The Nutcracker / The Hong Kong Ballet / 19 December

[The Hong Kong Ballet]

The Hong Kong Ballet presents the Magical Christmas Classic,
The Nutcracker

With Fringe Activities that Enhance the Festive Experience

[Hong Kong - 7 November 2008] The Hong Kong Ballet's longest-running, annual Christmas production of The Nutcracker will open at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre on 19 December. A "perfect start to the Christmas season" (South China Morning Post), Stephen Jefferies' production has entertained nearly 200,000 audience members in the past 11 years at venues all across Hong Kong and beyond. Tickets are now open for public sale at all URBTIX outlets.

Based on a story adapted by the French writer, Alexandre Dumas, and set to Tchaikovsky's whimsical music, The Nutcracker ballet was first performed at St Petersburg's Mariinsky Theatre in December 1892, and has since become a magical part of Christmas tradition for adults and children all over the world.

The enchanting music of Tchaikovsky played by the Hong Kong Sinfonietta, under the baton of Ormsby Wilkins (Music Director of American Ballet Theater), the sumptuous set and costumes, the delightful spectacle with new choreography added this year, combine to make this magnificent ballet a must see holiday event for the whole family.

Besides the performances, a series of fringe activities have been arranged to enhance the festive experience. Attend a free pre-performance talk on 20 December evening or 21 December afternoon by presenting your ticket. Make your Christmas wish on our beautiful Christmas tree from 20 December through to Christmas Day. Share the seasonal joy with your friends before your Boxing Day Party by having a funny make-up on 26 December. Last but not least, bring your children into the ballet world through our creative workshops with storytelling, pantomime and handicraft on 20 and 21 December.

The story opens with a fabulous Christmas party, and centres around Clara and an enchanted Nutcracker doll. The sparkling Christmas tree, which grows to a dazzling height, hints at the magic and fantasy to come. Later, Clara finds herself witness to an exciting battle between rats and toy soldiers. The death of the Rat King breaks the spell on the Nutcracker, and as Prince of Bonbon Land once again, he travels with Clara to the Ice Palace through the Lands of Snow and Flowers, visiting the Sugar Plum fairy on the way.

The Nutcracker will be performed at the Grand Theatre of Hong Kong Cultural Centre from 19 to 27 December 2008. Tickets from $120 to $600 & $1000 VIP tickets are available at all URBTIX outlets now (Tel. 2734 9009; website: www.urbtix.com). For registration and enquiries, call 2105 9724 or email marketing@hkballet.com. Full details can be found on www.hkballet.com.

The Nutcracker is one of the programmes in 'Cheers!' Series presented by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department. Please refer to individual leaflet for programme and discount details.

Programme details
19-20 & 24-27.12.2008
(7:30pm)
20-21, 25-26.12.2008
(2:30pm)
$1000 (VIP), $600, $400, $260, $140

21 & 23.12.2008 (7:30pm)
$480, $320, $220, $120

Grand Theatre
Hong Kong Cultural Centre

Tickets available at all URBTIX outlets NOW

Choreography
Stephen Jefferies
　Children Dance
　Rashna Homji
　Chinese Dance
　Sheng Pei-qi
Music
Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky
Design
Peter Farmer
Lighting
Leo Cheung
Conductor
Ormsby Wilkins
Live Accompaniment
Hong Kong Sinfonietta
Reservation
2734 9009
Credit card booking
2111 5999
Internet booking
www.urbtix.hk
Enquiries
2105 9724 / marketing@hkballet.com
For ages 3 or above


About The Hong Kong Ballet

The Hong Kong Ballet is recognized as one of the leading ballet companies in Asia, and constitutes the sole professional ballet company in Hong Kong. Led by Artistic Director John Meehan, the Company's 43 dancers participate in more than 40 performances every year of full-length and mixed repertory ballets to an estimated audience of over 45,000. Since its founding in 1979, the Hong Kong Ballet has emerged as an effective international ambassador for Hong Kong, making more than 17 international tours to 10 countries since 1997. The Company's repertoire ranges from the great full-length ballets of the 19th century such as Swan Lake, The Sleeping Beauty, The Nutcracker and Giselle, to some of the best classical works of the 20th century, including Balanchine's Rubies, Theme and Variations and Tchaikovsky Pas de Deux, Antony Tudor's Jardin aux Lilas, Serge Lifar's Suite en Blanc, Rudi van Dantzig's Romeo and Juliet and Ronald Hynd's The Merry Widow. The repertoire also includes acclaimed contemporary masterpieces such as Stephen Mill's Hush and Stanton Welch's Clear. The Company regularly conducts active educational and community outreach programmes to an annual audience of 20,000.

Press Contacts:

Heidi Chik
PR and Marketing Manager
Hong Kong Ballet
Tel. 2105 9742
heidi_chik@hkballet.com Irene So
Assistant Marketing Manager
Hong Kong Ballet
Tel: 2105 9723
irene_so@hkballet.com
Chloe Kwung
Marketing Officer
Hong Kong Ballet
Tel: 2105 9757
chloe_kwung@hkballet.com