The Nutcracker, a ballet fantasy
The world’s favourite ballet comes alive with a new passion and artistry that will have audiences of all ages gasping with wonder. In a unique, international pas de deux, Ukraine’s Kyiv (new international spelling of Kiev) Ballet of the National Opera of Ukraine and guest artists from Canada’s Ukrainian Shumka Dancers join forces to bring a sumptuous million dollar version of The Nutcracker to world audiences. south africa . Returning to E.T.A. Hoffman’s original tale, this world-class company of 40 ballet and folk dancers intertwine reality with fantasy for an unforgettable dance spectacle.
For over 100 years, The Nutcracker has captured the hearts and imaginations of audiences around the globe. For many, the enchanting story of a young girl’s coming of age through a magical dream has introduced them to the elegant world of ballet. To millions of families, the Holiday season wouldn’t be complete without a performance of Maria’s whimsical journey, with battling mice, the mysterious Drosselmeier and a handsome prince danced to Tchaikovsky’s stirring music.
While countless versions of The Nutcracker have been staged, none before have captured the poetic spirit of Tchaikovsky’s Ukrainian heritage. Who better to bring this soul to the stage than Ukraine’s heralded Kyiv Ballet, fusing classical technique with a gentle lyricism to Artistic Director Victor Lytvynov’s grand, yet witty, choreography. Adding a whirlwind of excitement are special guest artists, the Ukrainian Shumka Dancers of Edmonton, hailed for their showmanship and imagination. The result is a dreamy yet passionate performance imbued with a fiery spirit making THE NUTCRACKER, a ballet fantasy a rare treat for dance and theatre lovers.
Transforming the stage into an ethereal world of rich brocades, sugar-spun silk and gleaming gold are the majestic sets and costumes of Maria Levitska, State Honoured Artist of Ukraine and Director of Stage Design for the National Opera of Ukraine.
The vision behind this matchless production is Michael Sulyma of Sulyma Productions, responsible for producing internationally acclaimed stage, television and championship figure skating performances. Having produced Shumka’s wildly successful tours across Canada, as well as their historic Ukraine tour, it seems only natural for Sulyma Productions Inc. to marry the artistic talents of Ukraine and Canada in THE NUTCRACKER, a ballet fantasy, giving audiences a delicious new nut to crack.
THE NUTCRACKER, a ballet fantasy is represented in the United States by New York’s Big League Theatricals which produces, manages and books national and international tours of Broadway shows, Off Broadway shows and International Attractions.