The Nutcracker and the Mouse King in Bristol Ballet's production of "The Nutcracker"
Angels fly through the air, Nutcracker and Rat King battle for control, the Sugarplum Fairy welcomes you to the land of sweets, and Clara dances into your heart at Bristol Ballet's presentation of "The Nutcracker." Bristol Ballet presents evening and matinee performances Dec. 9 and 10 at the Paramount Center for the Arts in historic downtown Bristol, Tenn. Performances are Dec. 9 at 7:30 p.m., Dec. 10 at noon and 5:30 p.m.
While "The Nutcracker" has become a longstanding Bristol Ballet tradition, it doesn't mean the company hasn't added a few surprises. "We are so excited to welcome Azure Aerial Arts to be a part of Nutcracker this year," said Michele Plescia, artistic director of Bristol Ballet. "Never before have we had an actual flying angel. We are so excited to work with Azure Aerial Arts to make this happen. It will be a delight to both the audience and our dancers."
Professional dancer and a Bristol Ballet favorite, Israel Rodriguez, joins the cast as the Nutcracker, while Kingsport native, Erin Ginn reprises her role of the Sugarplum Fairy. J. Ryan Carroll also reprises his roles as Snow Cavalier and Arabian. And, one company member is dancing a role typically reserved for professional artists; Camille Clark fills the Arabian female lead and Snow Queen. Rounding out the cast are senior company member Olivia Millwood as Clara, Coach Mike Locke as Drosselmeyer, 50 Bristol Ballet dancers and 17 community members.
As anyone can see, it takes a village to make the Land of Sweets come to life. Community member and cast member Jessany Bowman says, "I have had so much fun being a part of the show. It's amazing to see how much effort and time everyone devotes to the show."
Tickets are $8 for children under 6, $12 students and seniors, $15 adults, plus taxes and theater fee
