In what has become an annual tradition, the Carrollton Center for the Arts launched its Christmas season programming this past weekend with its production of The Nutcracker Ballet.
“At four years old, my mom took me to The Nutcracker for the first time and I was transfixed,” said the show’s director, Brii Tyson. “The elegance! The excitement! The magic! Now it never feels like the holidays until I’ve seen The Nutcracker.”
All four shows on November 18 –20 sold out almost immediately after tickets became available.
While Carrollton’s production presents the music, scenes, characters and story audiences have loved since the show’s 1892 debut, it creates something unique with new choreography, set design and other aspects of the ballet.
This year’s Nutcracker featured 96 local dancers, including the center’s ballet program students, dance students from nine area schools and programs, complete dance novices and seasoned professionals.
The ballet was adapted from E. T. A. Hoffmann’s tale, The Nutcracker and the Mouse King. A quick synopsis: At the annual Christmas Eve party at the Stahlbaum’s house, the young daughter, Clara, receives a nutcracker from her uncle. After the party, Clara falls into a deep sleep and dreams of a battle with the Rat King, journeys into a land of sweets and meets a handsome prince.
This production was sponsored by Bank OZK and Baxley Jewelers.
For questions concerning the Carrollton Center for the Arts, please call Arts Superintendent Tim Chapman at (770) 838-1083.
