WS Chronicle

Submitted photos

BY NIKKI BALDWIN 

FOR THE CHRONICLE

The Friday, Dec. 9 opening night of  “The Nutcracker” presented a magical journey for adults and children, with a live orchestra accompanying the performance of the ensemble.

The two-act ballet presented by the University of North Carolina School of the Arts (UNCSA) celebrates the 50th anniversary since the first time it was staged in 1966.

“The Nutcracker” begins with the annual Christmas party of the Silverhauses, with Clara, one of the Silverhaus children, receiving a nutcracker from the family’s longtime friend Herr Drosselmeyer, who is known for his legendary magic. Drosselmeyer, who arrives with his nephew Sascha, hopes his nephew hits it off with Clara.

Toward the end of the night, the real magic begins to take place. Upon saying goodnight to each other, Clara and Sascha are placed under a spell by Drosselmeyer that sends the pair on a magical journey.

The magical journey spotlighted a realistic set with magic illusions that made the ballet come to life. The changing set from the location of the terrifying Mouse King and his humorous gang, to the beautiful forest of the Snowflakes and to the Land of Sweets transported audience members to the magical land created by Drosselmeyer.

“The Nutcracker” displayed a ballet with beautiful costumes and illusions that made audiences believe in the magic performed by Drosselmeyer and in the spellbinding magical land he created. The ballet was turned into a realm of realism that was mesmerizing for all who witnessed it.

The ballet was held at the Stevens Center, with seasonal merchandise that was offered for purchase, with proceeds benefitting the UNCSA Parent Support Organization. The organization helps support UNCSA’s high school programs and students.

“The Nutcracker” will be performed today, Dec. 15, through Dec. 18, with showcase guest dancers Megan LeCrone and Martin Harvey performing as the Sugar Plum Fairy and Cavalier Prince. LeCrone, a soloist for the New York City Ballet, and Harvey, an accomplished actor and award-winning former member of London’s Royal Ballet Company, will perform on Thursday, Dec. 15.

The Dec. 15-17 performance begins at 7:30 p.m. and the Dec. 17-18 performance will be held at 2 p.m.

For ticket information, contact the Stevens Center Box Office at 336-721-1945 or at uncsaevents.com.