UPAC hosts 3 performances of ‘The Nutcracker’
The Catskill Ballet Theatre’s annual production of ‘The Nutcracker’ will be presented Friday and Saturday, Dec. 7 and 8, at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, Dec. 9, at 2 p.m. at the Ulster Performing Arts Center, 601 Broadway, Kingston.
This year’s production features a new group of guest artists who have danced with renowned ballet companies around the world.
“The Nutcracker” follows the escapades of young Clara Stahlbaum, who receives a magical nutcracker from her mysterious uncle, Herr Drosselmeyer, on Christmas Eve. What follows is a night of extraordinary adventure and wonder as Clara and her Nutcracker battle an evil King Mouse before being whisked away to explore the magnificent Land of Sweets and its dancing inhabitants.
Joining this year’s cast as the elegant Sugar Plum Fairy is Yinet Fernandez of the Dance Theatre of Harlem. Fernandez began her career at the National Ballet of Cuba before joining the Dance Theatre of Harlem. She has also performed as a guest artist with the Brooklyn Ballet and the Connecticut Ballet.
Yinet will be partnered with José Carlos Losada Morales, who will dance the role of the Nutcracker Prince. He also danced with the National Ballet of Cuba for several years as a first dancer, the highest rank that can be held by a company dancer. He is a former member of the Alberta Ballet and the Cincinnati Ballet, and has held several international guest artist positions with companies. Additionally, Morales is the recipient of several awards for teaching and performance in his birth country of Cuba.
Traci Nicole Finch will appear as Arabian Coffee in the second act. She is a member of the Suzanne Farrell Ballet in Washington, D.C., and has previously performed with Les Grands Ballet Canadiens, The New Chamber Ballet and The Eglevsky Ballet, among others. Finch also choreographed several new works in the last two years. She can be seen on television in the Starz limited series “Flesh and Bone”.
Partnering with Finch will be Morgan Stinnett of New York City. Morgan began his career at the Texas Ballet Theater and currently freelances as a soloist with several companies
including the Connecticut Ballet, Dances Patrelle and Ajkun Ballet Theatre. He has also appeared in Jordan Matter’s book “Dancers After Dark” and in the National Geographic photo project “World of Dances.” In addition to dancing the part of Arabian Coffee, Morgan will also appear as the Harlequin Doll in Act One.
Mathew Ortiz of New York City returns to Catskill Ballet Theater for his fourth “Nutcracker” season as the Soldier Doll and Lead Candy Cane. Mathew trained in dance at Ballet Academy East and has performed with Dances Patrelle and Homo Veritas Dance Theatre. He has also guest starred as Peter in the Catskill Ballet Theatre’s production of “Peter and the Wolf.”
Returning performers from the Kingston area include David Loewen as the King Mouse and Ellis Lader as Herr Drosselmeyer. In addition, the part of Clara will be performed by Beatrix Airhart and Erin Machung in alternating performances. Amanda Machung will appear in the role of the Nutcracker and Fritz will be performed by Magdalyn VanWagenen.
Tickets are $30 for adults, $25 for students and seniors. They are available at the UPAC box office or by calling (845) 339-6088. They are also available by calling Ticketmaster at (845) 454-3388 or by visiting ticketmaster.com.