Nutcracker preparations in full swing; cast selected

Oct 23, 2006

For Immediate Release

Contact: Annie Matlow 326-3136

Aspiring ballet dancers from across the Inland Northwest recently auditioned for roles in the Spokane Symphony and Albert Ballet's annual production of the Nutcracker. At the end of the day, 50 dancers from 13 ballet schools from throughout the region from Mead to Coeur d'Alene were selected. The lead roles for the 2006 productions are: Clara by Kelsey Piva of Rathdrum and Fritz by Nora Swoboda of Spokane. Rehearsals are already in full swing.

The Alberta Ballet and Ballet British Columbia with the Spokane Symphony will present four performances at the Spokane Opera House on Friday, Dec. 8 at 7:30 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 9 at 2 p.m. & 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 10 at 2 p.m..

A handsome prince, dancing snowflakes, the Waltz of Flowers and, of course, the Sugar Plum Fairy create a magical world of music and dance just a part of the delightful story of Clara and the Nutcracker.

The Alberta Ballet presents exciting and critically reviewed choreography to the timeless tale re-created in the traditional Russian style by choreographer Mikko Nissinen. Thirty-seven dancers from the Alberta Ballet and Ballet British Columbia will join more than 50 young Spokane area dancers selected by audition to be a part of the enchanting production.

Ticket prices range from $17 to $35, children 12 and under are $14, and are available Monday through Friday from 9:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m. at the Spokane Symphony Ticket Office at 818 W. Riverside, Suite 100 or by calling (509) 624-1200. Tickets are also available on weekends and evenings, with a service charge, at www.spokanesymphony.org, and TicketsWest at 325-SEAT or 1-800-325-SEAT and all TicketsWest outlets.