New Artistic Vision Set for Berks Ballet Theatre’s “The Nutcracker” Happening Dec 21-22
Audiences will have three chances to see this magical holiday tradition at Kutztown University’s Schaeffer Auditorium.
Berks Ballet Theater (BBT) will bring the magic of the holiday season to life with its annual production of “The Nutcracker” happening December 21 and 22. This year’s production ups the ante by incorporating fresh elements under the direction of the company’s new artistic director, Nathan Bland. Bland formerly served as BBT’s ballet master for 12 years, recently taking the helm to breathe new life into the beloved holiday classic.
“This year, we’ve introduced an exciting new character, Hans, Drosselmyer’s Nephew, adding new choreography and depth to the overall story,” Bland shared. “The relationship between Hans and Clara will unfold in a beautiful new pas de deux, which is sure to enhancing our audiences.”
This character addition promises to bring a new dimension to the company’s 49th season along with intricate choreography danced by Hans (Ethan Schweitzer-Gaslin, a New York City-based freelance dance artist) and Clara (Collette Jordan, an Exeter Township Junior High 8th Grader).
This year’s “Nutcracker” also features new costumes for the Waltz of the Flowers, designed by BBT Costume Manager, Michelle Obst, and a refreshing change with the addition of “Butterflies,” a new scene replacing the traditional “Chinese” dance. The production also offers refreshed visuals with the goal of transporting audiences to the enchanting worlds of the Snow Kingdom and the Land of Sweets, all with reimagined sets and vibrant handcrafted costumes.
A cast of 25 BBT company dancers, 35 Berks Ballet Theatre Conservatory of Dance students, and four professional guest artists are set to bring P.I. Tchaikovsky’s iconic score to live with the accompaniment of The Reading Pops Orchestra. Dr. Willis M. Rapp, a Kutztown University alumnus, will conduct for the seventh consecutive year.
Diego Miranda-Monsman (of Avant Chamber Ballet in Dallas, Texas) will dance the role of Cavalier, partnering with BBT company dancer, Kaitlyn Staskel (a Warwick high school senior) in the role of the Sugar Plum Fairy. New York City-based, Kfir Danieli will dance the role of Snow King, partnering with BBT company dancer Faith Hartman (Exeter high school junior) as the Snow Queen. Danieli will also perform a pas de deux with company member, Leah Cochran (an Owen J. Roberts High School senior), in the role of Coffee. Company member, Hennessey Kehs-Rossi (a Schuylkill Valley Middle School 8th grader) will bring new energy her role as Dew Drop Fairy. Daniel Mayo will reprise his role of Herr Drosselmeyer.
Conservatory staffer, Heather Moore, joins BBT company in the new role of rehearsal director.
BBT’s The Nutcracker is a wonderful holiday tradition that marks the start of the holiday season in our community. Area residents don’t need to travel far to experience the excitement of live ballet. All three performances will take place at Schaeffer Auditorium located at 15200 Kutztown Rd, Kutztown, PA 19530, December 21 at 1:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m., and December 22 at 2:00 p.m.
