Pioneer Valley Ballet (PVB) will bring its beloved interpretation of The Nutcracker back to the historic Academy of Music theater from December 12-14.
The Nutcracker ballet has enchanted generations of Western MA audiences at the holidays. This year’s production will mark PVB’s 46th year of Nutcracker performances at the Academy of Music – one of the longest running productions in New England.
Under the direction of Co-Artistic Directors Maryanne Kodzis and Thomas Vacanti, PVB’s Nutcracker includes over 150 dancers from towns throughout Western Massachusetts. Playing roles ranging from enchanting snowflakes to the tiniest reindeer, they help tell the classic tale of young Clara as she battles the Rat King to save the Nutcracker Prince, then journeys to the enchanted Snow Forest and beautiful Kingdom of Sweets. Community dancers perform alongside PVB’s pre-professional students and professional guest artists from Carolina Ballet. This year PVB will also be honoring Kodzis and Vacanti as they celebrate their 20th year as Co-Artistic Directors for Pioneer Valley Ballet.
Performances are scheduled for Friday, December 12 at 4pm and 7:30p.m.; Saturday, December 13 at 1pm and 4:30pm; and Sunday, December 14 at 1pm and 4:30pm. Tickets range from $30-$45 plus Academy service fees. PVB also participates in the Massachusetts Card to Culture program, offering a limited number of tickets at a reduced price to any patrons with a valid EBT, WIC, or ConnectorCare card.
Tickets to The Nutcracker can be purchased directly from the Academy of Music Theatre Box Office online at www.aomtheatre.com, in person at 274 Main Street in downtown Northampton, or by phone at 413-584-9032 ext. 105. The box office is open Tuesdays-Fridays from 3:00-6:00 p.m. and also opens one hour before each performance.
PVB is a non-profit, mission-based regional ballet company with studios at the Eastworks building in Easthampton. As the premier dance education non-profit in the valley, its programming includes year-round training opportunities for dancers of all ages; two annual mainstage productions with student, community, and professional dancers; and extensive dance outreach to the community. For further information about Pioneer Valley Ballet, please visit www.pioneervalleyballet.org.