CRYB to present ‘The Nutcracker’ Dec. 12-13
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The Chautauqua Regional Youth Ballet returns to the Reg Lenna Center for the Arts on Dec. 12-13 with its annual production of The Nutcracker under the artistic direction of Samantha Barczak.
The youth ballet's The Nutcracker combines classical ballet, staging and Tchaikovsky’s score in a full-length production featuring nearly 70 dancers. Featured guest artists Skylar Lubin and Jonathan Montepara of BalletX, Philadelphia’s contemporary ballet company, will perform the roles of the Sugar Plum Fairy and Cavalier.
The production showcases the talents of CRYB’s young dancers alongside performers from Patterson School of Ballet, The Studio, and the surrounding community. Featured roles include Hadley Olson as Clara and Tavares White as the Nutcracker Prince, along with featured soloists Charley Marshall, Reagan Howard, Paisley Wilson, Audrey McAffee, Avery Conti, Sarah DiDomenico and guest alumna Arehlyn Pattison.
Joining the cast are guest performers Michael Patterson as Herr Drosselmeyer and Libby Nord as the grandmother.
Community members also return to the stage in the production’s opening party scene. This year’s participants include Galena Duba-Weaver, Mark Goshgarian, Eric Rinaldo, Megan Tracey, Austin Wilson, Elizabeth Raible, Yahir McFaline, Rhonda Howard, and Kim Evans.
“One of the things that makes this production so special is the opportunity for our young dancers to share the stage with accomplished professional artists,” said Elizabeth Bush, CRYB executive director. “It’s an invaluable experience for the students, and we’re proud to bring this level of classical ballet performance to audiences right here in our community.”
There will also be live seasonal music in the theater lobby before both public performances. Students from Falconer’s choral program will perform Christmas carols before the Dec. 12 performance while string musicians from the Chautauqua Youth Symphony will entertain patrons prior to the Dec. 13 matinee. The Chautauqua Regional Youth Ballet's Nutcracker Boutique will also be open.
Public performances will take place Saturday, Dec. 12, at 7 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 13, at 2 p.m. at the Reg Lenna Center for the Arts. Tickets are available at reglenna.com or by calling the Reg Lenna Box Office at 716-484-7070. A special educational performance for area schools will be presented Friday, Dec. 11, at 10 a.m. Educators and group organizers may contact the Reg Lenna Box Office for reservations.