Hamilton College Department of Music and Utica Dance, Inc. will collaborate for the second time on a fully-staged production of Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, Dec. 11, 12 and 13 in Wellin Hall, Schambach Center, on the Hamilton College campus. Performance times are Friday and Saturday 7:30 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday at 2:30 p.m. The Hamilton College Orchestra will play Tchaikovsky’s score for the evening performances. The afternoon performances will have recorded music.
Nancy Long, director of Utica Dance, notes “following the enthusiastic response from our collaboration with the Hamilton College Orchestra last year, we are delighted to bring our production back to the Hamilton College campus. In addition to bringing professional dancers to fill major roles, audiences may recognize some local business owners and educators on stage.”
Heather Buchman, conductor of the Hamilton College Orchestra, adds, “This unique partnership between Hamilton College and Utica Dance is highly rewarding for all of our students. The difference that having a live orchestra makes for the audience and dancers alike is breathtaking.”
A family holiday tradition, the magical tale by E.T.A. Hoffmann depicts a family’s Christmas Eve party. Daughter Clara receives an odd, enchanting gift from her godfather Drosselmeyer – a Nutcracker doll. After the party Clara falls asleep in front of the Christmas tree, with the wooden Nutcracker cradled in her arms. Then a vivid dream begins, and a battle takes place between the Nutcracker, now life size, and the Rat King. The victorious Nutcracker then escorts Clara through a beautiful snow scene to the Land of Sweets, where Clara is treated to an array of colorful dances from around the world.
Tickets purchased online in advance are $12 for the matinees shows and $16 for the evening performances. Tickets are available at www.uticadance.com. For more information visit www.uticadance.com or call the Utica Dance studio at 765-0712.