Boca Raton, FL – Presented by Marleen and Harold* Forkas, Boca Ballet Theatre’s beloved version of The Nutcracker features world-renowned guest artists, magical sets and sparkling costumes. Enchanting choreography by Co-Artistic Director Dan Guin, paired with a score by Tchaikovsky, brings this magical tale to life with a cast of more than 100 dancers, including American Ballet Theatre stars Sarah Smith and Roman Zhurbin. The dynamic duo awed audiences as the jilted lovers in Boca Ballet Theatre’s Romeo and Juliet in 2007, and they will shine once again in The Nutcracker.
Sarah Smith, originally from Bad Axe, Michigan, will be performing the role of the Sugar Plum Fairy. She will be returning to her Boca Ballet Theatre roots, where she began her ballet training under the tutelage of Executive Directors Jane Tyree and Dan Guin at the age of 11. She continued her training with full scholarships at The Harid Conservatory and Joffrey Ballet School in New York before studying Ballet Performance at Indiana University. Ms. Smith has performed as a guest artist with Boca Ballet Theatre since 2003, including lead roles in Coppélia and The Nutcracker. She joined American Ballet Theatre in 2004, and is a 2010 YoungArts Winner in Dance/Ballet.
Roman Zhurbin, dancing the role of Cavalier, was born in Moscow, Russia and came to the United States at the age of 13. He began his ballet training at LaGuardia High School and Studio Maestro. In 2003, he attended American Ballet Theatre’s Summer Intensive Program and was asked to join ABT’s Studio Company. Mr. Zhurbin joined American Ballet Theatre as an apprentice in 2004 and became a member of the corps de ballet the following year. His roles with the Company include the Duke in Giselle, Drosselmeyer in The Nutcracker, and Lord Capulet and Lord Montague in Romeo and Juliet.
Boca Ballet Theatre’s The Nutcracker continues to captivate audiences annually, thanks to generous Presenting Sponsor Marleen and Harold* Forkas. Mr. and Mrs. Forkas have graciously sponsored The Nutcracker since 1998, when they presented the initial gift to build the production. Boca Ballet Theatre is incredibly grateful for the Forkas’ initial commitment and involvement over the past 15 years, and looks forward to a continued relationship with Mrs. Forkas in the years to come.
Following matinee performances of The Nutcracker, come and enjoy the Gingerbread Ball, where children are invited onstage after the show to meet Clara, Sugar Plum Fairy, and all the magical characters. Experience the mystery of backstage and admire the costumes and sets up close! Admission to the Gingerbread Ball is $8 per person and includes a goody bag with sweet treats.
Boca Ballet Theatre’s performances of The Nutcracker will return to Olympic Heights Performing Arts Theater (20101 Lyons Road in Boca Raton) where special pyrotechnics were custom-created for the production to infuse the stage with sparkling magic.
Tickets range from $20 – $35 for adults and $10 – $25 for children and seniors.
Please call 561.995.0709 or visit www.bocaballet.org for tickets and more information.
Dates for Performances:
- Friday, November 29, 2013 @7pm
- Saturday, November 30, 2013 @ 2pm (Gingerbread Ball to follow performance).
- Saturday, November 30, 2013 @8pm
- Sunday, December 1, 2013 @2pm (Gingerbread Ball to follow performance).