Westmoreland Symphony Orchestra Presents “The Nutcracker” featuring Texture Ballet School and Texture Contemporary Ballet
Saturday, December 9, 2023 at 11 a.m. & 3 p.m.
The Palace Theatre, Greensburg
Tickets: $18-up
724-836-8000 or purchase tickets online
The Westmoreland Symphony Orchestra (WSO) presents two performances of the holiday classic The Nutcracker, featuring Texture Ballet School and guest dancers from Texture Contemporary Ballet on Saturday, December 9 at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. at the Palace Theatre in Greensburg. Daniel Meyer, WSO Artistic Director will conduct the performances.
“The WSO has presented The Nutcracker for more than three decades, the live orchestra version has become a favorite Greensburg tradition. The choreography, beautiful costumes and sets and Tchaikovsky’s timeless score make this production a must-see for all ages,” said Michael Rozell Executive Director of the WSO.
The Nutcracker will feature choreography by Texture Contemporary Ballet’s Artistic Director and founder, Alan Obuzor. The role of Clara will be performed by Illyana Sicchitano and Emma Vilensky. Isabel Pascarella and Anna Zhang will dance the role of the Sugar Plum Fairy and the Nutcracker Prince will be performed by Owen Fallon and AJ Foley. Professional dancers include Alan Obuzor as the cavalier, Christopher Bandy, Katherine Rotz, Baylee Sullivan, and Elaina Sutula.
“The Nutcracker is a special holiday tradition that brings together music, dance, and audiences to celebrate and showcase storytelling and the arts. There is nothing like attending a live performance. That magical energy of live music and dance coming together, mixed with the spirit of the holidays makes memories that can last a lifetime for people both young and old. Whether you have never seen the Nutcracker, or you have seen it more times than you can count, Texture and the WSO present a beautiful production that has a little something for everyone!” said Alan Obuzor, Texture Contemporary Ballet Artistic Director.
The Nutcracker originally premiered in the 19th century and remains a holiday favorite. This timeless classic follows the young Clara and her Nutcracker Prince as they are swept away on an enchanting adventure, led by the mysterious Drosselmeyer and Lady Silberhaus. During this epic journey, they join forces with soldiers to battle the evil Rat Queen and her entourage of mice and travel to a breathtaking winter wonderland of dancing snowflakes. When they finally enter the magical Land of the Sweets, Clara is introduced to the land’s many vibrant characters, dazzled by waltzing flowers, and captivated by the beauty of the Sugar Plum Fairy and her Cavalier.
About Texture Contemporary Ballet
Texture Contemporary Ballet is based in Pittsburgh PA, and was founded in 2011 by Artistic Director Alan Obuzor. Texture Contemporary Ballet is comprised of classically trained professional ballet dancers who have danced and trained at some of the top ballet companies and schools in America. Resident and guest dancers are brought together to create and present predominantly contemporary and neo-classical work. Texture strives to inspire dancers, teachers, directors, choreographers, audience members, and artists of every kind, by presenting ballet in an innovative way. They believe it is important to break through preconceived notions that people may hold while witnessing ballet for the first time. Yet simultaneously, Texture fulfills the expectations of frequent theatergoers and those who are deeply submerged in the dance world. Therefore, Texture is both unique and inviting, while still upholding standards of technique and presentation.
