Halifax/K’jipuktuk, NS – After a two-year hiatus, experience holiday joy with colourful characters, larger-than-life puppets, and breathtaking live music in this made-in-Halifax fairy tale ballet.

Symphony Nova Scotia is proud to present its 30th anniversary production of The Nutcracker, a holiday treat for all ages, in collaboration with Halifax Dance and Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia.

On stage from December 2-11 at the Rebecca Cohn Auditorium, this annual production is unmatched by any other in the province. Combining the talents of more than 100 musicians, dancers, and production staff, The Nutcracker entertains thousands of Nova Scotians each year.

It’s the story of a young girl who falls asleep in a dormitory and wakes up in a fantasy world with her beloved Nutcracker Prince. Together, they fight the vicious Mouse Queen and travel through an enchanting Land of Snow to the Palace of the Rag Doll Queen, where flowers, dolls, and toys come to life, largely danced by local youth.

“It’s an honour to be a part of a tradition that has created so much magic for families for 30 years,” says Miranda Garvey, one of this year’s young dancers. “I find it very exciting to be working on a large production with Symphony Nova Scotia on the Cohn stage.”

The Nutcracker weaves its magic through a combination of larger-than-life puppetry, live music, and dramatic narrative dance. The cast includes approximately 50 dancers and puppeteers, ranging in age from ten all the way to 70. And while the dancers and puppets are onstage, more than 40 Symphony Nova Scotia musicians are beneath them in the orchestra pit performing the music from Tchaikovsky’s famous Nutcracker ballet.

Reprising the role of Clara will be Giovanna Lamboglia, who has performed in the role since 2018. She began her training in Brazil and is currently based out of London, UK where she is a freelance dancer and teacher. We are also excited to welcome Caio Barasents in the role of the Nutcracker Prince. Also hailing from Brazil, Caio works as a dancer and dance teacher in Goiânia. Dartmouth’s own Rebecca Swift will join the cast as Frieda and the Mouse Queen. Rebecca is currently a dancer and teacher at Stars of Tomorrow Dance Academy.

Other principal dancers this year are veterans Gay Hauser (Fraulein Sophia Drosselmeyer), Christopher Wolfe (the Janitor), and Alexis Milligan (Lotte Drosselmeyer/Mother Ginger). Scott Fulton will also reprise his role as Puppeteer for the memorable Spirit of Winter.

“It has been an honour and rare privilege to have led the artistic team of this production for 30 years,” says Leica Hardy, the original choreographer and director of The Nutcracker.

“I know this production has become a beloved annual tradition for many families in our community, and I thank them from the bottom of my heart. I also highy value the impact it has made on the lives of hundreds of young dance students and the development of our professional dance community over the years. The Nutcracker experience has been the catalyst for many young dancers to embark on professional dance careers.”

Tickets for The Nutcracker are on sale now. Call 494.3820 or 1.800.874.1669, or buy online at symphonynovascotia.ca.

Presented by Symphony Nova Scotia, Halifax Dance, and Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia:

• December 2, 9, 10, and 11 at 7:30 pm
  
• December 3, 4, 10, and 11 at 2:00 pm
  
• December 8 at 4:00 pm
• The Rebecca Cohn Auditorium, Halifax

About Halifax Dance
Since its establishment as a registered charity in 1973, Halifax Dance has been an integral part of the regional dance community and is nationally recognized as a leader in pre-professional dance training. The school offers a highly recognized Intensive Training Program; recreational programs for children, teens, and adults; and an Inclusive Movement Program for children and youth with special needs. Halifax Dance is also active in various outreach initiatives allowing them to share the joy of movement throughout our community. Several professional Companies in Residence call Halifax Dance home and create, train, and rehearse in our studios.

About Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia
Founded in 1972, Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia’s innovative adaptations of children’s literature have entertained five and a half million young people on four continents, offering a unique travelling showcase for Atlantic Region talent. The company ranks among North America’s most respected theatres for the young, and has won widespread recognition for its important ambassadorial role. Mermaid Theatre has earned Export Excellence Awards from both Nova Scotia and the Government of Canada (2001, 2005) in recognition of contributions to culture and the economy, was awarded the Crystal Tourism Ambassador Award by Nova Scotia’s tourism industry in 2008, and received the Atlantic Presenters Association’s first annual Award for Excellence in Artistic Management in 2009.

About Symphony Nova Scotia
Symphony Nova Scotia (Music Director: Holly Mathieson) is Nova Scotia’s orchestra. With a home base in Halifax and performances across the province, Symphony Nova Scotia is proud to be a vibrant, vital part of Nova Scotia’s rich cultural community. From sold-out orchestral concerts to free family events, youth and seniors’ activities, and educational partnerships, Symphony Nova Scotia creates unforgettable experiences with truly great music. Visit symphonynovascotia.ca to learn more, listen online, or get tickets today!

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For more information, please contact:

Carol Kehoe
Director of Marketing and Communications, Symphony Nova Scotia
902.421.5264
[email protected]
symphonynovascotia.ca