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Press Releases

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 15, 2006

ARLINGTON, TEXAS - This marks the tenth season that Metropolitan Classical Ballet will present the ever popular and beloved production of The Nutcracker. Performances will be held at Texas Hall on the campus of the University of Texas in Arlington on Friday, December 8th at 8:00 p.m., Saturday, December 9th at 2:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. and Sunday, December 10th at 2:00 p.m. Choreographed by Company Artistic Director Alexander Vetrov, the two act classical ballet is set to the magnificent musical score by Peter Ilych Tchaikovsky performed live at all productions by the Metropolitan Classical Ballet Orchestra under the direction of music director, Ron Spigelman. The Nutcracker and the Mouse King, written by E.T.A. Hoffmann in 1816, provided the basis for Peter Tchaikovsky's The Nutcracker ballet, which debuted on December 17, 1892 in St. Petersburg, Russia. It quickly established itself as one of the most famous ballets in history and has since become a staple of Christmas in America. Critics and audiences alike have found Mr. Vetrov's unique version to be totally enchanting. Influenced by the Bolshoi and filled with all the magic and drama of the timeless story, it has everything to offer: glorious sets and costumes, magical special effects, and exceptional dancing.

Children's roles are danced by students at the Metropolitan Ballet Academy, the official school of the company. Metropolitan Classical Ballet's (then Ballet Arlington) first appearance of The Nutcracker production was held in both Kerrville and Ft. Worth, Texas in 1997. The company has since achieved phenomenal success in gaining recognition as a highly acclaimed professional company.

Tickets for The Nutcracker range in price from $10 - $30, and are available only through Metropolitan Classical Ballet. Call (817) 275-0598 or order online at www.mcballet.org. Tickets are also available at the administrative office at 500 W. Abram, Arlington, Texas. Metropolitan Classical Ballet's 2006 /2007 Season is made possible in part by its generous sponsors: The University of Texas at Arlington, American Airlines, and the law firm of Hill Gilstrap.

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Media Note: Further information may be obtained by contacting Deborah Barr at (817) 465-4644. Information can also be found on Metropolitan Classical Ballet's website www.mcballet.org .