Nutcracker Is A Poignant Production

Media Release
October 11, 2010

Nutcracker Is A Poignant Production

THE Royal New Zealand Ballet’s The Nutcracker will be a poignant production for Artistic Director Gary Harris as it will be his last at the helm of the company.

Harris, who took up the position in 2001, says he has loved the job but it is time to move on. “They say time flies when you’re having fun and the past nine years have been no exception.”

Harris will leave New Zealand shores to return home to England in December.

He cites designing and choreographing his own works as some of the many highlights during his time with the RNZB – including his colourful and fun version of The Nutcracker which opens at the end of this month.

Harris has revamped the classic story – setting it in a children’s hospital and injecting a large dose of fantasy including Arabian dancers, tango-ing tea ladies, a nod to Hollywood musicals of old and a flying bed.

“Making work is always rewarding, and to be able to have the freedom to fiddle and change is something I’ve loved about working here. There’s no one saying “you can’t do that”. Having the freedom to follow my instincts and the trust and support from my colleagues has been incredible.”

The Nutcracker first debuted in 2005 to rave reviews. A special encore season sees the production being restaged - opening in Wellington on 29 October and then touring to Invercargill, Christchurch, Palmerston North, Napier, Auckland and Takapuna.

The Royal New Zealand Ballet’s first production of The Nutcracker was in 1963, with choreography by Russell Kerr and Jon Trimmer in the role of the Nutcracker Prince. Productions have followed by Patricia Rianne (1980), Ashley Killar (1994) and Peter Boyes (1997). The RNZB premiered this version in 2005.

Choreographer: Gary Harris
Additional choreography: Adrian Burnett
Music: Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky
Design: Kristian Fredrikson

For further information, interviews or images contact Julia Hughes, Marketing & Media
Co-ordinator on julia@nzballet.org.nz or 04 381 9013 / 027 699 1850

SUPPORTED BY NATIONAL SPONSOR

The Nutcracker
Venue, Date and Pricing Information

Wellington - St James Theatre
Friday 29 October 7.30pm
Saturday 30 October 2.30pm & 7.30pm
Sunday 31 October 6.30pm
Wednesday 3 November 7.30pm
Thursday 4 November 7.30pm
Friday 5 November 6:00pm
Saturday 6 November 2.30pm & 7.30pm
Pricing $88 - $36*
Featuring the Vector Wellington Orchestra
0800 842 538
www.ticketek.co.nz

Invercargill – Civic Theatre
Thursday 11 November 7.30pm
Friday 12 November 6.30pm
Saturday 13 November 6.30pm
Pricing $58 - $37
(03) 2111692
www.ticketdirect.co.nz

Christchurch - Isaac Theatre Royal
Wednesday 17 November 7.30pm
Thursday 18 November 7.30pm
Friday 19 November 6:30pm
Saturday 20 November 2.30pm & 7.30pm
Pricing $80 - $49
Featuring the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra
0800 842 538
www.ticketek.co.nz

Palmerston North – Regent on Broadway
Tuesday 23 November 7.30pm
Wednesday 24 November 6.30pm
Pricing $68 - $37
(06) 3579740
www.ticketdirect.co.nz

Napier – Municipal Theatre
Saturday 27 November 7.30pm
Sunday 28 November 2.30pm & 7.30pm
Pricing $68 - $47
(06) 835 2702
www.ticketdirect.co.nz

Auckland – Civic at THE EDGE®
Wednesday 1 December 7.30pm
Thursday 2 December 7.30pm
Friday 3 December 7.30pm
Saturday 4 December 2.30pm &7.30pm
Sunday 5 December 6.30pm
Pricing $88 - $36*
Featuring the Auckland Philharmonia
(09) 357 3354 / 0800 BUY TICKETS
www.buytickets.co.nz

Takapuna - Bruce Mason Centre
Wednesday 8 December 7.30pm
Thursday 9 December 7.30pm
Pricing $77 - $67
(09) 970 9700
www.ticketmaster.co.nz

Child prices for all venues: $35 (Premium) & $25 (A/B/C/D reserve)

Student tickets for all venues: $25 (B reserve – valid ID required)

*Limited amount of Inner Circle seats available at $120.00

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