Aeden Conefrey in Nicole & Jason Ciscler’s Rossini Overture
Photo by Alante Photography
*SCHOOL & GROUP MATINEES
Perfect for kids and adults of all ages, the shows are $8 per ticket for groups of 20 or more. You don’t need to be affiliated with a school to get tickets to this fun kid friendly event!
Included in this production is The Introduction to the Magic of Theatre, where audience members view a special behind the scenes demonstration of Scenery, Lighting, Costumes, Props, and Ballet Technique! Performances are one hour and are presented in their entirety.
For more information or ticketing assistance with School Group Performances please call (425)774-7570 or email dance@olympicballet.com.
STORY OF THE BALLET
The Nutcracker is the story of a little girl named Clara and a wooden doll that was given to her on Christmas Eve many years ago. Clara lives with her brother, Fritz, and her parents, Herr and Frau Burgermeister.
As the ballet opens, we see Herr Drosselmeyer on his way to a Christmas party, carrying presents for his godchildren, Clara and Fritz. Pausing to check his watch outside the home, he discovers that he is running late and rushes inside with his gifts in tow. Drosselmeyer’s gifts for the children include life-size mechanical dolls, and a special present for his godchild Clara: a wonderful Nutcracker doll. In jealousy, her brother Fritz throws The Nutcracker on the floor and breaks it, but Herr Drosselmeyer quickly mends it. The party continues with gifts, dancing and refreshments until the guests depart.
Shortly before the stroke of midnight, Clara steals away to the parlor to fetch her beloved Nutcracker doll. She curls up with the doll in her arms and falls fast asleep on the couch. She dreams a wonderfully vivid dream in which the Christmas tree grows, larger-than-life sized rats attack toy soldiers, and her Nutcracker doll fights a dangerous duel with the menacing rat king! Clara bravely throws her slipper at the rat king, saving her Nutcracker from defeat.
As all signs of the battle that just ensued melt away, Clara finds herself transformed into a beautiful young woman, and the Nutcracker into a handsome prince. They begin to dance, the snow starts falling, and Herr Drosselmeyer sends them on, through the snow flurries, into the Land of the Sweets.
PERFORMANCES
AUG 4
Summer Gala
Olympic Ballet Theatre’s 2018-19 season opens with the Summer Gala, a new mixed program celebrating the diversity of our repertoire. The evening will include:
• Paquita grand pas classique
• The world premiere of local choreographer Karl Watson
• More to be announced!