WHAT’S GOING ON: Carolina Ballet Theatre Ushers in the Holidays with The Nutcracker
Many families’ most cherished and memorable holiday tradition is going to see Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker. This season, Carolina Ballet Theatre (CBT) under Artistic Director Hernan Justo brings back this iconic ballet to the stage to usher in the holiday season. With its incomparable pageantry, beauty and charm, The Nutcracker will bring out the child in everyone.
Four shows are planned and will take place in The Peace Center Concert Hall on December 2-4, 2011:
- Friday, December 2 – 7:30 pm
- Saturday, December 3 – 2:00 pm and 7:30 pm
- Sunday, December 4 – 2:00 pm
Tickets for The Nutcracker are $35/each, with discounts available for seniors, students, and groups. This year, CBT is offering an additional ticket package for $50 for the Saturday and Sunday matinee performances. Those who purchase $50 tickets for the Saturday, December 3 matinee will be invited to a post-show Nutcracker Tea Party with special photo-op. On Sunday, December 4, $50 ticket holders will receive “Sweet Seats” that include premium seats in the Orchestra/Floor level and post-show refreshments and photo-op. Tickets may be purchased from The Peace Center’s website (www.peacecenter.org), on the Carolina Ballet Theatre’s website (www.carolinaballet.org), or by calling the Peace Center Box Office at (864) 467-3000.
This year also marks the 9th Annual Community Nutcracker, a fundraising drive held each year through Carolina Ballet Theatre to give hundreds of children in the community a chance to see and experience The Nutcracker. Each pledge of $15 will send one child to The Nutcracker. A contribution of $1,000 will send an entire classroom, including two teachers, to The Nutcracker.
Contributions to CBT’s Community Nutcracker can be made by calling (864) 421-0940 or (864) 297-1635, or by sending a check made payable to CBT to PO Box 135, Greenville, SC 29602. All donors to Community Nutcracker receive recognition in The Nutcracker performance program.
The Community Nutcracker has historically provided free tickets to the following partner organizations: A Child’s Haven, Catholic Charities Piedmont, Charles Lea Center, Connie Maxwell Children’s Home, Crossroads Group home, Fuller Normal School, Generations Group Home, GHS Child Life, Greenville County Schools Early Childhood, Greenville County School District Social Work Services, Greenville County Department of Disabilities and Special Needs, Parkins Residence Homes, Greenville Disabilities Foundations, Happy Feet, Make a Wish, Pendleton Place Children’s Shelter, Pleasant Valley Connection, Serenity Place, SHARE, The Urban League of the Upstate, and United Way Child Care Resource and Referral. This year’s efforts will also bring in new children’s support organizations, including Clement’s Kindness.
In further community outreach associated with The Nutcracker, Carolina Ballet Theatre will be hosting a canned food drive benefiting Harvest Hope Food Bank and Loaves and Fishes. Drop-off locations include the School for Carolina Ballet Theatre, located at 872 Woodruff Road, or at The Peace Center for the Performing Arts during performances of The Nutcracker. Each canned food donor will receive a coupon good for 10% off items in CBT’s Nutcracker Boutique.
