CHAMBERSBURG – Rehearsals, costume fittings, photo shoots and parade floats signal the return of a beloved holiday tradition as the Chambersburg Ballet prepares for its annual performances of The Nutcracker, set for Saturday, Dec. 20, and Sunday, Dec. 21, at Chambersburg’s historic Capitol Theatre.
As the organization’s largest production of the year—both in scale and ticket sales—The Nutcracker often serves as the first introduction to classical ballet for audiences of all ages throughout Franklin County. This year’s production will feature more than 40 Chambersburg Ballet dancers alongside professional guest artists.
Public performances will take place Saturday at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. and Sunday at 3 p.m. The roles of the Sugarplum Fairy and her Cavalier will be danced by guest artists Jacqueline Moscicke, a former Joffrey Ballet dancer and current freelance artist, and Ben Rabe, a dancer and choreographer currently with Boulder Ballet.
Ahead of the public performances this weekend, the Chambersburg Ballet shared the magic of The Nutcracker with local students by presenting a school assembly for K–5 students at Falling Spring Elementary School, as well as a special outreach performance for all fifth-grade students in the Chambersburg Area School District. These educational performances introduced young audiences to classical ballet and helped foster an appreciation for the performing arts.
Tickets for The Nutcracker are on sale now through the Capitol Theatre Box Office by calling 717-263-0202 or online at www.chambersburgballet.org.
Special event: “Magic in Motion: The Nutcracker Evening”
Patrons are invited to attend a festive pre-show event, Magic in Motion: The Nutcracker Evening, on Saturday at 5:30 p.m., prior to the evening performance. The event will feature cocktails, conversation and holiday glamour. Cocktail attire is encouraged. A cash bar and concessions will be available, and there is no additional cost to attend with a performance ticket.
The Chambersburg Ballet gratefully acknowledges WellSpan Health as the show sponsor for The Nutcracker. Season sponsors include APAL Solutions, Franklin Orthodontics, Volvo Construction Equipment, Valley-Agency Company, Patriot Federal Credit Union and F&M Trust. Lodging sponsors include The Hanks Family and The Wilson Family.
Support for the Chambersburg Area School District fifth-grade outreach is provided by The Foundation for Enhancing Communities Arts for All Grant and the M&T Charitable Foundation.
For more information about performances, tickets or events, readers may visit www.chambersburgballet.org.
