Like tree trimming, fruitcake and stockings hung by the chimney with care, Christmas season here just wouldn't be the same without Beverley Ann Feder's Greater Niagara Ballet Company production of "The Nutcracker." This season, the beloved ballet will enjoy two performances here in Niagara Falls, N.Y.
"The Nutcracker" is based on the story "The Nutcracker and the Mouse King," written by E.T.A. Hoffman. In 1891, the legendary choreographer Marius Petipa commissioned Pyotr Tchaikovsky to write the music for the holiday classic, and in 1892, "The Nutcracker" made its debut in St. Petersburg, Russia, home of the legendary Kirov Ballet.
A fairytale ballet in two acts, "The Nutcracker" is perhaps the most popular ballet in the United States, particularly around Christmas time. When it debuted in 1892, Tchaikovsky's score caused a sensation, though the ballet itself did not catch on until the invention of television and the coming of the 1960s, when all things magical and fanciful caught the public's fascination.
The timeless story concerns a young German girl, Clara, who is given a beautiful nutcracker in the form of a prince for Christmas. She falls asleep under the Christmas tree, and soon dreams of a world where the prince is real and locked in battle with the evil Mouse King.
Once their nemesis is defeated, Clara and her Prince are whisked away through the Enchanted Forest, where they see dancing snowflakes and other wonders.
They then travel farther to the Kingdom of Sweets, where they behold the wondrous beauty of the Sugar Plum Fairy and watch with awe as the inhabitants of the kingdom dance before them.
Clara and her Prince sail home in a magic sleigh made of ice and candy. On Christmas morning, Clara awakes under the tree holding her beloved nutcracker.
New stars, costumes and scenery will combine to make this year's production a new experience for the thousands of Western New Yorkers who have made the production a holiday tradition here.
Beverley Ann Feder, founder and artistic director of the Greater Niagara Ballet -- as well as being owner and principal instructor of the Feder School of Classical Ballet in Niagara Falls -- has spent the past three decades discovering and nurturing the talent that has made the annual production of "The Nutcracker" the beloved local institution it is.
This year's production features Jessica Marguerite Stibick in the role of the Sugar Plum Fairy, and Mary Schnepf as the Spanish Senorita and the Snow Queen.
Irek Muchalski demonstrates a compelling stage presence with extraordinary strength and spirit that is sure to excite audiences as he dances the roles of the Cavalier and the Nutcracker Prince.
Matinee and evening presentations of "The Nutcracker" will be staged at the Performing Arts Auditorium at Niagara Falls High School, 4455 Porter Road. Show times are scheduled for 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 12, and 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 13.
Advance tickets for the performances are $15 for adults and $10 for students and seniors. Kids 5 and under get in free.
Tickets are available in the Falls at Tops Market at 4235 Military Road and D'Amico's Music at 2701 Pine Ave.
Tickets may also be purchased at the Budwey's Supermarkets in North Tonawanda and Kenmore, the Youngstown Market Place in Youngstown and Camp Bow Wow on Grand Island Boulevard in Tonawanda. In Lewiston, tickets are available at the Chamber of Commerce at 476 Center St. and at the Orange Cat Coffee Company at 703 Center St.
For additional information, visit the company's Web site at www.NiagaraBallet.org, or call toll free at 1-877-236-8055.
| Niagara Falls Reporter | www.niagarafallsreporter.com | December 2 2008 |