Posted on November 2, 2021 by Heather Adams

Berks Ballet Theatre’s “The Nutcracker” Returns to the Stage

by Berks Ballet Theatre

Berks Ballet Theatre’s “The Nutcracker” Returns to the Stage

Following a virtual performance in 2020, this season, the dancers of Berks Ballet Theatre will reprise the holiday classic now in its 45th year with the accompaniment of the Reading Pops Orchestra

Berks Ballet Theatre (BBT) announced the sale of tickets to the upcoming performances of The Nutcracker. A three-show run of the annual holiday classic will take place live at the Scottish Rite Cathedral of West Reading, Pa. with accompanying live music performed by the Reading Pops Orchestra under the direction of conductor Willis Rapp.

BBT Artistic Director, Kelly Barber and Ballet Master and Resident Choreographer, Nathan Bland, are cochoreographing the ballet with 21 company dancers and 23 students from Berks Ballet Theatre Conservatory of Dance. Dancing the role of the regal Sugar Plum Fairy is company dancer, Ellie Folga, who has been promoted to this role following her performance the previous season as Lead Candy Cane. The role of Sugar Plum Fairy is traditionally danced by a professional guest, however Folga is a beautiful dancer who has shown she’s both technically and artistically ready to meet the demands of the role.

The role of the Cavalier will be danced by New York City-based dancer and Broadway alum, Jace Coronado. Returning to dance the role of Snow King is New York City-based dancer, Nick Peregrino. Many soloist roles will be performed by BBT company dancers including the Snow Queen, danced by Lorelei Obst, and the Dew Drop Fairy danced by Jessica Bealer. Hennessey Kehs-Rossi and Alexis Spitz of the junior company will share the coveted title role of Clara. Gretchen Kimmel, senior at Oley Valley High School and recent winner of the Outstanding Young Woman competition, will bring the roles of Victorian Doll, Mouse Queen, and Arabian Coffee to life in three solo performances.

The 2021 season brings new energy and vigor to Southeastern, Pa. as audiences’ pent-up demand for live arts will be appeased with a show that has traditionally marked the start of the holiday season in the area. Last year, the company put together a well-received, unique adaptation of The Nutcracker (called The Nucracker Suite) for audiences to watch virtually. This season, health and safety measures will go into effect at the theater to keep audiences, staff and dancers safe. Virtual no more, BBT’s The Nutcracker will usher in its 45th production of the show poised to delight audiences young and old with brilliant dancers, vibrant costumes and larger-than-life set pieces!

BBT’s The Nutcracker is a wonderful holiday tradition and the company prides itself on creating a professional-quality production, so the community doesn’t need to travel far to experience the magic of live ballet. There will be three performances at the Scottish Rite Cathedral located at 430 S. 7th Ave, West Reading, PA 19611, December 18 at 1:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m, and December 19 at 2:00 p.m.

For tickets and additional information, visit BerksBalletTheatre.com/tickets or call (610) 373-7577.

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