Preview: The Nutcracker at the Richmond Ballet

GayRVA Staff
December 13, 2012

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Tis the season for one of the most festive and beautiful performances in the catalog of ballet – The Nutcracker, performed by the Richmond Ballet, promises to lift your spirits and make a Santa out of any Scrooge.

“Its our largest production… it’s all quite extensive.” said Brett Bonda, Managing Director for the RVA Ballet. Even though this is the 10 year aniversery of this iteration of the Nutcracker, there are still challenges to putting on this important and memorable show. “We’ve done it for many years, so it’s not something brand new to us, it’s just so we can keep it fresh and exciting for the public to come and see.”

The Richmond Ballet utilizes all the talent they have access to when putting on this show – a revolving cast of over 100 children from their youth classes make up many of the on stage roles, bringing new life to the performance every season.

Additionally, the Richmond Symphony plays the live music during the performance – a phenomenon that Bonda says is becoming less common as many ballet companies struggle financially and use pre-recorded music in their productions.

“… When people come, they aren’t just seeing our wonderful dancers, they’re also seeing the Richmond Symphony, so you’re supporting other arts organizations in the community.” Said Bonda.

Lauren Elizabeth, one of the company’s dancers, puts the Nutcracker high on her list of favorite performances for the year – especially for the seasonal aspects of the show.

“Nutcracker is kind of like a Christmas present for everyone,” said Elizabeth. “It’s enjoyable for the dancers because we love dancing and it gives so much to the audience. This production, in particular, really appeals to a wealth of audiences. Kids can enjoy it, adults can enjoy it – this one really gets everyone involved – when the audience enjoys it, we enjoy it.”

The Richmond Ballet is also giving children and adults the chance to have a meet-and-greet with the dancers after certain performances. ‘Clara’s Tea Party’ brings the dancers, still in full costume and make up, in contact with the audience and lets anyone live the fantasy of the Nutcracker all over again.

Elizabeth said she really enjoyed this part of the production – the connection she gets from the fans really gives her great joy. “It’s really fun for children to get the behind the scenes look,” she said.

Tickets to The Nutcracker and to Clara’s Tea Party are available in person at the Richmond Ballet box office, by phone at 1.800.514.3849, or online at www.etix.com.

Tickets for The Nutcracker range from $20 to $125.

Tickets to Clara’s Tea Party are $25.

Performances
Friday, December 14 7:00pm
Saturday, December 15 2:00pm
Saturday, December 15 7:00pm
Sunday, December 16 1:00pm
Sunday, December 16 4:30pm

Tuesday, December 18 7:00pm
Wednesday, December 19 7:00pm
Thursday, December 20 7:00pm
Friday, December 21 2:00pm
Friday, December 21 7:00pm
Saturday, December 22 2:00pm
Saturday, December 22 7:00pm
Sunday, December 23 1:30pm

Clara’s Tea Parties*
Presented by Franklin Federal Savings Bank
Saturday, December 15 4:00 PM (after the 2:00 PM performance)
Friday, December 21 4:00 PM (after the 2:00 PM performance)
Saturday, December 22 4:00 PM (after the 2:00 PM performance)

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