MARYVILLE, Tenn. (WOKI) — The Appalachian Ballet Company is preparing to usher in the holiday season with its annual production of The Nutcracker, marking the beloved Christmas tradition’s 55th season.
This year’s production will feature live music by the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra, conducted by James Fellenbaum, for all public performances.
The company will present four performances over two weekends in December. The first two performances will take place at the Knoxville Civic Auditorium on Saturday, Dec. 5, at 7 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 6, at 3 p.m.
The following weekend, the production moves to the Clayton Center for the Arts in Maryville with performances scheduled for Friday, Dec. 11, at 7 p.m. and Saturday, Dec. 12, at 3 p.m.
Principal artists Laura Morton La Russa and James La Russa will star as the Sugar Plum Fairy and Nutcracker Prince. Guest artists Chandler Proctor, Alex Gonzaga, Craig Wasserman and Jeff Wolfe will perform featured roles, including the Snow King, Arabian Prince and Harlequin Dolls.
Eleven-year-old Eliza Small will perform the starring role of Clara, while Micah Merli returns as the mysterious Herr Drosselmeyer.
The holiday favorite tells the story of Clara’s magical Christmas Eve adventure and features iconic scenes including toy soldiers, dancing snowflakes and the Land of Sweets.
In addition to the public performances, more than 2,000 students are expected to attend a special school matinee on Dec. 4 at the Knoxville Civic Auditorium.
Tickets are available through the Appalachian Ballet Company. For performances at the Clayton Center for the Arts, ticket information is also available by calling 865-981-8590.
