Featured News - Current News - Archived News - News Categories

Pictured are images of the 2021 production of `The Nutcracker` by Mark Yerger.
Pictured are images of the 2021 production of "The Nutcracker" by Mark Yerger.

New twists, surprises for families attending GNBC's 'The Nutcracker' this year

by jmaloni
Fri, Dec 2nd 2022 09:40 am

For three generations and counting, the Greater Niagara Ballet Company’s production of “The Nutcracker” has been a holiday staple in Niagara County. That tradition continues this year, but with a few fun additions.

GNBC board members said that, prior to the afternoon performance Saturday, Dec. 10, “We are having activities for children to participate in. Children can come dressed up to take photos with The Nutcracker and other costumed characters like the Dew Drop Fairy, Candy Cane and the Snow Queen. Children can get Nutcracker or ballerina princess tattoos, or tinsel tied into their hair. There will be a cookie for each child to decorate and eat, along with a ballet dance party from 12:30-1:30 p.m. Tickets are $20 for children and adults alike for the VIP experience.”

To purchase tickets, visit www.GreaterNiagaraBalletCompany.org or contact Diana at 716-713-9735.

Pictured are images of the 2021 production of "The Nutcracker" by Mark Yerger.

••••••••

‘The Nutcracker’

This year’s performances of “The Nutcracker” – the 55th annual presentation – will take place at 7:30 p.m. Friday. Dec. 9, and at 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 10, inside the Niagara Falls High School Performing Arts Center, 4455 Porter Road, Niagara Falls. In addition to good family fun, this production supports New York state’s third grade music and language arts curriculum.

“The Nutcracker” is again choreographed and directed by Mary Schnepf and Molly Vine, and primarily features local dancers and performers.

Vine said, “This year we've added angels to Act II of ‘The Nutcracker!’ The angels are played by young children, and they are pretty much the greeters of the second act. They sort of set the scene to be dreamy and light the way for Clara coming in to the land of the sweets. This is a brand-new addition, so we have brand-new costumes for them! 

“I've also reworked the battle scene this year... same characters, all-new choreography.”

Per the GNBC, “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 Drosselmeyer. Upon his entrance, he brings unique presents for the partygoers. In particular, Drosselmeyer 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.

Act II takes Clara on a tour of the world’s artistic communities. Featured scenes include the “Grand Pas de Deux,” “Waltz of the Flowers” and “Sugarplum Fairy.”

“The Nutcracker” is set to the musical composition of Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky, based on a story by Ernest Hoffman.

For more information about the GNBC, call 716-713-9735 (between 8 a.m. and 10 p.m.), email [email protected], or visit www.greaterniagaraballetcompany.org.

Hometown News

View All News