BWR to Produce 'A Youngstown Nutcracker'
YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio -- Ballet Western Reserve says its annual holiday production this year will feature an “exclusive and unique take on the classic -- A Youngstown Nutcracker byartistic director Staś Kmieć.
BWR says it will assemble hundreds of performers from area arts organizations “to create a massive and spectacular theatrical experience” that encompasses local history.
Using local actors, vocal ensembles, children’s choirs, youth instrumentalists, Klezmer musicians, and the Mahoning Valley Historical Society, the classic ballet will take on a local twist, as notable figures from Youngstown’s history will come to life onstage, Kmieć says.
The storyline will reflect the diversity of Youngstown culture with both the traditional lighting of the Christmas tree, along with the lighting of the Hanukah candles and other cultural elements. “The Ballet hopes to collaborate with The Youngstown Symphony Orchestra, allowing the dancers to perform to live music; however this alliance comes at a hefty cost,” said Kmieć. “BWR is determined to make this collaboration happen with the help of both local sponsors, as well as charitable foundations.”
Auditions for dance roles take place Saturday and are open to area dancers age 6 and up who must be enrolled in one ballet class at BWR. Auditions for adult actor roles (speaking and non-speaking) and boys will take place Sept. 20. For more information call 330 744 1934 or email [email protected]. Rehearsals begin Sept. 20.
A special daytime production of A Youngstown Nutcracker will be performed Dec. 5 for area schools and nursing homes. It will feature a downloadable educational program discussing the historical aspects of this special edition of the holiday ballet, as well as ballet etiquette, coloring pages, and other teaching pages. In addition, teaching artists will be available to visit schools.
Performances at 2 and 7 p.m. will occur Dec. 6. "When the curtain rises, audiences will be treated to eye-popping special effects, brilliant dancing, glorious costumes, and the magic of Youngstown’s very own Nutcracker," said Kmieć.
Ballet Western Reserve, established 50 years ago, provides training in multiple areas of dance.
Pictured: Ballet Western Reserve's cast in its 2013 performance of The Nutcracker.
Published by The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.
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