‘A PHILADELPHIA NUTCRACKER’

KICKS OFF THE HOLIDAY SEASON

            The Philadelphia Dance Theatre once again will be staging an exciting version of “The Nutcracker” ballet featuring ties to the local community. Set in late 19^th century Philadelphia, the show will be presented on Thanksgiving weekend in the Kurtz Performing Arts Center at the William Penn Charter School, 3000 W. School House Lane in Germantown. Show times are 7 p.m. Friday, November 23rd, and at 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. Saturday, November 24th.

For only the second year, the production will feature backdrops of authentic period streetscapes, storefronts and homes from Germantown, Mt. Airy and Chestnut Hill by local artist Christopher Fox. After 10 years of presenting a traditional “Nutcracker,” PDT artistic director Joy Delaney Capponi, of Mt. Airy, updated this seasonal favorite last year to reflect the rich history of these Northwest Philadelphia neighborhoods. The traditional party scene in Act I is now set in the Thomas Mansion on Wissahickon Avenue, a Gothic style home built in 1869, and The Land of the Snow is set at “Tommy’s Hill,” the Northwest’s favorite sledding spot in Fairmount Park. Act II sets highlight several Germantown Avenue merchants where Clara and her Prince explore the shops and sample sweets from local bakers and candy makers.

The Philadelphia Dance Theatre is headquartered in the New Covenant Campus at 7500 Germantown Ave. in Mt. Airy. Ticket prices for the performance are $25 for adults and $20 for senior citizens and children or students.  More information and tickets are available at www.philadancetheatre.org. 

Photo credit Susan Pardys