The Westmoreland Symphony Orchestra will present two performances of the holiday classic “The Nutcracker”, featuring the Texture Ballet School and guest dancers from the Texture Contemporary Ballet on Saturday, December 11 at 11 am and 3 pm at the Palace Theater, Greensburg.
WSO Artistic Director Daniel Meyer will direct the performances.
“We are delighted to welcome the audience once again to enjoy The Nutcracker this holiday season with the full orchestra and over 120 dancers bringing classical history to life on the Palace Theater stage,” said Endy Reindl , executive director of the WSO.
“The Nutcracker” will feature choreography by Texture Contemporary Ballet Artistic Director Alan Obuzor, who is a 2013 list member of Dance magazine’s “Top 25 to Watch”, and Texture Associate Artistic Director Kelsey Bartman, co-creator of WIP choreography project. .
The role of Clara will be played by Eve Alexandra Snyder and Alyssa Herter. Avery Walz will dance the role of the Sugar Plum fairy, while the Nutcracker Prince will be played by Jonah Rensi and Owen Fallon.
Professional dancers include Alan Obuzor as Horseman, Christopher Bandy, Kelsey Bartman, Madeline Kendall, Hannah Knorr, Elaina Sutula and Sophie Powell.
“The Nutcracker” was created in the 19th century and remains a holiday favorite. This timeless classic follows young Clara and her Nutcracker Prince as they are taken on an enchanting adventure, led by the mysterious Drosselmeyer and Lady Silberhaus. On this epic journey, they team up with soldiers to battle the evil Rat Queen and her entourage of mice and travel to a breathtaking winter wonderland of dancing snowflakes. When they finally enter the magical candy land, Clara is introduced to the land’s many vibrant characters, dazzled by the waltz of the flowers and captivated by the beauty of the Sugar Plum fairy and her rider.
“There is a magic created for performers and audience members when dance and live music meet. I have had the privilege and honor of playing The Nutcracker with the WSO for many years, and now I am more than delighted to share some of that magic with the dancers of Texture Ballet School and Texture Contemporary Ballet ”, Obuzor said.
Tickets cost $ 16; group rates available. Call 724-836-8000 or visit www.thepalaceheatre.org
The title sponsor is the Tribune-Review.
Guests are required to wear masks in the Palace Theater for the safety of all participants. Additional security measures that will be in place at the Palace Theater include improved cleaning and disinfection procedures and an improved HVAC system. The Palace Theater has also implemented additional security procedures. All people must go through the theater screening process to enter the theater, which includes bag checks and metal detectors.
The Westmoreland Symphony Orchestra began in 1969 when a group of community leaders and musicians assembled an orchestra for several concerts at a local high school. Now, 53 years later, the WSO brings world-class soloists to the concert stage. Under Meyer’s artistic direction, the WSO presents four classical concerts and one holiday pop concert, all at the Palace Theater in downtown Greensburg as well as an annual summer concert in the park. The WSO Academy of Music offers educational programs for all ages. For more information visit www.westmorelandsymphony.org or call 724-837-1850.
Texture Contemporary Ballet, based in Pittsburgh, was founded in 2011 by Obuzor. Texture Contemporary Ballet is made up of “professionally trained ballet dancers who have danced and trained in some of the best ballet companies and schools in America.” Resident and guest dancers come together to create and present predominantly contemporary and neoclassical works. Texture strives to inspire dancers, teachers, directors, choreographers, spectators and artists of all kinds, by presenting ballet in an innovative way. We think it’s important to break down any preconceptions people may have when attending ballet for the first time. Yet, at the same time, Texture meets the expectations of theater regulars and those who are deeply immersed in the world of dance. Therefore, Texture is both unique and inviting, while respecting technical and presentation standards.
