Central Florida Ballet's The Nutcracker will take center stage in the Linda Chapin Theater at the Orange County
Convention Center on December 17 at 2pm & 7:30pm, and December 18 at
2pm.
The 16th annual production will see the debut of new set backdrops, which replace the originals made in 2001. A company in Russia was commissioned to hand-paint the backdrops measuring a massive 25 feet wide and 50 feet tall.
Here's a Preview of the new set backdrops:
Drawing of the "Party Scene" for Central Florida Ballet's The Nutcracker
Design by Dorin Gal
Drawing of the "Snow Scene" for Central Florida Ballet's The Nutcracker
Design by Dorin Gal
"I am excited for our audiences to see our new set backdrops." says
CFB Founder and Executive Director, Vasile Petrutiu. "It will be the perfect
holiday surprise!"
While staying true to the traditional classic story of The Nutcracker, the Central Florida Ballet's production is unique to the nation for its: thrilling pyrotechnics, fiber-optic special effects, and aerial acrobatics.
The production reached national attention from major news organizations:
• USA Today "the pyrotechnic Nutcracker"
• CNN Headline News "one of the top five productions in the nation"
• Wall Street Journal "mini-explosions and aerial acrobatics"
Two popular events complementing the ‘Nutcracker experience’ are: The Nutcracker Boutique filled with popular gift items, and the Nutcracker Raffle & Silent Auction which will raise funds for the 2016/17 season. Both events will open forty-five minutes before each performance and during intermission.
Tickets are priced at $80 for “VIP” package, $64 for “Gold Circle”, $48 for Section A, $38 for Section B and $24 for Section C and may be purchased at centralfloridaballet.com.
Since The Nutcracker is a holiday tradition for many families around the world, we decided to get a mom's perspective on the beloved classic.
We chatted with four moms who reveal which Nutcracker character they would like to be and much more! Enjoy!
ALEXIS SPADE
Pictured: Alexis with husband, Philip
1. Which dance do you enjoy most in The Nutcracker?
My favorite dance by far is the "Waltz of the Snowflakes" 🙂 2. What is your favorite part about attending The Nutcracker?
My
favorite part is how it has become a wonderful family tradition for
the Holiday Season to watch the Nutcracker. This is our 8th year and
can't wait to see it again!
3. Have you visited CFB's Nutcracker Boutique or the Nutcracker Raffle/Silent Auction? Did you buy or win any items?
We always visit the boutique every year to get a special Nutcracker for that year! 4. If you were to be a Nutcracker character, who would you like to play?
Snow
Queen! Because it is my favorite scene and I love the tutu and the part
where she comes out with the snow king holding her with one hand.. That
would be so neat to do that!
SHARITA JACKSON
Pictured: Sharita Jackson
1. Which dance do you enjoy most in The Nutcracker?
I loved watching the very last Grande Pas de Deux.
2. What is your favorite part about attending The Nutcracker?
Celebrating
the holiday season is always exciting when you take part in traditions
that are celebrated world wide. My most favorite part about attending
the Nutcracker ballet is seeing all the dancers pour their heart and
souls into perfecting the historical choreography of their artistic
director...especially the younger dancers.
3. Have you visited CFB's Nutcracker Boutique or the Nutcracker Raffle/Silent Auction? Did you buy or win any items?
Yes,
the silent auction added a bit of fun and a shopping opportunity for
everyone in attendance. Last year was my first year purchasing a
Nutcracker doll for my 7 year old daughter. I anticipate adding one
doll to our newly started collection each year. While purchasing the
doll, I also purchased straws for the raffle. I am very pleased to say
that I walked away with 3 nice auction items!!! Hoping for good fortune
next time around.
4. If you were to be a Nutcracker character, who would you like to play?
Maria of course!! LOL!
LISA HEADLEY
Pictured: Lisa with husband, Tom
1. Which dance do you enjoy most in The Nutcracker?
That's a really hard question because the wonderful thing about Nutcracker is that the dances are so varied. You have the ethereal Waltz of the Snow Flakes, the fun of the jig, and the grandeur of the Sugar Plum Fairy! Oh! And the snap of the fantastic Spanish dance! If I have to pick one it's probably the Snow Waltz.
2. What is your favorite part about attending The Nutcracker?
The Nutcracker was the first ballet I ever attended as a child and a tradition my mother gave me each year and one I now give to my children and will give my grandchildren someday. I love that the Nutcracker is a timeless classic that is part of our family's tradition.
3. Have you visited CFB's Nutcracker Boutique or the Nutcracker Raffle/Silent Auction? Did you buy or win any items?
We bid and won a bowling excursion.
4. If you were to be a Nutcracker character, who would you like to play?
I would love to be the Snow Queen so I could dance in all of the snow!
CHRISTY LERETTE
Pictured: Christy with daughters, Erica and Cassandra
1. Which dance do you enjoy most in The Nutcracker?
The pas de deux where Maria dances with the Prince in the first act. It's beautiful! 2. What is your favorite part about attending The Nutcracker?
The first part of the show when the "party scene" begins because everything is so colorful and beautiful! 3. Have you visited CFB's Nutcracker Boutique or the Nutcracker Raffle/Silent Auction? Did you buy or win any items?
I have bought some awesome nutcrackers at the boutique (they have the BEST selection!). I also bought some raffle tickets that weren't winners, but maybe this will be my lucky year! 4. If you were to be a Nutcracker character, who would you like to play?
Maria - she dances a lot and gets to watch almost everything when she's not dancing!
