MANILA, Philippines - Philippine Ballet Theatre Inc. (PBT), a resident company of the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP), presents a Christmas favorite, The Nutcracker from Nov. 13 to 15 at the CCP Main Theater.
Joseph Phillips returns to Manila from Russia to perform the role of the Nutcracker Prince, partnering PBT’s home grown ballerinas, Veronica Ylagan. Lobreza Pimentel and Regine Magbitang who will take on the roles of Clara and the Sugar Plum Fairy.
Phillips has won more gold medals than any American male dancer and is currently one of only two American danseurs in Russia as principal dancers. The State Primorsky Opera and Ballet Theatre where Joseph performs multiple roles has recently become a part of the Mariinsky Ballet Company.
One of the most popular ballets in the world, The Nutcracker Ballet story originated from the “The Nutcracker and the Mouse King” (German: Nussknacker und Mausekönig), a story written in 1816 by the German writer E.T.A. Hoffmann.
In this tale, the young Marie Stahlbaum’s favorite Christmas toy, the Nutcracker, comes alive and, after defeating the evil Mouse King in battle, whisks her away to a magical kingdom of sweets populated by dolls.
Close to 100 dancers participate in this wonderful German tale story. The charming Mother Ginger scene with numerous petite ballerinas from leading area ballet schools will be included in the production this year. Ronilo Jaynario, artistic director, restages the production.
For tickets, call the CCP Box Office at 832-3704, Ticketworld at 891-999, and PBT at 632-8848 or 255 8076. For more information, call Sylvia Lichauco de Leon at 0920-8016845, 0917-8555652, or email sylvia.lichauco@pbt.ph.