Oklahoma City Ballet's The Nutcracker a Triumph!

Oklahoma City Ballet's The Nutcracker a Triumph!

OKLAHOMA CITY, Dec. 23 /PRNewswire/ -- In this time of economic turmoil, Oklahoma City Ballet's complete run of The Nutcracker nearly sold out every performance, and had record ticket revenues for the show in Oklahoma City. The Oklahoma City Philharmonic, conducted by Joel Levine, continued its excellent relationship with the Company. The lavishly decorated Civic Center Music Hall completed the environment of this holiday celebration. Kathleen Redwine of The Oklahoman wrote: "Oklahoma City Ballet's premier production of The Nutcracker is a delightful holiday event for the whole family and a perfect way to introduce children to ballet."

Robert Mills, Artistic Director of Oklahoma City Ballet, recreated his version of The Nutcracker in a traditional style, using a full Tchaikovsky musical score and staying true to the original story. A vignette with Drosselmeyer opened the production and provided continuity for the story. New costumes throughout, especially those for Waltz of the Flowers and for the Sugar Plum Fairy and her Cavalier, added a sumptuous touch, promising the lavish treatment Mills envisions for the entire ballet over the next few years.

This is the second highly successful production by the new Oklahoma City Ballet. Excellent audience attendance, as well as funding from local foundations and corporations, clearly indicates that Oklahoma City is a knowledgeable dance community and supports its own artistic entities. Phil Clayton, president of the Board of Trustees, states, "We know that Oklahoma City will support a ballet company that presents diverse works of skill, taste, and beauty. The artistic staff and the administration will continue to operate a successful organization that produces an excellent artistic product."

Moulin Rouge, the Company's production for Valentine's Day, features a ballet created by Robert Mills during his tenure as Artistic Director of Ballet Nouveau in Colorado that recreates the famed Paris hot spot. Completing the program will be the classic white ballet Les Sylphides, and a new ballet by the outstanding young American choreographer Amy Seiwert. Call Oklahoma City Ballet at (405) 843-TOES or the Civic Center Box Office at (405) 297-2264 for tickets. Also visit www.okcballet.com.

First Call Analyst:
FCMN Contact:

Source: Oklahoma City Ballet

CONTACT: Judith Hankins, Executive Director, +1-405-843-9898, or Robert
Mills, Artistic Director, +1-405-843-9898, both of the Oklahoma City Ballet

Web Site: http://www.okcballet.com/

---

Profile: International Entertainment