December 9, 2011 is opening night for Nashville’s Nutcracker, an original interpretation of Tchaikovsky’s Ballet which was first performed in 1892. Nashville’s Nutcracker has been gracing the holiday halls of TPAC since 2008 when Paul Vasterling’s interpretation of the classic ballet was debuted. In Vasterling’s twist on the classic ballet which is based on Alexandre Dumas’ “The Tale of the Nutcracker” written in 1845, the characters attend the 1897 Tennessee Centennial Exposition. It is here that Clara is bought The Nutcracker, the central figure of the story, by her Godfather.

The Tennessee Centennial of 1897 celebrated 100 years of Statehood and unveiled the Parthenon, a full scale replica of the Parthenon in ancient Greece, which centered around a 42 foot statue of Athena, the Greek Goddess of wisdom, war and the arts. During the Centennial celebration of 1897 over 1.8 million people attended the six month long tribute to Tennessee’s Statehood, and it is in the midst of these revels that Nashville’s Nutcracker takes place. Featuring local historical figureheads such as President Andrew Jackson and Vanderbilt University Chancellor James Kirkland this specialized rendition of the classic ballet lends a historian’s touch to a childhood Christmastime story. Over 200 children, actors and actresses from the Nashville area will brighten the stage as the Nashville Ballet brings Dumas’ tale of Sugarplum Fairies and Nutcracker Princes to life in our very own backyard as the Nashville Symphony Orchestra performs Tchaikovsky’s score each night.

Running from December 9, 2011 to December 16, 2011 at TPAC, Nashville’s Nutcracker provides yet another Tennessee tradition to share with your family. A Victorian style winter carnival will be located outside TPAC for preshow activities and 30 minutes before each show time in the Tier Level Lobby there will be a special story time event for any interested young audience members that will help them to understand the story of the ballet. A list of special details to look for during the show will be provided to help make the experience all the more magical.

Posted by:  Jennifer McClarney

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