The New York Theatre Ballet's production of Keith Michael's THE NUTCRACKER
Company:
New York Theatre Ballet
New York Theatre Ballet returns to Florence Gould Hall with their popular and critically acclaimed production of Keith Michael's THE NUTCRAKER from December 15-17, 2017. This is a timeless, inventive re-imagined classic danced to Tchaikovsky's beloved score and set in an Art Nouveau style, circa 1907. The set is designed by Gillian Bradshaw-Smith, and costumes are designed by Sylvia Taalsohn Nolan (Resident Costume Designer at the Metropolitan Opera).
...the production has sweetness, fun and intimacy.
...Although I've seen other productions feature a Marzipan Shepherdess with dancing sheep in Act II, this one, with the tiniest child who goes on dancing for the audience until the last possible moment, is especially irresistible.
-- Alastair Macaulay, The New York Times
...Keith Michael has made an hour mini ballet intended primarily for little kids but equally enchanting for ancients like me. It's completely ingenious the way he deploys the pretty cut-out scenery and the equally charming costumes and it's extraordinary the way he accomplishes so much with so small an ensemble. What's more, the choreography is musical and inventive and fun. These are committed dancers, at much at home in this classic as they were in Tudor, Cunningham and Alston the last time I saw them.
-- Robert Gottlieb, New York Observer
It's a charming production that sheds light on what constitutes "kid friendly": bright colors, quick scene changes, lots of props and an atmosphere tolerant of chattering, squealing audience members.
-- Siobhan Burke, The New York Times
NYTB's The Nutcracker performances are from December 15-17, 2016 at Florence Gould Hall, 55 East 59th Street, NYC (between Park and Madison Avenues). Performances are Friday, December 15 at 6pm as well as Saturday, December 16 and Sunday December 17 at 11am, 1pm, and 3:30pm. Tickets are $24 for children (12 and under) and $34 for adults, and are available online at www.nytb.org, via Ticketmaster at (800) 982-2787, or in person at the Florence Gould Hall box office at (212) 355-6160. For group sales: 212-679-0401 or email groups@nytb.org.
ABOUT NEW YORK THEATRE BALLET
With its ever-expanding repertory, New York Theatre Ballet's cutting-edge programming brings fresh insight to classic revivals, paired with the modern sensibilities of both established and up-and-coming choreographers. Going strong after 38 years, New York Theatre Ballet's diversity in repertory explores the past while boldly taking risks on the future.
Diana Byer is the founder and Artistic Director of New York Theatre Ballet and Ballet School NY. She is a répétiteur for The Antony Tudor Trust, a member of the Board of Directors of the Dance Notation Bureau, an Education Ambassador for The New York Pops, on the Dance Portal Advisory Board of The Children's Museum of Manhattan, and on the Selection Committees of The Bessies and Clive Barnes Awards. She has staged the ballets of Antony Tudor for American Ballet Theatre and The Hartt School and the ballets of Agnes de Mille for the Alabama Ballet and American Ballet Theatre. She coached the principals for the Columbia Pictures film, Center Stage.
Keith Michael (choreographer) conceived and choreographed New York Theatre Ballet's previous production of The Nutcracker (1985-2010) as well as The Alice-in-Wonderland Follies (selected by Lincoln Center Institute for their 2002-2003 touring season), GOOSE!, and L'Histoire du Soldat. His eclectic performance career has included New York Theatre Ballet, The Vanaver Caravan, David Parker and The Bang Group, Elise Long's Spoke the Hub and The New York Baroque Dance Company, among many others. Mr. Michael has a BFA from Case Western Reserve University, a Certificate in Arts Administration from New York University, has been Production Coordinator for the Dance Division at The Juilliard School since 1997, and has facilitated thousands of performances nationally and internationally, wearing a large variety of production hats. He is also an urban naturalist, leading New York City WILD! birding and nature awareness walks throughout the NYC boroughs, and has published four books of writing and photography: Once Around the Block: A Birder's Year in the West Village, 1000 Days: World Trade Center Rising, Take Me to the River, and Let's Go Out! which can be previewed at www.keithmichaelnyc.com.
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