The Great Russian Nutcracker has been a holiday staple across North America for the past 24 years. Moscow Ballet’s exquisite performance returns to Morgantown Dec. 7 as part of the University Toyota University Arts Series. Showtime is set for 7:30 p.m at the WVU Creative Arts Center. Tickets are on sale now at the Mountainlair and CAC box offices, and online at Ticketmaster.com.
Tchaikovsky’s famous score sets the stage for this critically-acclaimed performance. The fairy tale ballet begins with Moscow’s spectacular skyline. It unfolds into the story of the Stahlbaum family’s Christmas Eve party, where Uncle Drosselmeyer presents his niece Masha with a Kissy doll and a Nutcracker doll. Fritz, Drosselmeyer’s nephew, breaks Masha’s Nutracker doll in a fit of jealousy. The Nutracker doll later comes to life as Masha is asleep and she enters a dream world. She finds the Land of Peace and the breathtaking Dove of Peace, which has a 20-foot wingspan and requires two dancers to create. Vivid scenery—complete with 10-foot-tall puppets, life-sized Matrushka Dolls and intricately handmade costumes—brings the story to life.
Moscow Ballet boasts principal dancers of the highest caliber, including Tatiana Nazarkhevich, who will dance in the role of Masha. Nazarkhevich is a graduate of the highly competitive and renowned National Ballet and Choreographic School of Moldova. She will dance alongside Andrey Batalov, who’s stunning, virtuosic technique brings audiences and critics to their feet. Batalov graduated from the Vaganova Academy of Russian Ballet, one of the top ballet schools in the world. Ekaterina Alaeva, another principal artist of the Moscow Ballet, has been named an Honored Artist of Ukraine and has won top awards at several international competitions. The Moscow Ballet’s world-class artistry coupled with the production’s breathtaking sets and luxurious handmade costumes make this production a must-see this holiday season.
Tickets are on sale now at the Mountainlair and Creative Arts Center box offices, Ticketmaster.com and by phone at 304-293-SHOW (7469) or 800-745-3000. Tickets start at $49. WVU student tickets are $23. WVU Students must present a valid WVU ID at the campus box offices or enter their unique offer code at ticketmaster.com. Discounted tickets are limited to one per valid WVU ID.
This event is part of the University Toyota University Arts Series produced by WVU Arts & Entertainment. Stay connected with the latest event updates through Facebook, Twitter and Instagram by following @wvuevents.
