The Westmoreland Symphony Orchestra presents three performances of the holiday classic The Nutcracker.
The performance features the Laurel Ballet on Saturday December 10 at 2 p.m. & 7 p.m. and Sunday, December 11 at 2 p.m. at the Palace Theatre in Greensburg.
Eleanor Tornblom is Artistic Director and Judy Rae Tubbs is choreographer of the production. The principal dancers include Dr. Juraj Adamek, formerly of the Tamburizans, David Martinez, formerly with the National Ballet of Cuba, Hansel M. Correa, National Flamenco of Cuba and Marcus Parfitt, a Seton Hill University dance major.
The role of Clara will be performed by Tatum Hoffman, (Saturday Afternoon); Audra Braman (Saturday Evening) and Mei Jenkins Andrews (Sunday) and the Nutcracker prince will be performed by Dominic Defabo.
Artistic Director Daniel Meyer will conduct the evening’s performance. As Music Director of the Erie Philharmonic and the Asheville Symphony, Mr. Meyer is recognized as one of the top young conductors of his generation.
“The conductor and musicians of the WSO truly bring Tchaikovsky’s famous score to life. Nothing compares with the vibrancy and richness of a full symphony,” said Morrie Brand, Managing Director of the WSO. “Nutcracker fans appreciate one of the only live music productions of the ballet in the region,” he said.
The Nutcracker originally premiered in St. Petersburg on December 18, 1892 and now more than a century later remains a holiday favorite. In the story of The Nutcracker, a young girl named Clara is given a Nutcracker soldier as a Christmas present at her family’s holiday party. As she falls asleep, a magical journey into an amazing land follows. Bringing the story to life are local ballerinas, guest soloists, choreography, lighting, sets and costumes.
The Nutcracker Ballet
Saturday, December 10 at 2 p.m. & 7 p.m. and Sunday, December 11 at 2 p.m.
The Palace Theatre, Greensburg
Tickets: $12-$36
724-836-8000 or www.thepalacetheatre.org