Tickets are now on sale for Nutcracker which will be held at the Reg Lenna Center For The Arts on December 13th at 7:30 pm and 14th at 2:00 pm.
The production had become a holiday tradition for many families and this year’s production promises magic, excitement and inspiring performances for everyone. Artistic Director, Monika Alch says, “We are thrilled have Guest Artist Spencer Keith from Boston perform the role of the Cavalier with CRYB’s own Maya Swanson as the Sugar Plum Fairy”
Spencer Keith was born in Romania and raised in Honolulu, HI. He received his training at Academie de Danse Classique Princesse Grace, Woodbury Ballet and Hawaii State Ballet. In 2008 Spencer was invited to participate in the Bolshoi Ballet Academy’s Gala performance. Hewas awarded a gold medal for pas de deux in the Connecticut Classic Competition in 2011 and a silver medal for variation in 2012.
Spencer joined Josè Mateo Ballet Theatre in Boston in 2011 and frequently performs as a guest artist in the Boston and New England area. He has also taught workshops at CRYB in partnering and recently performed in CRYB’s 2018 Spring Gala production.
Maya Swanson, 15, is a member of the Pre-Professional division at CRYB. and attends Eisenhower High School in Warren. Maya has been accepted to and attended the prestigious School of American Ballet Summer Program in NY for the past 4 summers. This is Maya’s 10th Nutcracker with CRYB!
Ms. Alch remarks that in addition to the treat of seeing our guest performer the audience will also be impressed by the caliber of performance presented by CRYB ballet students. Several major solos will be performed by CRYB pre-professional students Cecelia Johnson, Maya Swanson, Cate Walter and Telly Ortiz. Clara will be danced by Madeleine Leenders.
The opening Party Scene also features some community members as party guests. These include Richie Joly, Sara Joly, Dr. Earl Freling, Ray
Taft, Derek Watkins, Maggie Watkins, and JoAnn Taft. Returning this year in the pivotal role of Herr Drosselmeyer and the over-the-top
Mother Ginger is Adams Owens. Almost 60 other cast members round out the cast.
Also back again is Chloe – the Party Pooch who is a former rescue dog.
The Humane Society will be present during at the opening of the show
to inform us about their amazing adoption programs featuring some
adorable dogs ready to be adopted.
In addition to the public performances, CRYB will also present a school show at a special reduced rate on Thursday morning December 12 – schools interested in attending should contact the Reg Lenna Box Office.
CRYB Executive Director Elizabeth Bush notes seating is reserved so
reserve tickets early for best choice of seating.
Public performances are scheduled for Friday, December 13th at 7:30 pm and Saturday, December 14th at 2:00 pm. may be reserved by calling the Reg Lenna Box Office at 716-484-7070 or on their website at www.reglenna.com.
The Chautauqua Regional Youth Ballet (CRYB) is a not-for-profit
organization that provides high-quality classical ballet instruction to
youth from Chautauqua County the surrounding areas.
