Washington, D.C. Concerts and Entertainment Press Releases

Contact: LMBC, (402) 477-8446, lmbc@artsincorporated.org

The Lincoln Midwest Ballet Company will present their 23rd annual production of the holiday classic, The Nutcracker, at the Lied Center for Performing Arts on Saturday, December 15, at 2:00 pm and 7:00 pm and Sunday, December 16 at 2:00 pm. The Lincoln Midwest Ballet Company’s Nutcracker features over 200 dancers from southeastern Nebraska in a professional ballet performance that also features a live orchestra and nationally-renowned guest artists. The classic story of The Nutcracker comes to life with the finest choreography, costumes, and scenery, making this production a treasured community tradition.

The role of Sugar Plum Fairy will be performed by Patricia Barker. Patricia trained with Lynne Williams-Mullins prior to studying at Pacific Northwest Ballet School on scholarship. She joined Pacific Northwest Ballet as an apprentice in 1981, became a full company member in 1982 and was promoted to soloist in 1984. She became principal in 1986. She has performed extensively throughout Europe, Asia, Australia and North America.

The role of Cavalier will be performed by Christophe Maraval. Originally from Castres, France, Christophe has recently retired as a principal dancer with Pacific Northwest Ballet. He trained at the Paris Opera Ballet School and Conservatoire Nationale Superieur de Paris, and has danced Ballet Nationale de Nancy and was a principal with the Cincinnati Ballet. Christophe has danced many leading roles, and he has participated in PNB’s choreographers showcase.

The cast of the Nutcracker is made up of talented local dance students who are selected by audition. This year, the role of Clara will be danced by Ashley Lafferty of Lincoln, a senior at Lincoln Northeast High School. Professional dancers will perform the roles of Sugar Plum Fairy; Cavalier; Nutcracker; Snow King; Harlequin Man, Arabian Man, Battle Nutcracker and Russian; and Drosselmeier. The Artistic Director of the Lincoln Midwest Ballet Company’s Nutcracker production is Shari True. The Nebraska Symphony Chamber Orchestra, under the direction of Dr. Herbert E. Dregalla, Jr., will provide Tchaikovsky’s classic score.

Performances:
Saturday, December 15th, 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.
Sunday, December 16th, 2:00 p.m.
Lied Center for Performing Arts
301 North 12th Street, Lincoln

Ticket Information:
Adult Ticket prices are $45, $32 and $25. Student and youth tickets are available for $32, $20 and $15. Tickets will be available November 5, 2007 from the Lied Center box office, (402) 472-4747.

The Lincoln Midwest Ballet Company is a nonprofit, 501(c)(3) organization. For more information on the Lincoln Midwest Ballet Company, please call the Artistic Office at (402) 441-0739.