Hickory Ballet set to perform The Nutcracker, A Holiday Favorite Dec. 14th
Tchaikovsky’s beautiful and timeless music never fails to enchant audiences as it brings to life the classic holiday story of The Nutcracker, in which young Clara falls asleep and dreams of a dashing Nutcracker Prince who battles the ferocious Rat King.
Hickory Ballet and Performing Arts (HBPA) students will present six performances of the The Nutcracker ballet at the Old Post Office Playhouse in Newton, along with a sensory-friendly free performance for children, adults and families who would appreciate a slower paced presentation with no abrupt changes in lighting or special effects.
“For many individuals and families the upcoming holidays traditionally include an outing to see The Nutcracker ballet, and we are so delighted that our company will stage this wonderful memorymaking ballet so that everyone has an opportunity to experience its magic and create beautiful holiday memories,” says HBPA Executive Director Leanna Bodnar.
“And as we have done in the past couple of years, we will present a sensory-friendly performance for audience members who prefer a more relaxed atmosphere. Come on out and see the Dew Drop Fairy, Snow Queen, mice, soldiers, and all of the delightful characters in this beloved ballet.”
Show times at The Old Post Office Playhouse in Newton are Friday, December 8, at 7 p.m., Saturday, December 9, at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m., Sunday, December 10, at 3 p.m., Friday, December 15 at 7 p.m., and Saturday, December 16 and 3 p.m. Tickets are available through The Green Room Theatre at www. thegreenroomtheatre.org or at the door. Early purchase is encouraged as the popular ballet always sells out.
The sensory-friendly version of The Nutcracker will be performed on Thursday, December 14, at 6 p.m. at The Old Post Office Playhouse in Newton. This performance is free; however, a voucher is needed to attend and may be obtained from HBPA, Pediatric Therapy Network, and The Green Room Theatre.
Hickory Ballet will also put on four shows for local area students.
The Nutcracker is generously sponsored by Paramount Automotive Group of Hickory.
Bodnar is happy to report that HBPA recently completed its first strategic plan. “We are very excited about our upcoming spring productions that include Peter Pan at the J. E. Broyhill Civic Center in Lenoir, April 26-28 (tickets on sale now) and The Ugly Duckling ballet May 23-25.
Hickory Ballet & Performing Arts is a nonprofit organization that offers a full schedule of classes and summer camps. Visit www. hickoryballetpa.com or call (828) 328-3794 for additional information. The studio is located at 116 3rd St. NW in downtown Hickory.