CHARLESTON, W.VA. (12/1/23) – The Charleston Ballet and The West Virginia Symphony Orchestra (WVSO) will present the 20th anniversary production of The Nutcracker on December 8 at 7:30 p.m. and December 9 at 2:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. at the Clay Center in Charleston. The performances will feature over 75 local dancers and guest artists from The Charleston Ballet (Kim Pauley, Artistic Director) accompanied by the WVSO, under the direction of Music Director Maurice Cohn. This production is the only one in the area with a full live orchestra—a one-of-a-kind experience for local audiences. 

“Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker is one of those pieces that is famous for good reason—no matter how often you have heard the music or seen the ballet, it never fails to amaze and inspire,” said Music Director Maurice Cohn. “We are very proud to present this production in collaboration with the Charleston Ballet, the only production this year in West Virginia where you can see Tchaikovsky’s ballet danced to a live orchestra. You won’t want to miss this!” 

“This experience always proves to be an experience for the younger dancers participating and our guest dancers marvel that our production is with a live orchestra of such quality," said Charleston Ballet Artistic Director Kim Pauley. 

"The WV Symphony is proud to collaborate with the Charleston Ballet to present the Nutcracker for our 20th anniversary," said WVSO President Joe Tackett. "It's a holiday tradition that I enjoy sharing with my daughter and thousands of others who choose to build family memories by experiencing this holiday classic in person with a live orchestra."  

The Nutcracker will feature guest dancers from the Columbia Classical Ballet in South Carolina and several freelance artists. Freddie Fourie will return to play the role of Drosselmeyer. Local artist Ted Brightwell will appear as Mother Ginger, Brigette Madden will be dancing the role of Clara, and students from the American Academy Ballet will join artists of The Charleston Ballet to complete this wonderful cast. Ladies of Herbert Hoover Choral program under the direction of Kathy Silber will join for the iconic “Dance of the Snowflakes”. Music Director Maurice Cohn will lead the WVSO in this time-honored tradition. 

When:

Friday, December 8 at 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, December 9 at 2:00 p.m., 7:30 p.m.

Where: Clay Center, One Clay Square, Charleston, WV 25301  

Tickets: https://secure.theclaycenter.org/events or 304.561.3570.