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Pictured, from left, are `Nutcracker` dancers Isabella Guerrucci, 13, of Lewiston; Lily Traver, 15, of Youngstown; and Clara stars Bailey Dinel and Carlyn McLean, both 11, and both from Niagara Falls, Ontario. The show is on stage Dec. 9-10 in Niagara Falls, New York. They are joined below by Fritz, Ethan Goyetche, 12, of Niagara Falls, Ontario.
Pictured, from left, are "Nutcracker" dancers Isabella Guerrucci, 13, of Lewiston; Lily Traver, 15, of Youngstown; and Clara stars Bailey Dinel and Carlyn McLean, both 11, and both from Niagara Falls, Ontario. The show is on stage Dec. 9-10 in Niagara Falls, New York. They are joined below by Fritz, Ethan Goyetche, 12, of Niagara Falls, Ontario.

'The Nutcracker' is a family-friendly holiday tradition

Fri, Nov 25th 2016 07:00 am

Show comes to life in annual GNBC production

Dance, pageantry and magic will once again come together this holiday season in Niagara County's favorite family classic.

The Greater Niagara Ballet Co. will present "The Nutcracker" at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 9, and 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 10, at the Niagara Falls High School Performing Arts Center, 4455 Porter Road. The GNBC's production showcases both local and Canadian dancers and guest artists in a ballet set to the direction of artistic director Beverley Feder. In addition, local character actors and brave parents will participate in the Act I party scene.

"The Nutcracker" story begins inside the Silberhaus living room, where family and friends gather to celebrate Christmas Eve. Clara, captivated by the merriment, awaits the arrival of mysterious Uncle Drosselmier. Upon his entrance, he brings unique presents for the partygoers. In particular, Drosselmier gives his niece a special gift: a bright red nutcracker doll.

Later that night, Clara, finding it hard to sleep, tiptoes into the living room to sneak a peek at her new doll. As the clock strikes midnight, she awakens to see the Christmas tree magically growing - and her nutcracker springing to life to battle the evil Mouse King!

Soon after, the nutcracker is transformed into a handsome prince who travels with Clara through the "Land of Snow" to the "Kingdom of Sweets." Once there, they meet colorful, dreamlike characters from around the world.

Tickets to "The Nutcracker" are $20 for adults and $15 for students and senior citizens. A family pack (two adults, two students) costs $65. Pre-sale tickets are available on the GNBC website, www.greaterniagaraballetcompany.org. Pending availability, tickets also will be sold at the door.

Greater Niagara Ballet Co. hosts 'Trivia Night'

Unlike other productions of "The Nutcracker," the Greater Niagara Ballet Co.'s version provides local dancers an extraordinary opportunity to be featured in the lead dance roles.

Magic doesn't come without a cost: The show's expenses are several thousand dollars and, in terms of time and effort, volunteers work around-the-clock in the weeks leading up to "The Nutcracker" to ensure the weekend is a success for the families involved.

The community is invited to give back this year by purchasing performance tickets, and by participating in a brand-new "Trivia Night."

This fundraiser will include a silent auction, a pie auction, a basket raffle, pizza, wings, a cash bar and the comedic talents of the Trivia Kings. "Trivia Night" will take place at 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 3, at The Meeting Place, 2469 Niagara Road, Bergholz.

For more information, or for tickets, call 716-754-1029, or visit www.greaterniagaraballetcompany.org.

A scene from last year's performance of "The Nutcracker" 

A scene from last year's performance of "The Nutcracker"

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