MANILA, Philippines—Ballet Manila unwraps a one-of-kind Christmas extravaganza geared for the whole family in “Nutkraker: Pasko Na Naman Muli.”
Combining excerpts from The Nutcracker and original choreographies set to Filipino Christmas carols, it goes onstage on November 29, Saturday, 7:30 p.m. at Aliw Theater, CCP Complex, Pasay City. Other performances are set on November 30, December 5, December 6 and December 7.
“We are thrilled to present ‘Nutkraker: Pasko Na Naman Muli’ as it puts together memorable scenes from a century-old ballet classic and new pieces capturing heartwarming themes that are distinctly Pinoy,” enthuses prima ballerina and Ballet Manila artistic director Lisa Macuja-Elizalde.
The first half of the program centers on Act II of The Nutcracker, featuring an enchanted land of dancing dolls and giant rats, a nutcracker that turns into a prince and the glamorous Sugar Plum Fairy. With music by Peter Tchaikovsky and choreography by Vassily Vainonen, the excerpt is being restaged by Osias Barroso and Natalia Raldugina.
As a special Christmas treat, Macuja-Elizalde will make a guest appearance as the Sugar Plum Fairy on gala night, November 29. Also taking on the role in The Nutcracker on other dates are BM principal dancer Dawna Mangahas and senior soloist Tiffany Chiang-Janolo.
The second half showcases a medley of Filipino Christmas carols performed in dance. Following Ballet Manila’s previous holiday crowd-pleasers such as Belen and Kutitap, this suite is again inspired by familiar themes and traditions close to the Pinoy heart such as the noche buena, simbang gabi, gift-giving and family gatherings.
Ballet Manila co-artistic director Osias Barroso leads the team of choreographers Gerardo Francisco, Michael Divinagracia, Jonathan Janolo, Rudy De Dios and Francis Jaena in creating new works to fill the stage with the sights, sounds, colors and flavors of a typical “Paskong Pinoy.”
The Filipino segment will feature the participation of BM’s Project Ballet Futures scholars.
“So we have something old, something new, something borrowed… but nothing blue,” beams Macuja-Elizalde. “This is our way of ushering in the Christmas season and bringing holiday
cheer. We hope people will be celebrating with us.”
Ballet Manila’s 19th performance season is presented by the Manila Broadcasting Company and sponsored by Aliw Theater and Star City, along with ACS Manufacturing Corporation (Pride and Shield Bath Soap), First United Travel, BPI Express Credit, Island Rose, Ralph’s Wines and Spirits, Krispy Kreme, Hen Lin, Papa John’s Pizza and Crunchybelly by Carlos Kitchen.
For tickets and other inquiries, please contact Ballet Manila at tel. nos. 525-5967 or 400-0292, via e-mail at [email protected] or through the website www.balletmanila.com.ph; or Ticketworld at 891-9999 or ticketworld.com.ph.
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Ballet Manila’s ‘Nutkraker: Pasko Na Namang Muli’ opens Nov. 29 at Aliw Theater
