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The Nutcracker a Box-Office Smash - Alberta Ballet Adds Extra Show in Calgary

Calgary/Edmonton, AB - Thanks to record-breaking sales and intense audience interest, Alberta Ballet has added a 2:00pm matinee performance of its new production of The Nutcracker on December 22 in Calgary. Performances are at the Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium and tickets will be on sale Wednesday, December 10.

Alberta Ballet's Artistic Director Jean Grand-Maître says of the new performance, "I think it's going to be like unwrapping a new gift at Christmas."

The results of the new production have been well-received during The Nutcracker's world premiere tour to Victoria, BC and Spokane, WA. Spokane's Spokesman review wrote,

"The collaborative efforts of the choreographer [Edmund Stripe] and designer [Zack Brown] set the ballet in opulent Imperial Russia. The scenery, featuring beautifully painted drops and movable set pieces, is astonishing. It sparkles and shines. It is luscious and rich. It supports - rather than overshadows - the choreography. The costumes glow and glitter and flow with the movement. In particular, the animal costumes make the animals recognizable without impeding the dancing."

The Victoria Times Colonist gave The Nutcracker 4 stars out of 5, calling it, "magnificent from start to finish."

The Nutcracker made history in Victoria, breaking a 12-year box office record. Sold-out performances were seen this past weekend in Spokane.

Alberta Ballet returns home to Alberta this week, and there are few tickets remaining for the Edmonton and Calgary performances. The all-new production of The Nutcracker comes to Edmonton at the Northern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium with five shows from December 11 to 14 and in Calgary with nine shows from December 17 to 22 at the Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium. All performances feature live orchestral accompaniment by the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra and the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra.

To purchase tickets in Edmonton, phone 780-451-8000, or in Calgary at 403-299-8888.

About Alberta Ballet:
Alberta Ballet, a not-for-profit organization, is Canada's third-largest ballet company. Since its formation in 1966, its eclectic, bold and youthful programming has wowed audiences and critics alike around the world. Considered one of the most successful Canadian choreographers of his generation, Artistic Director Jean Grand-Maître has built a rich repertoire that includes the ballets of such masters as George Balanchine and Rudi van Dantzig, as well as original works; including the critically acclaimed Joni Mitchell’s The Fiddle & The Drum, a collaboration with legendary music artist Joni Mitchell.

Calgary media contact:

Samantha Garner, Marketing & Communications Coordinator
P: 403-245-4222 ext. 529 | E: samanthag@albertaballet.com
Gail Helmer, Director of Marketing and Communications
P: 403-245-4222 ext. 545 | E: gailh@albertaballet.com