The City Ballet of Wilmington is already preparing for its winter holiday production-you guessed it: The Nutcracker. But as the Ballet's Music Director told us, this Nutcracker might be something brand new for all of us.
This production of Tchaikovsky's masterpiece ballet is completely traditional-the story & the music are intact and this is a full-length version. Two elements of this show set it apart from many Nutcrackers: First, southern flavoring is added-the performance imagines the setting as The Bellamy Mansion exactly 150 years ago with historical characters from the Civil War era. That's why it's called A Carolina Nutcracker. Secondly, the show will be accompanied by a live orchestra and children's chorus. We can also note that show will be in an unfamiliar venue-the brand new CFCC Arts and Humanities Fine Arts Center.
"It's just not the same to go to a production that has a CD presenting the music. If you have live musicians, there's a contagious joy about it." Beverly Andrews, Concert Master
City Ballet Music Director Alex Hill and Concert Master Beverly Andrews joined us in the studio to give us a peek at what to expect musically from this production and to describe a special orchestra fundraising project. The community is invited to Sponsor an Orchestra Seat, which includes tickets to the show, the Gala, a photograph with the sponsored musician, and even a chance (through a drawing) to conduct the orchestra!
Keep your ears open-we'll hear more about this Carolina Nutcracker in October, next time speaking with Artistic Director Andrea Hill about the dance.
Tickets for A Carolina Nutcracker are already on sale.