Berks Ballet Theatre Reenergizes “The Nutcracker” Ahead of Performances Happening December 17 and 18
The ballet company added a fourth show, giving audiences another chance to see the nostalgic classical ballet with a live orchestra at Schaeffer Auditorium in Kutztown, Pa.
Renowned ballet dancer, Aaron Smyth—known for his role in Disney’s “The Nutcracker and the Four Realms”—to dance the role of Cavalier.
Reading, Pennsylvania – October 15, 2021 – Today, tickets for Berks Ballet Theatre’s (BBT) upcoming performances of The Nutcracker went on sale, officially kicking off its 47th season. The ballet company traditionally performs three shows, however this year, the annual holiday classic will be performed four times in a new location, Schaeffer Auditorium at Kutztown University in Kutztown, Pa., due to a fire at its traditional home, the Scottish Rite Cathedral of West Reading, Pa.
For the fifth year, Tchaikovsky’s memorable score will be performed by the Reading Pops Orchestra under the direction of conductor Willis Rapp to accompany BBT’s dancers.
Aaron Smyth, a well-known dancer hailing from Los Angeles will join the company in the ballet’s leading male position. Smyth is best known for his associations with American Ballet Theatre II In New York, The Royal Ballet in London and The Joffrey Ballet in Chicago as well as being an original cast member in London's West End production of An American In Paris. Smyth also played the role of the Snow Cavalier in Disney’s The Nutcracker in the Four Realms feature film dancing with Misty Copeland. Additionally, Smyth appeared on two series of the Got Talent franchise, coming in third in Australia and making the quarter finals in America.
Other notable cast members include Madeleine Scott as the Sugar Plum Fairy (a dancer with Dance Aspen), Francis Lawrence as the Snow King (New York-based dancer, recently toured with An American In Paris in Australia), Daniel Mayo as Drosselemeyer (a Philadelphia based professional ballet dancer and instructor).
BBT’s Artistic Director, Kelly Barber and Ballet Master and Resident Choreographer, Nathan Bland, are co-choreographing the ballet with 20 company dancers and 30 students from the company’s namesake, Berks Ballet Theatre Conservatory of Dance. BBT company soloists in this year’s Nutcracker include, Ellie Folga (a Wyomissing Area High School senior) and Jessica Bealer (a Reading High School Junior) who will share the role of Snow Queen; Christina Kopecky (an Exeter High School Senior) will dance the role of Mouse Queen; Kaia Kantner (a Berks Catholic High School senior) will dance the role of Trepak; and three young dancers, Colette Jordan, Maeve Keeler, and Hennessey Kehs-Rossi, will share the coveted role of Clara.
The 2022 season brings new energy to the entire Southeastern, Pa. region with an equipped cast, a new performance location and more chances to see the show. Still, BBT’s anticipated production brings the staples—dazzling costumes, larger-than-life-set pieces, and originality—audiences have grown to love and expect.
BBT’s The Nutcracker is a wonderful holiday tradition that marks the start of the holiday season in our area! Area residents need not travel far to experience the magic of live ballet.
All four performances will take place at Schaeffer Auditorium located at 15200 Kutztown Rd, Kutztown, PA 19530, December 17 at 1:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m., and December 18 at 1:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m.
For tickets and additional information, visit BerksBalletTheatre.com or call (610) 373-7577.
About Berks Ballet Theatre
Berks Ballet Theatre (BBT) is a non-profit 501(c)3 pre-professional ballet company whose primary purpose is to provide serious dancers the best possible forum of training and performance in classical and contemporary dance in Southeastern Pennsylvania. BBT was founded by Carol Ennis in 1976 with the philosophy that given the training and opportunity, the child next door could grow up to be anything they wanted, including a dancer in any major professional ballet company. BBT dancers have gone on to work professionally with Richmond Ballet, Pennsylvania Ballet, Ballet Theatre of Annapolis, The Suzanne Farrell Ballet, Ballet North Texas and Broadway National Tours. BBT’s studios are within The GoggleWorks Center for the Arts, located in downtown Reading. Learn more at BerksBalletTheater.com/company.