MYRTLE BEACH, SC – Coastal Youth Ballet Theatre is delighted to announce the 11th annual staging of “The Nutcracker” as it returns to the stage of the Wheelwright Auditorium, Coastal Carolina University on December 10, 11, 17 and 18, 2016.
There will also be three Nutcracker special matinee shows on December 14, 15, and 16, for elementary, middle and high school students. The school shows are part of Coastal Youth Ballet Theatre’s Outreach Program — that of giving back to the community by offering the show at a deeply discounted price to the student population with the purpose of introducing them to the wonderful art of Dance.
Coastal Youth Ballet Theatre’s production features a cast of seventy-five of the area’s most talented young dancers together with professional guest artists and community members who will bring the charming Nutcracker story to life.
The Nutcracker tells of the story of Clara and her magical Nutcracker Prince as they embark on a thrilling adventure with the Sugar Plum Fairy, dancing dolls and toy soldiers, mischievous mice, waltzing flowers and sparkling snowflakes to the magnificent music of Peter Tchaikovsky. Family traditions such as a family reunion, gift giving, the festive celebration of the holidays and a love story are all reflected in this magical holiday production that draws families to come see the Nutcracker performances year after year. It is a wonderful holiday tradition to share with the family and friends and to create memories to cherish forever whether continuing a holiday tradition or making the very first journey to the Kingdom of the Sweets.THIS YEAR’S LINE-UP OF “MOTHER GINGER” LOCAL CELEBRITIES AND / OR COMMUNITY HEROES
One of the highlights of Coastal Youth Ballet Theatre’s “Nutcracker” production is the inclusion of local celebrities / community heroes who have been invited to perform the role of “Mother Ginger”— a giant, jolly and comical figure— so big and round, with her skirts big enough to hide a group of little children who come out from under her voluminous garment and voluptuous self. Who qualifies as a “Mother Ginger” local celebrity or community hero? Personalities who are the most respected, adored, influential, caring and/or generous community leader in the area are nominated and selected to perform as the “Mother Ginger” character. Past celebrities and/or community heroes have been game enough to join Coastal Youth Ballet Theatre dancers and have been willing to be silly that the audiences who came to see the shows loved them. A different celebrity or community hero is featured for each of the seven performances these year:
Dec. 10 – Shawn McLoughlin, 5th Grade Teacher, Seaside Elementary
Dec. 11 – Johnny Vaught, Horry County Councilman, District 8
Dec. 14 – Karen Shepherd, – Police Chief, City of Loris
Dec. 15 – Kathleen Williams, Realtor, Vice President of the Coastal Carolina Association of Realtors
Dec. 16 – Tim Carnahan, Principal, Waccamaw Intermediate School, Pawleys Island
Dec. 17 – Barbara Jo Blain-Bellamy, Mayor of the City of Conway
Dec. 18 – Nicole Boone, Television News Anchor, WBTWThe Coastal Youth Ballet Theatre “Nutcracker” Public Performances:
Saturday, December 10 at 7 PM
Sunday, December 11 at 4 PM
Saturday, December 17 at 7 PM
Sunday, December 18 at 4 PMat Coastal Carolina University’s Wheelwright Auditorium.
For tickets, order online HERE, or call 843-839-5678 / 843-651-2006.
