November 29, 2007
For Immediate Release
For more information:
Jennifer Finlinson
Jennifer@finlinson.net
(801) 785-5572
The Utah Regional Ballet (URB), the professional ballet company in residence at Utah Valley State College, today announced performances of the Nutcracker December 14, 15, 20, 21 and 22, at 7:30 p.m. at the Covey Centre for the Arts in Provo, with matinees December 15 and 22 at 2 p.m. This year marks the 25th anniversary of Nutcracker performances by the Ballet. To celebrate this milestone, URB will honor all 50 dancers who have played the role of Clara on opening night.
The evening performances will feature a live orchestra under the direction of Bryce Rytting, chairman of the Music Department at UVSC with original choreography by Jacqueline Colledge, scenic design by Bill Kirkpatrick and costume design by Sarah B. Price. Each performance will also feature more than 125 dancers with youth artists Savanah Thompson, Erica Huebler and Anica Berry as Clara.
“Nutcracker over the years has become a family tradition for our patrons. We are thrilled to be in Provo again to perform in the beautiful new Covey Centre,” said Jacqueline Colledge, artistic director. “Even though this holiday classic has been around for years, it is amazing to see how it still delights audiences worldwide. It is also amazing to see the dancers reaching new heights of excellence each year.”
Guest artists, Bayaraa Badamsambuu and Ryan Camou, from State Street Ballet, Santa Barbara will perform Cavalier and Snow Prince along with URB dancer Christopher Young and the Sugar Plum fairy performed by Katherine Rane, Lindsay Duerfeldt and Rachelle Jardine. Fritz will be performed by Nicholas Colledge and Drosselmyer by Jeffrey Rogers.
As part of the ballet’s educational outreach program, Nutcracker will perform four performances for schools in Utah Valley during December. These performances include a narrative and interactive student cast member question and answer session at the conclusion of the performance.
At each performance the Utah Regional Ballet Guild will host a silent auction and boutique with beautiful Christmas gifts for sale, including a wide selection of authentic nutcrackers. At the matinee performances children can have their picture taken with Clara and the Nutcracker.
Tickets can be purchased by calling the Covey Centre for the Arts ticket office, (801) 852-7007. Ticket prices range from $15 to $26. Matinees will have recorded music rather than the live orchestra and prices are discounted for these performances.
# # #