Milwaukee Ballet Presents the Magical Performances of Michael Pink’s “The Nutcracker” December 16-28, 2005

MILWAUKEE - Gather your family together for Milwaukee’s most magical holiday tradition – Milwaukee Ballet’s “The Nutcracker.”  Michael Pink brings toys to life onstage with incredible sets, lavish costumes and Tchaikovsky’s rich score December 16-28 at the Marcus Center for the Performing Arts.

Tickets to the Milwaukee Ballet’s “The Nutcracker” start at $15 and can be purchased by calling the Marcus Center box office at (414) 273-7206 or by visiting the Milwaukee Ballet Web site at www.milwaukeeballet.org.

“Of all the Milwaukee Ballet Nutcrackers of Christmases past, the present ‘The Nutcracker’ is the best,” Tom Strini of the Journal Sentinel proclaimed of the 2004 production of “The Nutcracker.” This adventure story of three siblings: the young-adult Marie; the spunky, preteen Clara; and their brat of a brother Fritz will transform the Marcus Center stage into an extraordinary and fun-filled holiday extravaganza perfect for audiences of all ages.

From the moment audiences hear the first melodies of Tchaikovsky’s enchanting score, performed live by the Milwaukee Ballet Orchestra, they are taken to the Drosselmeyer family holiday celebration – a place where delicious food, festive dancing and gift giving commemorate the special occasion.  When one young girl falls asleep holding the nutcracker doll she had received as a gift, her dreams take her into a land of make-believe where twirling snowflakes, flying angels and magical, fantasy characters tickle her imagination.

More than 100 local children from southeastern Wisconsin communities will perform in the production.  Children aged six to 18 will take on the roles of mice, party children, geese and other famous roles from the classic tale.

The Milwaukee Ballet has been performing a full-length version of The Nutcracker since 1977. In 1998, the Joan, Jack and Victor Stein Foundation provided the Milwaukee Ballet with a $1 million gift to create an all-new version of The Nutcracker. The Milwaukee Ballet continues to build on this gift and the support of sponsors to create an unforgettable theatre experience.

Founded in 1970, the Milwaukee Ballet Company strives to inspire its audiences to think within and beyond traditional ballet through the presentation of quality performances and the implementation of educational opportunities.   With an annual operating budget of $5 million, the Milwaukee Ballet Company presents more than 40 performances to 70,000 people each year. For more information about the Milwaukee Ballet, please call (414) 902-2103 or visit the Milwaukee Ballet online at www.milwaukeeballet.org.

Showtimes:
Friday, December 16 @ 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, December 17 @ 1:30 p.m.
Saturday, December 17 @ 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, December18 @ 11:00 a.m.
Sunday, December18 @ 4:00 p.m.
Wednesday, December 21 @ 7:30 p.m.
Thursday, December 22 @ 7:30 p.m.
Friday, December 23 @ 1:30 p.m.
Friday, December 23 @ 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, December 24 @ 11:00 a.m.
Monday, December 26 @ 1:30 p.m.
Monday, December 26 @ 7:30 p.m.
Tuesday, December 27 @ 1:30 p.m.
Tuesday, December 27 @ 7:30 p.m.
Wednesday, December 28 @ 1:30 p.m.
Wednesday, December 28 @ 7:30 p.m.