One of the enduring and classic cultural features of the holiday season will occur at the Journey Bank Community Arts Center, Lycoming College, Saint John’s School of the Arts, and the Williamsport Youth Choir, present the timeless classic – The Nutcracker Ballet on stage at the CAC on Saturday, December 6 at 7:30 p.m. and on Sunday, December 7 at 4 p.m.
“Like most people, I look forward to this time of year when traditions bring us closer together. When I think of the coming holidays, I immediately think of Victorian Christmas, Thanksgiving, and the Nutcracker Ballet as the three things that officially start this season of joy, celebration, giving, and faith. As the Director of Saint John’s School of the Arts, I invite you to come enjoy the magic of our local musicians and dancers in the glorious Journey Bank Community Arts Center.” Todd Kendall, Director, St. John’s School of the Arts, told Webb Weekly.
The Nutcracker has been presented each holiday season at the Community Arts Center and, before that, at the Capital Theatre for more than 50 years. To continue the tradition, the Journey Bank Community Arts Center, Lycoming College, the Williamsport Youth Choir, and Saint John’s School of the Arts have come together again for the 8th year in a creative collaboration to bring the Ballet to the stage. They plan to WOW audiences with a lavish and imaginative performance of The Nutcracker Ballet.
With Musical Direction by Dr. William Ciabattari and Artistic Direction by Theresa Kendall, The Nutcracker is a classic Christmas ballet about a young girl named Clara (sometimes Marie) who receives a wooden nutcracker doll as a gift at a Christmas party. That night, she sneaks back to check on it and gets swept into a magical adventure.
After midnight, the Christmas tree grows, the Nutcracker comes to life, and Clara helps him battle the Mouse King and his army. Once they win, the Nutcracker transforms into a prince and takes Clara on a journey through a sparkling, enchanted world.
They travel to the Land of Sweets, where the Sugar Plum Fairy hosts a celebration in their honor with dances from around the world — all the iconic music you’re probably picturing. The ballet ends with Clara waking up at home, leaving the audience to wonder if it was all a dream or true magic.
Live music from our finest local musicians, with the talented dancers from Williamsport’s own Saint John’s School of the Arts, in the gorgeous Journey Bank Community Arts Center, will make for an unforgettable performance.
Musicians from Saint John’s School of the Arts will perform before the show in the Capitol Lounge and again during intermission. The Williamsport Youth Choir will perform holiday favorites in the inner lobby during intermission.
Saint John’s School of the Arts (SOTA) is celebrating 29 years of Fine and Performing Arts instruction. Mission partners with First Church in Williamsport and is housed at their North Campus, 1157 Market Street. SOTA’s programs include: Ballet and Modern Dance (ages three and up), Adult Stretch/Strengthening, Lessons for Strings, Guitar, Wind Instruments, Voice, Piano, Ballroom Dance, Summer Camps, Art Pop-ups, and more! Enrollment opens for the Winter/Spring Semester in December, following the Nutcracker performance. SOTA is a 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization.
Go to CAClive.com for more information and tickets. Tickets range from $21-$31.50.
