Following a virtual performance of The Nutcracker in 2020, the Berks Ballet Theatre (BBT) holiday classic is making a live and in-person return to the stage. With the accompaniment of the Reading Pops Orchestra, audiences have three chances to see the show on December 18 (at 1 and 6pm) and December 19 (at 2pm).
BBT’s Artistic Director, Kelly Barber and Ballet Master and Resident Choreographer, Nathan Bland, have co-choreographed the ballet with 21 company dancers and students from Berks Ballet Theatre Conservatory of Dance. This season, tenured company dancer, Ellie Folga, will dance the role of the regal Sugar Plum Fairy.
Traditionally, this role is performed by a professional guest dancer, however Folga is a beautiful dancer who has shown she’s both technically and artistically ready to meet the demands of the role. Of her upcoming performances she said, “I’m thankful to have the opportunity to perform Sugar Plum this year! I have greatly enjoyed getting to work with a partner and I believe the challenging aspects of the variation, pas de deux and coda are developing me into an even stronger performer.” Folga will be joined by New York City-based dancer Jace Coronado as Cavalier.
Photos courtesy of the Berks Ballet Theatre
Each year Barber and Bland make enhancements to the ballet to highlight the company and bring new and exciting elements for audiences. “We began rehearsals for The Nutcracker the last weekend of September, every Saturday and Sunday. We try every year to make the performance extra special, especially with this year being the 45th year” Barber remarks. This year the Arabian divertisment in Act II will be danced as a solo by senior, Gretchen Kimmel along with three attendants which adds a new dynamic to the solo. Kimmel will also be dancing the roles of Victorian Doll, Mouse Queen along with Snow and Flowers corps. Bland added “We are just excited to bring the live arts back to Berks County after the hiatus of virtual performances and continue the tradition of ballet and music”.
Rounding out the cast of soloists are Hennessey Kehs-Rossi and Alexis Spitz who share the role of Clara, Lorelei Obst as the Lead Candy Cane and Snow Queen along with frequent guest dancer Nick Peregrino as Snow King. Peregrino will also partner Christina Kopecky in the Spanish pas de deux. Jessica Bealer will take on the role of Dew Drop Fairy and BBT’s newest company member, Hannah Morrison, can be seen as Lead Mirliton. BBT Alum, Emily Brossman, makes a return as a guest dancer performing Russian as a solo. Nathan Bland took on the role of Drosselmyer for the 2020 virtual production and he will continue in the role for this year's production as well.
Tickets for this year’s The Nutcracker are now on sale at BerksBalletTheatre.com
