The Charleston Ballet and WV Symphony Orchestra present: THE NUTCRACKER
/The Only Nutcracker in WV with a Full Live Orchestra!
Friday, December 8 at 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, December 9 at 2:00 p.m., 7:30 p.m.
Charleston, WV – Clay Center
Tickets: https://secure.theclaycenter.org/events or 304.561.3570
CHARLESTON, W.VA. (12/1/23) – The Charleston Ballet and The West Virginia Symphony Orchestra (WVSO) will present the 20th anniversary production of The Nutcracker on December 8 at 7:30 p.m. and December 9 at 2:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. at the Clay Center in Charleston. The performances will feature over 75 local dancers and guest artists from The Charleston Ballet (Kim Pauley, Artistic Director) accompanied by the WVSO, under the direction of Music Director Maurice Cohn. This production is the only one in the area with a full live orchestra—a one-of-a-kind experience for local audiences.
“Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker is one of those pieces that is famous for good reason—no matter how often you have heard the music or seen the ballet, it never fails to amaze and inspire,” said Music Director Maurice Cohn. “We are very proud to present this production in collaboration with the Charleston Ballet, the only production this year in West Virginia where you can see Tchaikovsky’s ballet danced to a live orchestra. You won’t want to miss this!”
“This experience always proves to be an experience for the younger dancers participating and our guest dancers marvel that our production is with a live orchestra of such quality," said Charleston Ballet Artistic Director Kim Pauley.
"The WV Symphony is proud to collaborate with the Charleston Ballet to present the Nutcracker for our 20th anniversary," said WVSO President Joe Tackett. "It's a holiday tradition that I enjoy sharing with my daughter and thousands of others who choose to build family memories by experiencing this holiday classic in person with a live orchestra."
The Nutcracker will feature guest dancers from the Columbia Classical Ballet in South Carolina and several freelance artists. Freddie Fourie will return to play the role of Drosselmeyer. Local artist Ted Brightwell will appear as Mother Ginger, Brigette Madden will be dancing the role of Clara, and students from the American Academy Ballet will join artists of The Charleston Ballet to complete this wonderful cast. Ladies of Herbert Hoover Choral program under the direction of Kathy Silber will join for the iconic “Dance of the Snowflakes”. Music Director Maurice Cohn will lead the WVSO in this time-honored tradition.
The Nutcracker is sponsored by Steptoe & Johnson PLLC, West Virginia Lottery, Bankers Life, and WCHS-TV.
Tickets start at $24 for adults and $12 for children under 12 and are available through the Clay Center Box Office, 304-561-3570. Ticket prices will vary and may also be ordered online at wvsymphony.org and tickets.theclaycenter.org.
The Charleston Ballet, the official West Virginia State Ballet, was formed in 1956 by Andre Van Damme. Mr. Van Damme achieved great success in his native Belgium as the first star dancer with the Royal Opera. His vision was to provide state experience in a professional atmosphere for West Virginia dancers and to create a greater appreciation for the art of ballet. The company has been a pioneer among regional ballet troupes in the United States.
Celebrating its 68th, the company has enriched the cultural life of the state with hundreds of traditional and original ballets. Kim Pauley became artistic director in 1989, becoming one of the very few women directors nationally of a regional ballet. The company has a reputation of high- quality professional performances, artistic integrity and strong social conscience.
The West Virginia Symphony Orchestra is West Virginia’s premier performing arts organization, presenting classical, pops, family and chamber-music concerts annually throughout the Mountain State. Currently in its 85th season, the WVSO is a proud member of the community and enriches the region by providing affordable, high-quality concerts, collaborations with West Virginia arts organizations and a nationally award-winning education program.
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