Northwest Florida Ballet presents 'The Nutcracker'

NICEVILLE – The Northwest Florida Ballet’s 40th Anniversary Season will open with its annual production of “The Nutcracker” on Nov. 21 and 22.

If you are looking for a spark of magic this holiday season, consider being a part of this event.

Set to Tchaikovsky’s whimsical music and based on a traditional tale adapted by the French writer, Alexandre Dumas, “The Nutcracker” ballet was first performed at St. Petersburg’s Mariinsky Theatre in December 1892. It has since become a part of Christmas tradition for adults and children all over the world.

The story opens with a fabulous Christmas party, centering on Clara and an enchanted Nutcracker doll. The sparkling Christmas tree, which grows to a dazzling height, hints at the magic and fantasy to come.

Clara witnesses a battle between a legion of rats and life-sized mechanical toy soldiers. The death of the Mouse Queen breaks the spell on the Nutcracker, and Clara’s journey begins through flurries of snowflakes to the Kingdom of the Sweets. Patrons will thrill to leaping Cossacks, dancing Reed Flutes and exotic Arabian dancers as a young girl’s holiday dream comes to life.

The role of Clara will be performed by Gemma Garlisch, and Maxwell Murdock plays the part of the high-spirited Fritz. Katia Garza of the Orlando Ballet portrays the enchanting Sugar Plum Fairy, and Andres Estevez of Ballet Met performs the role of the Prince Cavalier.

Sean Hilton and Andre Kisselev round out the cast of international guest artists with their portrayals of the Snow King and the Russian dancer.

Also featured in this year’s production is NFB soloist Jerod Zerbe as the Harlequin Doll, Spanish and the Nutcracker Prince. The Dew Drop Fairy is performed by NFB soloist Amanda Wiley, and the role of the Snow Queen is played by NFB principal dancer Jennifer Jones.

NFB will host Clara’s Kingdom of the Sweets Party 4-6 p.m. after the Sunday performance. The party begins with a reception on stage. Cast members will pose for photos and give autographs to attendees. Parents are encouraged to bring cameras.

The event will move up to the balcony, where children will decorate holiday cookies, be treated to fancy sandwiches and hot chocolate and sample Nutcracker sweets. Clara, her brother, Fritz, and the Mouse Queen will make a visit, and everyone will leave with a gift bag full of Nutcracker memorabilia.

Performances will be Saturday at 7:30 p.m. (sponsored by Boeing) and Sunday at 2 p.m. (sponsored by Whitney Bank) at the Mattie Kelly Arts Center at the Northwest Florida State College campus in Niceville.

Ticket prices for “The Nutcracker” are $32 for adults and $16 for children 12 and under. Tickets for the Kingdom of the Sweets Party are $25 for adults and children 12 and under and must be purchased separately.

Call the Northwest Florida Ballet office at 850-664-7787 for tickets or more details.

The Northwest Florida Ballet celebrates its 40th year as a regionally recognized semi-professional ballet company and school. In addition, NFB has developed the nationally acclaimed Academie’ – an integrated academic and dance education program serving 140 students from the third to eighth grade.

“We are extremely proud to be a part of this community and celebrate with our faithful patrons 40 years of brilliant dance, community outreach and love of the arts.

“It is our sincere hope that we will be able to celebrate another 40 years here on the Emerald Coast. Our dancers, students, staff, parents, sponsors and board members thank you,” said NFB Artistic Director and CEO Todd Eric Allen, an area native.

Over the last 40 years, NFB has presented 393 performances from Panama City to Pensacola for an estimated 340,000 people, conducted 55 lecture demonstrations for more than 13,000 children and hosted 60 free outdoor performances for about 48,000 people.

NFB will host its Ruby Celebration event on Saturday, Jan. 30, 2010, at Emerald Grande. The event will feature gourmet food, ruby wine and the celebration of dance. Tickets are $60 each.

Another E.T.A. Hoffman tale takes center stage in the spring when the NFB performs “Dr. Coppelius’ Magic Toy Shoppe.” Originally titled “Coppelia,” this ballet was choreographed by Arthur Sait-Leon and set to the beloved score of Leo Delibes.

International guest artists Eleanor and Ian Carney will perform the roles of the high- spirited Swanhilda and her fickle boyfriend Franz. Performances will be March 20 at 7:30 p.m. and March 21 at 2:30 p.m. at the Arts Center.

A Tutu Couture party for girls will be held in conjunction with this event at Toy Magic in Uptown Station. Call NFB for more information and to purchase tickets.

The 2009-10 ruby season will end with NFB’s free outdoor Starlight Ballet performances at Rosemary Beach. Details will be announced later. The NFB is funded in part by the Florida Arts Council.