There is nothing like Christmas in the Philippines. As the holiday season draws near, the city is bursting with holiday spirit. After roughly three years of claustrophobic pandemic, in the air is an energetic revival of Christmas Traditions. Philippine Ballet Theatre follows suit with the return of their timeless classic “The Nutcracker”.
Prior to the pandemic the ballet company staged this ballet for nine consecutive years. Halted by the pandemic it was unable to celebrate its tenth-year anniversary.
However this breathtaking production choreographed by Gelsey Kirkland and Michael Chernov will see the light of day this December 16-17, 2023 at the Newport Performing Arts Theater.
With the generous support of the Cultural Center of the Philippines, Bank of the Philippine Islands, Manila Times, Philippine Airlines, San Miguel Corporation, Sunlife and NYXSYS Philippines, a strong comeback is in the works. Making up for lost time, Artistic Director Ronilo Jaynario has restaged this crowd favorite with spicy additions to the choreography. With a cast of over a hundred artists of different ages the ballet promises to deliver a whimsical experience
Set against the backdrop of sparkling snowflakes and magical land of the sweets with the enchanting music of Tchaikovsky, Philippine Ballet Theater will bring life to Clara’s magical encounters.
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, Clara’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
Mathew Davo and Jessa Tangalin will take on the leads as Nutcracker Prince and Sugarplum fairy. Making their Nutcracker debut are company artists Sophie Tiangco and Therese Riego who will be alternating as Clara. Interestingly enough the cast will feature soloists and company dancers who were originally cast as Nutcracker kids in previous productions prior the pandemic. This includes Sophia Tiangco who headlines this production.
The children who have grown to love the ballet, have also grown with the ballet. This season offering will be a fantastic return to tradition for both the dancers and the audiences. Its return will surely bring on the nostalgia for the many who have made PBT a beloved holiday tradition.
