Artistic Director Genie O’Brien notes that this year’s program has a “global flair,” thanks to guest performers. Oliver Arana, who portrays Cavalier, is originally from Peru and has danced with Ballet Municipal de Lima and Ballet Nacional de Caracas among others. Shamou, who portrays the Arabian Sultan, was formerly a dancer with the Iranian National Ballet, but is known primarily as a percussionist with two CDs to his credit: “Spirits Dance” and “Shodjah.”
Daielma Santos, the Arabian Princess, is a graduate of the Royal Academy of Dancing in London and has performed extensively in her homeland of Brazil. Two performers from the Dance Theatre of Harlem (Portland Ballet alum Taurean Green is originally from Maine) have also joined the cast.
O’Brien encourages those who have seen “The Victorian Nutcracker” before to see it again. “With enhancements to sets, choreography and cast, there are surprises in store for even our most loyal audience members,” she said.
The Portland Ballet’s “Victorian Nutcracker” takes place in late 1800s Portland. The story is set in the Victoria Mansion with sets, costumes and characters based upon historical figures. The classical “Nutcracker” story unfolds with a duel to the death by the Nutcracker Prince and the Mouse King giving way to the Snow Kingdom. There, the Pas de Deux by the Snow Princess and her Prince enchants all as whirling snowflakes surround them to close Act I. The dolls from Act I come to life in Act II to assist in the “Visions of Sugar Plums” through their various around-the-world fantasies of sweets and Victorian era delights.
The Portland Ballet will perform to the music of Tchaikovsky played by the Portland Ballet Orchestra under the baton of Dennis G. Assaf.
In Lewiston, performances will be 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13, at the Lewiston Middle School. Tickets are on sale at the Community Little Theater, 783-0958.
The Portland performance with the Portland Ballet Orchestra will be 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 17, in Merrill Auditorium in Portland’s City Hall. For those tickets, people may call Porttix at (207) 842-0800 or go online at http://www.porttix.com/ord_december2003.asp.
A special performance for school groups will be at 10 a.m. Dec. 17 in Portland. People may contact Leslie Gibbons or Vanessa Beyland at 772-9671 for information and reservations about that show.
For more information about the Portland Ballet, people may visit www.PortlandBallet.com.
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