Charleston, W.VA – The Charleston Ballet and the WVSO will present their annual production of The Nutcracker. These performances will feature over 75 local dancers and guest artists from The Charleston Ballet (Kim Pauley, Artistic Director) accompanied by the WVSO (Maurice Cohn, Music Director). The performances will take place at the Clay Center for the Arts & Sciences of West Virginia.

There will also be two day-time performances in connection with the Avampato Discovery Museum exhibits for West Virginia schools December 11 and 12 at 11:00 am.

This production is the only one in the area with a full live orchestra—a one-of-a-kind experience for local audiences.

“This experience always proves to be a wonderful opportunity for the younger dancers participating and our guest dancers marvel that our production is with a live orchestra of such quality," said Charleston Ballet Artistic Director Kim Pauley.

If anything can be described as a “perfect” piece of music, it might just be Tchaikovsky’s ballet The Nutcracker,” said WVSO Music Director Maurice Cohn. “From beautiful melodies to dramatic battles, the story of Clara on Christmas Eve has captured audiences for generations. We are thrilled to be working again with the Charleston Ballet to present this classic tale danced to live music. You won’t want to miss this!”

The Nutcracker will feature guest dancers from the Columbia Classical Ballet in South Carolina and several freelance artists. Freddie Fourie will return to play the role of Drosselmeyer. Local artist Ted Brightwell will appear as Mother Ginger, Brigette Madden French will be dancing the role of Clara, and students from the American Academy Ballet will join artists of The Charleston Ballet to complete this wonderful cast.  Ladies of Herbert Hoover Choral program under the direction of Kathy Silber will join for the iconic “Dance of the Snowflakes”. We welcome Music Director Maurice Cohn as he leads the WVSO in this time-honored tradition.

The Nutcracker is sponsored by Steptoe & Johnson PLLC, West Virginia Lottery, Bankers Life, White Insurance, and WCHS-TV.

When:
Friday, Dec 13 at 7:30 pm
Saturday, Dec 14 at 2:00 pm & 7:30 pm

Where:
Clay Center for the Arts,
1 Clay Square,
Charleston, WV 25301

Tickets start at $24 for adults and $12 for children under 12 and are available through the Clay Center Box Office, 304-561-3570. Ticket prices will vary and may also be ordered online at www.wvsymphony.org and secure.theclaycenter.org/14500.

The Charleston Ballet, the official West Virginia State Ballet, was formed in 1956 by Andre Van Damme. Mr. Van Damme achieved great success in his native Belgium as the first star dancer with the Royal Opera. His vision was to provide stage experience in a professional atmosphere for West Virginia dancers and to create a greater appreciation for the art of ballet. The company has been a pioneer among regional ballet troupes in the United States.

Celebrating its 69th season, the company has enriched the cultural life of the state with hundreds of traditional and original ballets. Kim Pauley became artistic director in 1989, becoming one of the very few women directors nationally of a regional ballet. The company has a reputation of high-quality professional performances, artistic integrity, and strong social conscience.

The West Virginia Symphony Orchestra is West Virginia’s premier performing arts organization, presenting classical, pops, family and chamber-music concerts annually throughout the Mountain State. Currently in its 86th season, the WVSO is a proud member of the community and enriches the region by providing affordable, high-quality concerts, collaborations with West Virginia arts organizations and a nationally award-winning education program.