Published on : Tuesday, November 12, 2013
No holiday season is complete without Tchaikovsky’s THE NUTCRACKER! Kathy Burks Theatre of Puppetry Arts’ unique and acclaimed puppet interpretation of Tchaikovsky’s masterpiece returns to Dallas Children’s Theater’s intimate Studio Theater. THE NUTCRACKER plays November 29 – December 22, 2013 at DCT’s Rosewood Center for Family Arts.
In the spirit of laughter, wonder and great joy, Kathy Burks Theatre of Puppetry Arts’ NUTCRACKER is a sumptuous creation and a delicious holiday treat. Burks’ version is an extraordinary interpretation that brings the classic holiday story to life with innovative passion and artistry. According to The Dallas Morning News, this NUTCRACKER “…out-Fantasias Walt Disney’s classic film”. DFW audiences love holiday traditions. THE NUTCRACKER has played in DCT’s repertory since 1996 and remains one of the most requested titles. This is the third year in a row that it will appear in the intimate Studio Theater where audiences can have a closer look at the show’s artistry, vivid color and stunning visual effects.
A nationally celebrated troupe, Kathy Burks Theatre of Puppetry Arts is the oldest resident puppet theater in the southwest. Established in 1973, Kathy Burks Theatre of Puppetry Arts is one of the few puppet theaters in the country that uses all styles of puppetry, and THE NUTCRACKER showcases the skill and proficiency of the troupe’s puppeteers. Delighting audiences since 1993, THE NUTCRACKER provides a perfect introduction to this classic story but also promises to captivate the attention of older audience members as well. Each year scores of patrons return to participate in one of the area’s most special holiday spectacles.
Two styles of puppetry, shadow puppets and Black Theatre rod puppets, combine with state of the art special effects to create an exciting new world for Clara and the Nutcracker Prince – a world unknown to conventional theatre and ballet. This NUTCRACKER utilizes the experimental theater technique of Black Theatre. Black Theatre is a form of puppetry originating in Europe in which puppets perform in a stream of light with the puppeteers rendered invisible through the use of black robes, hoods and gloves. The Black Theatre rod puppets move without strings or any visible means of manipulation creating a dramatic, magical effect.
This version of THE NUTCRACKER by B. Wolf is adapted from George Balanchine’s production of the Tchaikovsky ballet, which is a combination of E.T.A. Hoffmann’s original story and Alexander Dumas’ retelling. Director Kathy Burks says, “Since THE NUTCRACKER is primarily known as a vehicle for ballet, many people expect to see puppet ballet dancers. They will not find them, but will, however, find a great deal of dancing and rhythmic movement performed by unique beings and inanimate objects, which come to life on-stage. The skill and artistry of the puppeteer gives them breath. Our production is a fresh, original visual interpretation of a holiday tradition.” Burks’ NUTCRACKER tells the story vividly and simply and is an ideal preparation for understanding the music and viewing the ballet.
SNYOPSIS: THE NUTCRACKER opens with an original prologue in which a gray-bearded Tchaikovsky puppet takes the stage to cleverly explain how he created the ballet. Act I, related by a narrator and characters using dialogue and action, takes place during the Christmas Eve party at Clara’s home. It includes the Nutcracker’s fight with the Mouse King and the Nutcracker’s transformation into a prince. Act II focuses on Clara’s adventures with the Prince in the Kingdom of Sweets. During this act, minimal dialogue is used and the music of the ballet suite is interpreted through the dance, movement, and action of puppets. The fantastical sequence includes a French Poodle with Baryshnikov moves, absurd stackable soldiers, frenetic Russian dancers, and a “Chaplin-esque” Harlequin struggling against a mischievous ball.
This year, Tchaikovsky has a new hat designed by Kleberg Elementary 2nd grader Diego Hernandez, DCT’s Hats Off to 30 contest winner.
Kathy Burks Theatre Company members performing in this production are Kathy Burks, Sally Fiorello, Trish Long, Douglass Burks, and Becky Burks Keenan.
THE NUTCRACKER is a dreamy, on-stage puppet extravaganza suitable for the entire family, and an experience that they will never forget. Enjoyed by all ages.
OPENING NIGHT HOLIDAY DREAMLAND
Attend the show on Friday, November 29 and experience extra fun one hour prior to the show. Be one of the first in line this year to tell Santa your biggest wish for Christmas. And Mrs. Claus invites you and a loved one to come snuggle up for storytime. Enjoy holiday craft-making, face painting, free bundtinis from Nothing Bundt Cakes and one free show poster per family.
THE MERRIMENT CONTINUES NOVEMBER 30 & DECEMBER 1 Spend time with Santa and Mrs. Claus at DCT!
AND EVEN MORE HOLIDAY FUN DECEMBER 6, 7, 8, 14, 15 Attend a DCT holiday show on one of these dates and meet Mistletoe the Elf to request your very own balloon creation!
KATHY BURKS THEATRE OF PUPPETRY ARTS ARTISTIC STAFF Director – Kathy Burks Story Adaptation – B. Wolf Scenic Design and Lighting – Sally Fiorello Puppet Design and Construction – Kathy Burks, Ted Kincaid and Sally Fiorello Costume Design and Construction – Patricia Long and Rosemarie Powell Sound Design – B. Wolf Shadow Design – Jane Hook
DALLAS CHILDREN’S THEATER, ROSEWOOD CENTER FOR FAMILY ARTS
5938 Skillman Street, Dallas, Texas 75231
PERFORMANCE DATES AND TIMES:
Friday – November 29 – 7:30 pm
Friday – December 20 – 7:30 pm
Saturdays – November 30 & December 7, 14, 21 – 1:30 pm & 4:30 pm Sundays – December 1, 8, 15, 22 – 1:30 pm & 4:30 pm
Performance Dates and Times: Friday, November 29 at 7:30 pm; Friday, December 20 at 7:30 pm; Saturdays at 1:30 pm & 4:30 pm; Sundays at 1:30 pm & 4:30 pm
Ticket Prices: $13 – $40
Reserve early for best pricing!
DCT Box Office: 214-740-0051
Weekday Student Matinee shows also available Tuesdays through Fridays. Please call ArtReach Booking at 214-219-2049.
Dallas Children’s Theater’s 2013-2014 Season is supported by Texas Instruments Foundation, Hoblitzelle Foundation, TACA, Hillcrest Foundation, The Shubert Foundation and Target. General sponsors include Texas Instruments, Inc.; Carl B. & Florence E. King Foundation, the William Randolph Hearst Foundation, The Rosewood Foundation, The Larry Hagman Fund of the Dallas Foundation and the City of Dallas Office of Cultural Affairs. Additional support is provided by Orien Levy Woolf & Dr. Jack Woolf Charitable Trust, The Holloway Family Foundation, Stemmons Foundation, American Airlines (The Official Airline of Dallas Children’s Theater), Texas Commission on the Arts and Green Mountain Energy (DCT’s official renewal energy partner).
Source:- Dallas
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