2016 Official text for Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian

Website and E-blast blurb - 74 words

The biggest experience of the year...see the original, direct from Russia, Moscow Ballet Great Russian Nutcracker! “Hot Ticket!” raves the New York Times. “Bravura expertise,” from the Los Angeles Times. Enchant the whole family with larger than life puppets, magical winged clock, 60 foot growing and spectacular hand-made costumes and sets from Russia. A must-see event, witness the world’s best dancers live! Get your tickets before they sell out at www.nutcracker.com

Box Office staff – VERBAL 101 words

Patrons of all ages are invited to Moscow Ballet’s classic Christmas story the Great Russian Nutcracker. The performance features up to 40 Russian dancers and stunning choreography. There are playful 10 foot tall puppets, and sets and 200 costumes hand-made in Russia. Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker is the holiday tradition for 24years! New York Times raves, “Hot Ticket!” and Los Angeles Times, “Bravura expertise!”

The show is performed to music of the Moscow Festival Orchestra which was taped just for Moscow Ballet and is Tchaikovsky’s complete score. It is 2 hours long with a 20 minute intermission with a gift store with Moscow Ballet items. Latecomers are seated 20 minutes after curtain and every body must have a ticket, the performance is not recommended for babes in arms (who must also have a ticket) Go to www.nutcracker.com for more information.

Press Release GRN copy – 168 words

Direct from Russia, the classic Great Russian Nutcracker will entertain the whole family this Christmas. Experience the exceptional dancing of a company of almost 40, a 60-foot growing Christmas tree, new and spectacular hand-made costumes by Resident Designer Arthur Oliver, and stunning sets hand- painted in Russia and designed by multi-Academy Award nominee Carl Sprague. Moscow Ballet consistently garners critical acclaim for performances in 100+ cities from New York to Los Angeles, and Miami to Calgary. The production is known for its dedication to world peace: naming Act II the “Land of Peace and Harmony;” featuring a rose shooting cannon, and a stunning 2-person “Dove of Peace” with a 20’ wingspan. Tickets start at $30.00. Groups of 10 or more, with a special interactive program for Girl Nutcracker.com | p: 413.499.1733 | f: 413.499.3820 SMI Inc. 27 East Housatonic St., Pittsfield MA, 01201

Scout troops, receive discounts and benefits via [email protected]. Seniors 65+, Military and MotorClub discounts are available at the theater box office with appropriate identification. For Platinum Experience featuring a Meet N Greet; Gold Circle Gift Package; and single tickets go to www.nutcracker.com/buy-tickets.

Moscow Ballet – 194 words

Moscow Ballet – 2016 is the company’s 24th consecutive year touring North America. In addition to the popular Great Russian Nutcracker, company repertory includes classic ballets Swan Lake, Sleeping Beauty, Romeo and Juliet, Cinderella and more. The company features award-winning and rising star dancers, from Lilia Sabitova in 1994 to Alisa Voronova in 2014. The company performs 100+ engagements annually across Canada and in most of the United States’ largest cities consistently receiving critical acclaim. In addition to public performances, Moscow Ballet dedicates resources to community engagement programs. The 23 year Dance with Us program shares the Russian Vaganova ballet training with over 5000 American dance students annually bringing them on stage in ancillary roles to perform side-by-side with the professionals. Underwritten by Moscow Ballet, the program was developed by choreographer and co-producer Mary Gianonne Talmi. The intensive cultural immersion project “New Horizons – A Children’s Program for Life” benefits thousands of school children in tour cities and programs Musical Wunderkind and Summer Intensives also touch the lives of many children and young adults. Moscow Ballet’s partnerships with corporations and not-for-profit organizations such as the President’s Challenge Program and Children’s Hospitals, has raised significant revenue. www.moscowballet.com.

Playbill synopsis – 210 words

Once upon a time at Christmas...The Great Russian Nutcracker opens with Uncle Drosselmeyer preparing the magical toys he will bring to Mayor Stalhbaum’s party. When he arrives the party is underway. Masha, brother Fritz and friends are delighted to find out what gifts they will receive. Masha loves her gift of the , but mischievous Fritz breaks it! Heartbroken, Masha sleeps and dreams that the Rat King and his mice battle with the brave Nutcracker who defeats them. The Nutcracker Prince and Masha journey through the Snow Forest meeting Russian folk legends () and Snegurochka (Snow Maiden) who escort them to the Land of Peace and Harmony. (There is a 20 minute Intermission.)

Nutcracker.com | p: 413.499.1733 | f: 413.499.3820 SMI Inc. 27 East Housatonic St., Pittsfield MA, 01201

Act 2 Land of Peace and Harmony opens with the stunning 2-person Dove of Peace and a great celebration ensues! Emissaries from Spain, Africa, Europe, Asia and Russia perform in honour of Masha and Nutcracker Prince. Playful animals, representing gifts for Masha, join them. The bulls offer daring, elephants wisdom and lions pride, dragon playfulness, bears strength and unicorns kindness. Masha and Nutcracker Prince are entertained by the Waltz of the Flowers and dance a grand Pas de Deux as their gift in return. Was the night all a dream? www.nutcracker.com.

Social Media

Follow Facebook (facebook.com/nutcracker), Twitter (@MoscowBallet) ,

(pinterest.com/moscowballet) and Youtube (www.youtube.com/user/moscowballet)

Marketing materials and downloadable hi-res images: www.nutcracker.com/promo

Nutcracker.com | p: 413.499.1733 | f: 413.499.3820 SMI Inc. 27 East Housatonic St., Pittsfield MA, 01201