METROPOLITAN CLASSICAL BALLET TO PRESENT THE NUTCRACKER

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 18, 2004

ARLINGTON, Texas - This marks the eighth season that Metropolitan Classical Ballet (formerly Ballet Arlington) will present the Bolshoi inspired version of The Nutcracker. Choreographed by Alexander Vetrov, the beloved holiday production offers the perfect elements for family entertainment: magnificent dancing, gorgeous musical score by Peter Ilych Tchaikovsky, lavish costumes and breathtaking scenery designed in part by Mr. Vetrov.

Performances will be held at Texas Hall on the campus of the University of Texas in Arlington on Friday, December 17th at 8:00 p.m., Saturday, December 18th at 2:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. and Sunday, December 19th at 2:00 p.m. All performances will be set to the musical accompaniment of the Texas Chamber Orchestra under the direction of Metropolitan Classical Ballet's music director, Ron Spigelman.

Metropolitan Classical Ballet dancers will be joined by guest artist, Gennadi Saveliev, from the American Ballet Theater. The children's cast will be comprised of students from Metropolitan Ballet Academy, the official school of Metropolitan Classical Ballet.

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.

Mr. Vetrov's version of The Nutcracker is filled with all the magic and drama of the timeless Nutcracker story yet his libretto is fresh and unique. New characters are introduced, such as a whimsical wind-up nutcracker toy, and in the enchanted kingdom, the nutcracker prince presents Clara with a magical wand, which she uses to awaken a sleeping fairy doll.

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 an internationally professional company.

Tickets for The Nutcracker range in price from $10 - $30, and are available only through Metropolitan Classical Ballet. Call (817) 465-4644 or order online at www.mcballet.org. Tickets are also available at the administrative office at 500 West Abram Street, Arlington, Texas. Group discounts are offered. Season sponsors include American Airlines, WRR Classical 101 and the law firm of Hill Gilstrap.

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Media Note: Further information or images may be obtained by contacting Judy Puder at (817) 465-4644.