Berks Ballet Theatre will present “The Nutcracker” Dec. 17-18 in Schaeffer Auditorium at Kutztown University.

Tickets are on sale for Berks Ballet Theatre’s Dec. 17-18 performances of “The Nutcracker,” kicking off its 47th season. The ballet company traditionally performs three shows; however, this year, the annual holiday classic will be performed four times in a new location, Schaeffer Auditorium at Kutztown University, due to a fire at its traditional home, the Scottish Rite Cathedral of West Reading.

For the fifth year, Tchaikovsky’s memorable score will be performed by the Reading Pops Orchestra under the direction of conductor Willis Rapp to accompany BBT’s dancers.

Aaron Smyth, a well known dancer from Los Angeles, will join the company in the ballet’s leading male position. Smyth is best known for his associations with American Ballet Theatre II In New York, The Royal Ballet in London and The Joffrey Ballet in Chicago, as well as being an original cast member in London’s West End production of “An American In Paris.”

Smyth also played the role of the Snow Cavalier in Disney’s “The Nutcracker in the Four Realms” feature film dancing with Misty Copeland. Additionally, Smyth appeared on two series of the “Got Talent” franchise, coming third in Australia and making the quarter finals in America.

Other notable cast members include Madeleine Scott (a dancer with Dance Aspen) as the Sugar Plum Fairy, Francis Lawrence (a New York-based dancer who recently toured with “An American In Paris” in Australia) as the Snow King, and Daniel Mayo (a Philadelphia based professional ballet dancer and instructor) as Drosselemeyer.

BBT’s artistic director, Kelly Barber, and ballet master and resident choreographer, Nathan Bland, are co-choreographing the ballet with 20 company dancers and 30 students from the company’s namesake, Berks Ballet Theatre Conservatory of Dance.

BBT company soloists include, Ellie Folga (a Wyomissing High School senior) and Jessica Bealer (a Reading High School junior), who will share the role of Snow Queen; Christina Kopecky (an Exeter High School senior), who will dance the role of Mouse Queen; Kaia Kantner (a Berks Catholic High School senior), who will dance the role of Trepak; and three young dancers, Colette Jordan, Maeve Keeler and Hennessey Kehs-Rossi, who will share the coveted role of Clara.

Performances are scheduled for Dec.17 at 1 and 6 p.m., and Dec. 18 at 1 and 5 p.m. For tickets and additional information, click here. 

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