Moscow Ballet's Great Russian Nutcracker December 20, 2008

Doors open at 2:00pm Great Russian Nutcracker Featuring spectacular sets and beautifully costumed Russian dancers, Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker is an annual treat for the whole family. Whimsical and imaginative storytelling blends with the richness of Russian classical dance to make the Great Russian Nutcracker a unique performance not to be missed! Choreographer Emelianov has been praised by critics for its unique setting of Act II in the "Land of Peace and Harmony." To convey his message of peace, Emelianov incorporates an ethereal dove that escorts Masha and the Prince to a land where there is no war or suffering. New for 2008 is a whimsical, giant, six-handed grandfather clock, who signals the transition to the "Land of Peace and Harmony." Moscow Ballet continues its commitment to "Celebrating Children…The Arts Can Make a Difference." Local children in each market will audition to appear with the 132 Russian dancers on the tours. Last year, more than 6,000 U.S. children performed the Great Russian Nutcracker with Moscow Ballet’s dancers, as part of its educational outreach campaign. Set against Valentin Fedorov's spectacular scenic design, with larger-than-life puppets and the backdrop of unicorns, exotic birds and animals, the Great Russian Nutcracker is a visual delight. The sets were inspired by the art of French Post-Impressionist painter Henri Rousseau, who worked in the NaA-ve, Primitive style. Federov is a graduate of the world-renowned, Moscow-based Stanislavski Institute, where the method-acting system used by many Hollywood actors was developed. Moscow Ballet Moscow Ballet touring company features top graduates of Perm, Vaganova, Moscow State Academic Choreographic and Kiev schools. Chief Choreographer Anatoly Emelianov returns with Vladimir Troschenko as co-artistic directors, and are joined by Andre Litvinov. Moscow Ballet is best known for its annual Great Russian Nutcracker holiday productions. The company evolved out of the all-star Russian cast "Glasnost Festival Tour" (1986-92), created by award-winning Juilliard alumnus, composer/conductor and theatrical producer, Akiva Talmi. Moscow Ballet made its debut in 1993, with an all-star Russian cast presenting the Great Russian Nutcracker, directed and choreographed by Stanislav Vlasov (soloist, Bolshoi Theatre). The company embarked on a six-week, eight-city tour featuring major cities across the U.S. In 1994, Moscow Ballet invited the Moscow State Theatre of Natalia Sats and the theatre's full orchestra to expand the company to an 88-artist tour. Its signature production was billed as the "19th Century Classical Nutcracker." South Carolina Public Television produced a full-length Nutcracker at Washington's Constitution Hall, underwritten by NAEYC (National Association for the Education of Young Children). In 2003, Moscow Ballet announced the appointment of Anatoly Emelianov (winner of the Diagelev award) and Vladimir Troshenko (director of Odessa Ballet Theater) as artistic directors, adding Andre Litvinov (director of Moldova Ballet) in 2008. Over the years, Moscow Ballet has increased the size and scope of its tour adding Cinderella, Swan Lake and Carmen to its schedule. Cost: Adult: $65, $55, $45, $35, & $25(Additional fees apply) Youth(12 or younger)/Seniors(60 or older): $60, $50, $40, $30, & $20 (Additional fees apply)