcracker.” A “must-see” event, “The Nutcracker” will be performed on the stage of the opulent Providence Performing Arts Center for four performances only, Dec. 20-22. Ticket sales are brisk so early purchase is recommended.

This year, the FBP Company will be joined on stage by 125 talented, local young dancers (in rotating casts of the ballet) who audition to perform the roles of Angels, Party Children, Candy Dolls, Mice, Soldiers and Russian dancers. These young performers represent not only the Festival Ballet School but also dozens of dance schools from across the region from Rhode Island as well as from Massachusetts. The excitement will be palpable as these young students realize their dreams and recreate the magic of this beloved ballet.

Archie, FBP’s Yorkshire terrier mascot, opens the show as he makes his 115th appearance in “The Nutcracker” in his annual “prance” across the stage is a delight to everyone in the audience. This darling dog knows his role and loves performing it always with the utmost grace.

The young students who have auditioned along with those from the FBP school have a rare and exciting opportunity to perform alongside the FBP professional company. Joining the exclusive but growing roster of FBP School students performing the lead role of Clara is Lan Pricolo, a promising young FBP student who has grown and matured over her years in the FBP School.

Another first that is very special to the FBP family are the addition of two Adaptive Dance Program students: Sean Muldoon and Alyzabeth Bertrand. These two students are among the most dedicated and promising young students in FBP’s Adaptive Dance program, which is designed for children with Downs Syndrome. This performance comes on the heels of Muldoon and Bertrand’s leading roles in FBP’s season-opening all-star gala “Together We Dance 3.” The two will appear in the Party Scene along side dozens of their FBP School friends.

“The Nutcracker” tells the story of a young girl named Clara, who on Christmas Eve receives a gift from her mysterious uncle, Herr Drosselmeyer. After falling asleep with the toy cradled in her arms, Clara is startled awake by a group of terrifying mice who are the same size as she is. An exciting battle ensues between the gang of mice and an army of larger-than-life toy soldiers led by The Nutcracker, who has grown and come to life. The battle ends with a sword fight between the Mouse Queen and The Nutcracker, who ultimately wins the fight. He takes Clara on an adventure through a forest filled with snowflakes that float and dance through the air. Then, they arrive at the Kingdom of Sweets, led by the Sugar Plum Fairy herself, who invites the entire kingdom to dance.

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