Taking a hint from area theme parks, CFB's Nutcracker Returns to OCCC

Orlando, Florida, USA - Taking a hint from area theme parks, the Central Florida Ballet is gearing up for one of its ‘most entertaining’ performances of the year: The Nutcracker taking center stage in Linda Chapin Theater at the Orange County Convention Center on December 22^nd at 7:30pm and December 23^rd at 2pm. 

Photo by: Virginia Trudeau & Deedee Sherman

Using thrilling pyrotechnics, unique aerial acrobatics, and special effect fiber optics in its production; the Central Florida Ballet (CFB) has garnered attention from ABC Nightline News who filmed CFB’s Nutcracker for a national feature in 2011 and earned recognition from the Wall Street Journal for “delivering aerial acrobatics and mini-explosions”. Becoming accustomed to the national spotlight, the production is also labeled “The Pyrotechnic Nutcracker” in the USA Today and recognized as “one of five outstanding productions in the entire nation” by CNN Headline News. 

These unique touches make The Nutcracker ‘come to life’ for audience-goers says the Central Florida Ballet’s founder & executive director, Vasile Petrutiu. “By adding such thrilling elements ballet audiences do not normally see, you become truly immersed in the story. Making it a crossover between the best of ballet and an entertainment show combined.”

Amongst glowing national recognition, this full-length, professional production will feature Dragos Milhacea of the Royal Swedish Ballet among Anna Dorosh of Kiev Ballet in Ukraine. This year will mark Dorosh’s debut in Orlando while Mihalcea will make a much-anticipated return having previously performed with the Central Florida Ballet in The Nutcracker and Giselle.

Above all the glitz and glamour, Petrutiu’s production of the Nutcracker is about having a good time. Two popular events complementing the ‘Nutcracker experience’ are: The Nutcracker Holiday Brunch held in partnership with the Peabody Hotel. This event hosted before the Sunday Matinee will offer families the opportunity to enjoy a Meet & Greet with characters from the Nutcracker while delighting in the Peabody’s delicious brunch favorites and warm hospitality. The second event, the Nutcracker Silent Auction, will return for two days this year to raise funds for the 2012/13 season and offering unique, last-minute holiday gift opportunities for family and friends.

“It’s about not just watching the dancing; it’s becoming a part of the fun. Not everyone is born with the ability and coordination to dance,” Petrutiu explains. “But everyone can certainly enjoy it and pass on this fantastic holiday experience to each generation”.

Tickets are priced at $80 for “VIP” package, $48 for “Gold Circle”, $36 for Section A, $24 for Section B and $10 for Section C and may be purchased by calling 407 849-9948 or at http://www.centralfloridaballet.com/ . 

Performances will be held only at the Linda Chapin Theater in the Orange County Convention Center.

For more information about the Central Florida Ballet please call 407-849-9948 or visit their web site at http://www.centralfloridaballet.com/