Berks Ballet Theatre Celebrates 50th Anniversary with ‘The Nutcracker’

From Berks Ballet Theatre

This holiday season, Berks Ballet Theatre (BBT) proudly celebrates its 50th anniversary with a milestone production of The Nutcracker on Saturday, Dec. 20, and Sunday, Dec. 21. Three performances will take place at Kutztown University’s Schaeffer Auditorium. Tickets start at $43.00 and are available at BerksBalletTheatre.com.

Half a century after first bringing The Nutcracker to Berks County audiences, BBT’s golden-year production honors its legacy while embracing a fresh artistic vision under the direction of Artistic Director Nathan Bland. Audiences can expect dazzling choreography, vivid new costumes, and a full live orchestra — all hallmarks of the company’s signature production — elevated for this special season.

This year also marks a joyful homecoming as BBT alumna Jessica Bealer, now dancing professionally with Rochester City Ballet in New York, returns to portray the Sugar Plum Fairy. Bealer trained at the Berks Ballet Theatre Conservatory of Dance before pursuing her professional career, and her return celebrates the enduring excellence of BBT’s training and community spirit.

“Jessica’s return is a beautiful symbol of what this anniversary represents — generations of dancers whose journeys began right here at our studios in Berks County,” stated Nathan Bland, Artistic Director, Berks Ballet Theatre.

The 50th anniversary production introduces imaginative updates to the beloved classic, featuring new choreography and exquisite costume enhancements. Audiences will delight in the debut of Waltz of the Snowflakes costumes and refreshed designs for Marzipan and Candy Cane, bringing added elegance and sparkle to the Land of Sweets.

A cast of more than 75 performers — including BBT’s Pre-Professional Company, Conservatory students, and community members — will take the stage alongside professional guest artists. The performance will again feature live accompaniment by the Reading Pops Orchestra, conducted by Dr. Willis M. Rapp, a Kutztown University alumnus, marking his seventh season with BBT.

Performances will be held at Schaeffer Auditorium, Kutztown University, located at 15200 Kutztown Road, Kutztown, on Saturday, Dec. 20, at 1 p.m., on Saturday, Dec. 20, at 6 p.m., and on Sunday, Dec. 21, at 2 p.m.

Related Event: The Sugar Plum Fairy Tea Party

Kick off the holiday season with Berks Ballet Theatre’s beloved Sugar Plum Fairy Tea Party, which will be held on Sunday, Nov. 23, at 1:30 p.m., at the GoggleWorks Center for the Arts, Room 420, in Reading.

Guests will step into the enchanting Land of Sweets for a delightful afternoon featuring:

• A special preview performance of The Nutcracker
• Story time and meet-and-greets with costumed characters — including the Sugar Plum Fairy herself
• Festive crafts for children
• A variety of sweet treats and light refreshments

Tickets are required and can be purchased at BerksBalletTheatre.com.

About Berks Ballet Theatre

Founded in 1976 by Carol Ennis, Berks Ballet Theatre has been a cornerstone of the Berks County arts community for five decades. Under the artistic direction of Nathan Bland, BBT continues to inspire audiences and nurture young artists through the Berks Ballet Theatre Conservatory of Dance, providing pre-professional training and professional-level performances that enrich the region’s cultural landscape.

For more information and tickets, visit BerksBalletTheatre.com.

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Source: bctv