Alberta Ballet's New Nutcracker Closes With a Flourish
Calgary/Edmonton, AB - Edmund Stripe's all new production of The Nutcracker proved to be one of the most spectacular productions in Alberta Ballet's history. Featuring new sets, costumes and choreography, The Nutcracker broke box office records in the four cities where it played.
Twenty performances of The Nutcracker took place over 25 days in Victoria, Spokane, Edmonton and Calgary. Over 41,000 people in these cities enjoyed the new production of The Nutcracker, including 10,500 in Edmonton and 19,500 in Calgary. Attendance in Edmonton for The Nutcracker was up 18% from 2007. Calgary attendance rose by 31%. Of Alberta's 14 performances, 10 sold out. In fact, audience interest was so high that a ninth show was added in Calgary.
Alberta Ballet also partnered with 630 CHED Santas Anonymous in Edmonton and CHQR Children's Foundation in Calgary with the Nutcracker for Kids gift drive, ensuring children in the community feel the holiday spirit.
"Christmas isn't always a happy time for everyone," said Darryl Lindenbach, Alberta Ballet Executive Director, "and you never want a child to have to miss Christmas. Thanks to our great patrons and our new Nutcracker for Kids holiday gift drive, we've been happy to play a small part in brightening the lives of some children who really deserve it this holiday season."
Over $3,000 was raised through this new campaign, with a portion of the proceeds also going to benefit arts education opportunities.
The most lavish production ever mounted by Alberta Ballet, The Nutcracker was a hit with the thousands of people who enjoy it with their families each December.
"We are so pleased that audiences embraced Edmund Stripe's new The Nutcracker so warmly", said Lindenbach, "The efforts put forth by everyone associated with this new production have been truly world-class. We look forward to bringing this new Christmas tradition to audiences across Canada for many years to come."
