Juneau, Alaska (KINY) – Juneau Dance Theatre (JDT) presents The Nutcracker, Dec. 1, 2, & 3, at the Juneau Douglas High School: Yadaa.At.Kalé auditorium.
The beloved holiday tradition features professional guest artists, Julia Rowe, soloist with the San Francisco Ballet and Ezra Thomson, soloist with the Pacific Northwest Ballet.
Highlights include beautiful costumes and scenery, and the debut of brand-new choreography by JDT’s Artistic Director, Zachary Hench.
Ms. Rowe and Mr. Thomson are sure to thrill audiences with their stellar technique and beautiful artistry.
“Our guests come from two of the premiere professional ballet companies in the world. It is an honor to present artists of the highest quality, alongside our students, and to our Juneau community,” said Artistic Director Zachary Hench.
New choreography and costumes for “Tea” in Act 2, is another highlight audiences can look forward to.
Hench’s concept for the dance was inspired by his teenage daughter, who recently taught him the phrase “spill the tea”.
The result is an energetic dance by two spritely tea fairies and their friends, incorporating the social vernacular and mischievous expression.
“The new dance provides students fun characters, more artistic choices, and expands the number of roles available for our advanced dancers. It was time for an update,” said Hench.
The story of The Nutcracker follows the wondrous journey of young Clara, who receives a nutcracker as a gift at her family’s Christmas Eve party.
Adventure unfolds when her nutcracker transforms into a handsome prince, and leads her to the Land of Sweets.
The Nutcracker cast includes more than 90 JDT students and adults.
The 4-performance run will feature multiple casts, showcasing the vast talent within the school and providing many opportunities for dancers to shine in soloist and principal roles.
On Dec. 1, prior to the start of public show times, JDT will continue its long tradition of presenting a free outreach performance to nearly 1,200 elementary students.
ALL PERFORMANCES OF THE NUTCRACKER WILL TAKE PLACE AT THE JUNEAU DOUGLAS HIGH SCHOOL: YADAA.AT KALÉ AUDITORIUM (1639 GLACIER AVE., JUNEAU, AK 99801):
Friday, Dec. 1 at 7:00 PM
Saturday, Dec. 2 at 2:00 PM and 7:00 PM
Sunday, Dec. 3 at 2:00 PM
The Nutcracker performance length is approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes including one intermission. Tickets for reserved seating are available at http://juneaudance.org/. Advance purchase is strongly recommended, however, tickets will be available at the door.
Ticket prices: $30 premium seat; $25 adult; $20 Senior/Youth.
$55 for the Land of Sweets (includes admission to the ballet).
“LAND OF SWEETS TEA AND TOUR”
A magical event within the event, at The Nutcracker! The matinee performances offer patrons the opportunity to enjoy a fanciful afternoon, including a story, craft, exquisite treats, candy bar, VIP seating for the ballet, and an onstage tour and photo after the show.
Land of Sweets Tea and Tour start times:
Saturday, Dec. 2 starting at 1:00 PM
Sunday, Dec. 3 starting at 1:00 PM
