‘Nutcracker’ set for UNLV theater

Friday, Nov. 8, 1996 | 11:59 a.m.

"The Nutcracker," a classical ballet in two acts, was first performed in the Maryinsky Theater, St. Petersburg, in 1892. The ballet appeared throughout Europe and generally got a cool response. When it finally reached the United States in 1940, "The Nutcracker" garnered a whole new audience that fell in love with Tchaikovsky's endearing score and the charming story.

Three years after NDT opened its doors, Sulich decided to add portions of "The Nutcracker" to his repertoire. Sulich's "Nutcracker Suite" debuted in 1976 and proved to be very popular with Las Vegas audiences during the next four years. By 1981, Sulich decided to present a full-length version.

Since 1976, "The Nutcracker" has increased in performance days from six to 20. NDT also takes the ballet on an annual interstate tour.

Sulich added live music by the Nevada Symphony Orchestra and the Nevada Opera Theater Children's Choir to his ballet in 1994. Also in that year, through the generosity of several donors, the production received new scenery and costumes designed by Peter Cazalet.

The 1996 production of "The Nutcracker" will feature the talents of more than 100 dancers, musicians, singers and a new Christmas tree that "grows" during the Act 1 dream sequence.

All of the children cast in "The Nutcracker" are local, selected by an audition held in September. Out of the more than 150 students who auditioned, 93 were selected to participate in three different casts. Age ranges are from 6 to 14, and each student had to have at least two years of ballet training.

There were three girls selected to play the part of Clara: Katherine Dixon, 13; Deanna Clark, 12; and Indika Roed, 14. Two boys and one girl will play Fritz: Michael Szanyi, 10; Daniel Thomson, 12; and Angela Peppers, 11.

Tickets are $25, $36 and $47, with discounts for children and seniors. This year, NDT introduces a family price. There are half-price tickets available for up to six children with the purchase of two full-price adult tickets. There will be a free performance for disadvantaged children at 7 p.m. Dec. 26.

"Treatseats" coupons, available at Target Stores, allow the purchase of one half-price child's ticket with the purchase of one full-price adult ticket for evening performances Dec. 17-28. AT&T is underwriting a Family Day on Dec. 28 at 2 p.m. This sponsorship allows one child's ticket free with the purchase of one full-price adult ticket.

For information about ticket prices and these discounts, call the box office at 895-3801. Full-price tickets are also available at all Dillard's stores.