Russian Ice Ballet to skate the ‘Nutcracker

| 28 Sep 2011 | 02:18

    SUGAR LOAF-The Lycian stage will be transformed into an ice-skating rink for a dazzling performance of "Nutcracker on Ice." The internationally acclaimed St. Petersburg State Ice Ballet, presented by the Kings Theatre Company, will be performed at 3 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 5, at the Lycian Centre for the Performing Arts in Sugar Loaf. The performance combines classical dance and figure skating. It features stunning costumes, sets, and skating to Tchaikovsky's musical arrangements. The St. Petersburg State Ice Ballet debuted in 1967 with a performance of "Nutcracker." As the story begins, a group of children are celebrating Christmas. A doll maker, Drosselmeier, tries to give one of the children his favorite toy, a nutcracker in the shape of a doll. But the doll is ugly, and so none of the children want it. Only Clara feels sorry for Drosselmeier and accepts the doll as a gift. After midnight, Clara is transformed into a princess and travels through the Kingdom of Sweets with her prince, the Nutcracker. Preparing the ice on Lycian stage and then removing it when the troupe is finished is a complex job, managed with a specially designed, self-refrigerated rink. Tickets are $37.50 for adults and $25 for young people under the age of 19, and can be purchased by calling the Lycian Centre Box Office at 469-2287 Tuesday through Saturday between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m.