On Stage - Moscow Ballet's Great Russian Nutcracker

Direct from Russia, the performance features 50 spectacular Russian artists from the Kremlin and Stanislavsky Ballets and includes beautiful Russian hand-painted sets and 400 lavish costumes. Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker is unique among Nutcracker productions because of its setting in the Land of Peace and Harmony. The theme of peace is highlighted throughout with the addition of a new character -- an ethereal dove that appears in the heroine’s dreamscape.

This exciting new production of Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker will be set against the stunning work of the designer Valentin Fedorov, whose colorful drops, created with a collage technique, were inspired by European Naïve artists. Larger-than-life puppets, newly redesigned and enlarged (each puppet is larger than 12 feet in height or length) bring eye-popping, three-dimensional interest to many of the scenic elements.

In addition, for the first time, Moscow Ballet audiences will be treated to a view of the enigmatic Drosselmeier’s workshop as he creates magical Christmas gifts for young Masha and her friends. The workshop set features numerous hanging puppets and a variety of 19th Century toy-making equipment. The new scene, a highlight of the overture, further emphasizes the magical influence of the character of Drosselmeier.  

This season, Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker is pleased to feature the talents of a new artistic director and choreographer. Anatoly Emelianov will be familiar to Moscow Ballet audiences for his role as The Nutcracker Prince. He has danced with the company since its first U.S. tour eleven years ago. In 2001 Emelianov made his debut as a choreographer, he choreographed "Rock" to the music of Vivaldi on the stage of Moscow State University. That same year he choreographed the opera "Farmer's Dignity" on the stage of Madrid's Opera. He went on to win international recognition and praise for his progressive style. As Mikhail Lavrosky of the Bolshoi Theater said in 2002, “Emelianov is indeed talented with his modern vision of art and his contemporary way of thinking. His ballet is built on a classical basis but at the same time it is free of dogma and is non-traditional.” Emelianov’s bold vision will further enhance a company that was praised by Anna Kisselgoff of the New York Times for its “whimsical, charming tone,” and its “vibrant classical style.”

Event Details
Youkey Theatre, The Lakeland Center
Dec. 21 at 3 p.m.
  
Pricing and Seating
$45 orchestra/first level seating
$35 mezzanine/front of second level
$25 balcony/rear of second level
$65 (limited pit seating)

You can order tickets online at Ticketmaster.

For more information, call 863-834-8111, or visit www.thelakelandcenter.com.

ChristmasInOrlando.com Tips:

Lakeland Center is located about midway between Orlando and Tampa.  It's an easy 35-minute drive from Gaylord Palms Resort via Interstate 4.

There are so many Christmas events in Orlando, you have to stay the night!  Gaylord Palms Resort, Orlando's holiday headquarters hotel, features an amazing schedule of Christmas events and attractions throughout the season.  In addition, Walt Disney World and other Orlando theme parks feature family activities for Christmas that you'll remember forever. For more information, visit the Gaylord Palms website.