BSO, Robinson Ballet company to stage ‘The Nutcracker’

BANGOR — Bangor Symphony Orchestra and Robinson Ballet will celebrate 30 years of bringing holiday magic to region with “The Nutcracker” when they stage the ballet at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 20, and 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 21, at Collins Center for the Arts. Conductor Jacomo Bairos will lead the BSO and the Bangor Area Children’s Choir in Tchaikovsky’s classic score, with choreography by Maureen Lynch, Keith Robinson and Stevie Dunham. The BSO and the Robinson Ballet first partnered for performances of “The Nutcracker” in 1984, when conductor Werner Torkanowsky and Robinson Ballet founder Ralph Robinson decided to bring a full production of the beloved work to the Bangor region. “The Nutcracker is a tradition in the best sense of the word,” said BSO Executive Director Brian Hinrichs. “After 30 years, demand is still high because the magic of this story and the beauty of Tchaikovsky’s music are timeless, and families want to share that with new generations.” The story of the Nutcracker unfolds on Christmas Eve. At her family’s annual Christmas party, the young Clara is given a nutcracker by the mysterious toymaker Drosselmeyer. As the eventful night comes to an end and Clara’s family retires to bed, she checks on her treasured gift one last time and drifts off to sleep under the Christmas tree. What ensues is a vivid array of dreamlike scenes transporting Clara from a tense battle between the Nutcracker and the Rat King to the realm of the Sugar Plum Fairy and beyond. Forty-five musicians, 40 dancers and 38 choristers are involved in this year’s production. The cast includes Haley Williams returning as Clara and Katie Bickford as the Sugar Plum Fairy. Bickford, a University of Maine senior, replaces Stevie Dunham after seven years in the role. The production also features Wil Raymond as the Cavalier, Edward Vanzura as the Nutcracker, Maria Vanadia as the Snow Queen, Nathan Williams (brother of Haley) as Fritz, and Keith Robinson as Drosselmeyer. Guest conductor Jacomo Bairos previously led the BSO’s Nutcracker in 2010 and 2013 and is known across the United States for his dynamic performances. Ticket prices range from$18 to $34, $8 to $24 children and are available available through the Collins Center for the Arts at the University of Maine by phone at 581-1755, in person or at bangorsymphony.org. All orders are subject to a $3 per ticket processing fee.