December 06, 2012
‘The Nutcracker’ hits Shryock stage Dec. 15, 16 2012
*Note: The dates and times in this article refer to the 2012 performance.
CARBONDALE, Ill. -- A holiday favorite will come to life at Southern Illinois University Carbondale this month.
The Southern Illinois Symphony Orchestra presents “The Nutcracker,” at Shryock Auditorium, Dec. 15, at 7:30 p.m., and Dec. 16, at 3 p.m. The Southern Illinois Music Festival Dance Company and the Southern Illinois Children’s Choir join the symphony in this biennial production. In addition to more than 100 local dancers, the production features principal dancers from the Los Angeles Ballet, under the direction of choreographer Sydelle Fulk, and Southern Illinois University Carbondale Director of Orchestras Edward Benyas.
Tchaikovsky’s “The Nutcracker Ballet” tells the story of young Clara, who dreams that a Nutcracker Prince comes to life to battle the Mouse King and introduce her to the fantastic world of sugar plum fairies and dancing snowflakes. The ballet also features famous dances inspired by different regions, including Spain, France, Arabia and Russia.
The Southern Illinois Symphony Orchestra is the region's premiere orchestral ensemble. It includes School of Music faculty, graduate and undergraduate students, area professionals, and community members.
The Southern Illinois Music Festival Dance Company performs a full ballet each summer during the festival in addition to the every-other-year performances of ‘The Nutcracker.’
Alice Berry directs the Southern Illinois Children’s Choir, an ensemble of area singers in third- through ninth-grade. The choir is part of the community outreach of the SIU Carbondale School of Music, and is organized for the musical enrichment of area children and the enhancement of the musical
Tickets for “The Nutcracker Ballet” are $20 for general audience and $8 for students. Tickets are available in advance through southernticketsonline.com or by calling 618/453-6000. Tickets are also available at the Shryock Auditorium Box Office during office hours and beginning one hour before each performance.