Gwinnett Ballet Theatre to Perform `The Nutcracker` December 4-19

Written by Gwinnett Ballet Theatre

Gwinnett Ballet Theatre will present its 29th annual production of The Nutcracker in eleven public performances beginning Saturday, December 4 and continuing through Sunday, December 19, 2010. All performances are held in the Gwinnett Performing Arts Center located at Gwinnett Center, Duluth, GA.

This favorite family holiday event is a traditional telling of the story of a little girl, an enchanted Nutcracker, a battle with the Mouse King and his minions, and a fabulous trip through the Land of Sweets. GBT utilizes the talents of over 130 dancers. Sumptuous sets and costumes are a part of the production. Another very special feature of GBT's Nutcracker for many years has been the appearance of Magician Bill Kress as Herr Drosselmeyer. Mr. Kress delights the audience with his feats of magic which includes his use of doves, rabbits, and his pet cockatoo, Bugsy.

The Gwinnett Ballet Theatre Orchestra will again accompany the dancers for the last eight performances. Conducted by Predrag Gosta, this live, professional orchestra consists of 33 of the finest musicians in the Southeast.

Dates and Ticket prices for The Nutcracker are:

Recorded music show tickets: $23.50 adult, $18.50 student/senior, $13.50 groups of 10 or more

• Saturday, December 4th at 2:30 and 7:30
• Sunday, December 5th at 2:30

Live music show tickets: $29.50 adults, $24.50 student/senior, $21.50 groups of 10 or more for matinees, $19.50 for groups of 10 or more evenings

• Friday, December 10 at 7:30
• Saturday, December 11 at 2:30 and 7:30
• Sunday, December 12 at 2:30
• Friday, December 17 at 7:30
• Saturday, December 18 at 2:30 and 7:30
• Sunday, December 19 at 2:30

GBT will also celebrate the Nutcracker with several very special shows. On Saturday evening, December 4th at 7:30, the ballet will collaborate with the Gwinnett Public Library as a part of their "Fall Into the Arts" program. The Library will be distributing 300 free tickets to their patrons on a first come basis. Contact your local library branch for details or call 770.978.5154.

On Friday, December 10, the ballet will showcase Gwinnett's Rotary Clubs, and on the following evening, December 11, they will celebrate "FISH Radio Family Night at the Nutcracker." Personalities from 104.7 the Fish will be on hand and the radio station will be giving away tickets. Listen to 104.7 for details beginning mid November.

Friday, December 17 will be "1818 Club Night at the Nutcracker." This private club will open its doors to non-members who make reservations for a special Nutcracker themed dinner which includes two tickets for the performance. Information about this event will be forthcoming.

Tickets for Gwinnett Ballet Theatre's The Nutcracker can be purchased through Ticketmaster by calling 404-249-6400, visiting any Ticketmaster location, or by visiting the Gwinnett Center Box Office located in the Gwinnett Arena at 6400 Sugarloaf Parkway, Duluth, GA.

For more information about The Nutcracker or about Gwinnett Ballet Theatre, call the studios at 770-978-0188.