The Savannah Ballet Theatre (SBT) is set to celebrate the holiday season with a live production of ‘The Nutcracker’ at 5:30 p.m. on December 9 at the Lucas Theater, located on 32 Abercorn Street in Savannah.
“The Nutcracker is the perfect way to kick-off the holiday festivities, we are so excited to feature our incredible dancers and the Savannah Ballet Theatre,” SBT artistic director Suzanne Braddy said. “The local dancers at our professional company are thrilled for this year’s performance, and we know the audience will love the guest artists, exciting projections and beautiful costumes showcased. We could not have put this production on without the generous support of our sponsors and our SBT patrons.”
Savannah Ballet Theatre will also offer a special low sensory performance of The Nutcracker this holiday season for local Chatham County school students, suitable for patrons who have social, cognitive, and physical accommodations. The special performance will take place on December 8 at the Lucas Theater, located on 32 Abercorn Street in Savannah.
Ashley Casstevens, a dancer with SBT since 2015, says that the low sensory performance is always a big hit with both performers and audiences alike.
“It is just so amazing for everyone. We do have the house lights on, the music is lower. People are encouraged to talk, make sounds, walk around, just whatever will help them fully enjoy the show and be comfortable,” Casstevens said.
“Everyone should be able to enjoy a show, and I really think that our low sensory show makes it possible for all the people in the audience to enjoy the show and feel included.” Casstevens said.
The classic score by Tchaikovsky will fuel the performance of this traditional holiday ballet, which demonstrates the story of a young girl’s dream of a Christmas gift come-to-life to become her beloved prince. The Theatre’s production uses a local perspective, setting the scene in 1940’s Savannah instead of the traditional early 19th century Germany.
According to Casstevens, adding these local touches to the play makes the performance “even more special”.
“The general mission of the Savannah Ballet Theatre includes utilizing local dancers and embracing the community,” Casstevens said. I think it makes it extra special to know that we have so much talent in Savannah, since we’re a smaller dance company.”
“I really hope that folks will come out and enjoy the Nutcracker and come out for our other shows too.”
To purchase tickets for the Dec. 8th or 9th performance, which start at $30 per person, visit the Lucas Theater’s website, www.lucastheatre.com/ tickets, or call 912-525-5050.
For more information about The Nutcracker or the Savannah Ballet Theatre & School of Dance, visit www. savannahballettheatre.org.