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Richmond Ballet Returns to the Historic Carpenter Theatre for The Nutcracker

11/20/2009

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 20, 2009

Media Contact:
Aaron Sutten
(804) 344-0906 ext. 244
asutten@richmondballet.com

RICHMOND BALLET RETURNS TO THE HISTORIC CARPENTER THEATRE FOR THE NUTCRACKER

RICHMOND - Richmond Ballet will return to the lovingly-restored Carpenter Theatre December 11 - 23 to perform its annual holiday production of The Nutcracker. Now a part of the Richmond CenterStage performing arts complex, the Carpenter Theatre was the performing home of Richmond Ballet for a decade before it closed for renovations in 2004. In the new venue, audiences will enjoy an expanded performance run of The Nutcracker, with live orchestral accompianment by the Richmond Symphony, with affordable ticket prices starting at only $15.

“We are thrilled to be returning to the Carpenter for The Nutcracker. The newly-renovated theatre is just beautiful, and the audience will undoubtedly enjoy being so close to the dancing,” says Artistic Director Stoner Winslett. “Everyone will be able to see everything so well in this venue, and this, along with the improved acoustics and live accompaniment by the Richmond Symphony, is sure to make this year’s Nutcracker especially enchanting.”

The new CenterStage venue has inspired other changes surrounding this holiday tradition. The former Sweets Parties that followed selected matinee performances of The Nutcracker have been replaced by a completely new event, Clara’s Tea Party, which, like the predecessor, is a separately-ticketed event not included with the performance price.

Clara’s Tea Party, which is generously sponsored by Franklin Federal Savings Bank, will be an elegant seated tea, featuring live piano music and delectable treats. It will be held in a festively-decorated Rhythm Hall, which is immediately adjacent to the Carpenter Theatre in the CenterStage complex. Children will also have the opportunity to meet and have their pictures taken with The Nutcracker characters in the Showcase Gallery just next to Rhythm Hall.

“We hope that attending Clara’s Tea Party will become as much a family tradition as attending The Nutcracker,” says Winslett. “It’s the perfect way to wrap up a wonderful holiday outing!”

Ballet patrons can experience Clara’s Tea Party following the 2:00pm matinee performances on December 12, 19, 21 and 22. Because this is a seated event, admission is limited to 150 people per event. Please contact the Richmond Ballet box office at 804.344.0906 x224 for more information.

Dominion Resources is the title sponsor for this season’s production of The Nutcracker. Generous support has also been provided by the Richard S. Reynolds Foundation and the E. Rhodes and Leona B. Carpenter Foundation.