Eastern CT Ballet's The Nutcracker Delights in its 14th Season

EASTERN CONNECTICUT’S “NUTCRACKER” BRINGS MAGIC TO THE STAGE

If you want to share the magic of “The Nutcracker” with friends and family this year, you can experience the most beloved ballet of all time close to home. The curtain will rise in the landmark Garde Arts Center in New London, CT on Saturday Dec. 12 at 1:30 & 7 p.m. and Sunday Dec. 13 at 1:30 p.m.

Eastern Connecticut Ballet brings a cast of unforgettable characters to the stage: the adventurous Clara, her brave-hearted Nutcracker, the Queen of the Rats, The Snow King and Snow Queen, sailors and toy soldiers, comical Mother Ginger, waltzing flowers, dancing snowflakes, and of course, the exquisite Sugar Plum Fairy.

Audiences will enjoy the combined star power of “the great American ballerina of our time,” Sara Mearns, a principal dancer of the New York City Ballet, with NYCB co-star Jared Angle and guest artists from other nationally known companies. All will share the spotlight with 100 professionally trained dancers from eastern Connecticut in roles ranging from the heart-warming “little mice” to the elegant dancing snowflakes.

Set in an enchanted seaport, ECB’s unique production features many special effects: a Christmas tree that transforms to a ship and sails across the stage; a fog that rolls in during a battle on the high seas; and a gentle snow that falls on Arctic icebergs.

Few know “The Nutcracker” as well as ECB’s artistic director Gloria Govrin does. She has performed in or directed the classic ballet every single year since she was 14, many of those as a soloist with the New York City Ballet. The legendary George Balanchine choreographed the role of “Coffee” in “The Nutcracker” especially for her; now she is sharing the secrets of her powerful techniques with today’s rising dancers and bringing new life to the ballet.

Another star of “The Nutcracker” is Tchaikovsky’s brilliant score. Thirty-five musicians from the Eastern Connecticut Symphony Orchestra will perform under the baton of Maestro Paul Polivnick, who has been guest conductor with the London Symphony Orchestra, the Los Angeles Philharmonic and more than 50 orchestras the world over. A local chamber choir and other vocalists will add their voices to the mix of classic dancing, beautiful music and a timeless story.

Tickets may be purchased at https://tickets.gardearts.org or by calling the box office of The Garde at 860-444-7373, Ext 1.

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Founded in East Lyme in 1992, Eastern Connecticut Ballet is a nonprofit organization and one of the state’s premiere schools for dance. More than 300 students from 42 towns are enrolled in its programs. More information is available at www.easternctballet.com or by calling 860-739-7899.