Ballet Philippines re-stages 'The Nutcracker'
MANILA, Philippines - Ballet Philippines brings the magic of Christmas with its re-staging of The Nutcracker slated from Dec. 3 and 6, 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.; Dec. 4 and 5 at 3 p.m. and 8 p.m.; and Dec. 12 at10 a.m., 3 p.m. and 8 p.m., at the CCP Main Theater Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo, CCP Complex, Roxas Blvd., Pasay City.
This much-loved ballet classic follows the adventures of young Marie, who receives a magical present one Christmas Eve. Her gift is a nutcracker doll from her godfather, the mysterious Conde de Montaña (Drosselmeyer), a toymaker and inventor who, seemed to have many more surprises in store for her that night.
Later in the evening, (under the Christmas tree where Marie fell asleep after the party) she witnesses a series of fantastic happenings — toys coming to life, a battle between the wicked army of a Mouse King and the valiant toy soldiers, and the nutcracker doll transforming into a handsome prince right before her eyes.
Traveling through a snowstorm to the Kingdom of the Sweets, Marie and the Nutcracker Prince meet the Sugar Plum Fairy, who, impressed by both their courage treats them to a feast of international delights. Marie wakes up the next morning with the nutcracker by her side, and the memory of the most magical Christmas in her heart.
Set in the American colonial period, Ballet Philippines’ 2009 production of The Nutcracker ballet is all about Christmas, both in its essence and its trappings — a tale about young dreams and one’s journey to overcome life’s challenges and discover the magic in one’s self. The visual pageantry is complemented by a live accompaniment of the Manila Symphony Orchestra on special play dates.
As an early Christmas gift, Ballet Philippies invites everyone to sponsor public school children to watch The Nutcracker. For only P350, the students will not only be transported to and from their school to CCP to watch but will also be treated to a free meal and the chance to meet the performers.
