Erie Contemporary Ballet Theatre (ECBT) will present their 8th annual production of the holiday classic The Nutcracker on Saturday, November 26 at 7 p.m. and Sunday, November 27 at 2 p.m. at the Mercyhurst University’s Mary D’Angelo Performing Arts Center.
Sugar Plum Fairy Tea
There is also a Sugar Plum Fairy Tea on Sunday, November 20 from noon to 1:30 p.m. at Lake Shore Country Club.
Children will enjoy an afternoon of cupcakes, cookies, and cotton candy; crafts, coloring pages, storytelling, dancing, a personal photo with the Sugar Plum Fairy, and a preview of the performances from the Kingdom of Sweets and Sugar Plum Fairy herself.
Seating is limited, so get your tickets now at www.eriecbt.org. Tickets to the Sugar Plum Tea are $25 per person.
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Nutcracker features an Erie cast of 100
With a cast of over 100, these performances are sure to delight the young and the young at heart and are proud to feature an ERIE ONLY COMMUNITY cast.
Featured in the character roles this year are Cari Lin and Violetta Paris sharing the role of Clara, who is gifted a special nutcracker doll from her godfather, Herr Drosselmeyer, played by Aiden Dougan.
Other important roles include Thayer Testa as Fritz, Clara’s brother, Tarrah Shannon and Donnie Hatheway, as Clara’s parents, Elle Orlando as the Snow Queen, Ryan Paris as Mother Ginger, and Emma Argaez and Julia Fanazini sharing the role of the Sugar Plum Fairy and Brian Murphy as her Cavalier.
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Of course, there are those roles such as Soldiers, Mice and Cheese for the Battle Scene; Snowflakes for the Snow Scene, and Spanish Chocolates, Arabian Coffee, Chinese Tea, Russian Candy Canes, Marzipan Ribbon Candy, and Waltz of the Flowers for the Kingdom of Sweets that add delight for the storyline.
In 2021, Erie Contemporary Ballet Theatre presented this production with LIVE music. The combination of music and dancing of the absolute highest caliber proved a stunning holiday experience for Erie audiences. This production of Tchaikovsky’s beloved The Nutcracker set a new standard of excellence in the region and has become an annual tradition not to be missed. Therefore, ECBT is again bringing this classic ballet to life with live music conducted by Music Director and Principal Conductor of the Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra, Matthew Kraemer.
Of course, this production could not have been possible without the generous sponsorship of Erie Arts and Culture, the Erie Community Foundation, Erie County Gaming Revenue Authority, Erie Insurance, Equitable Advisors, Erie Federal Credit Union, and National Fuel.
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Behind the scenes are technical director, Bob Steineck, from Pittsburgh, PA and his stage crew to help bring this magical story to life. With a team of seamstresses that hand sew over 200 costumes, over 50 volunteers, a cast of 100, new scenery and three different rented backdrops, this time-honored, holiday classic has something to satisfy all your senses. We are always bringing new and fresh ideas to our productions in this family-oriented event. This year, a new nutcracker head was commissioned to be built and three new Marzipan Ribbon Candy Tutus and headpieces.
Mayor Joe Schember will again be introducing each performance and attending opening night with his family. ECBT is also partnering with local non-profit, United Way of Erie County, to bring awareness of their mission to crush poverty in Erie County.
