the methuen ballet EnsembleSat-Sun, November 28-29
A family party, an eccentric uncle, dolls that come to life, dancing mice and a palace of sweets!
MODERN DANCEFri-Sun, December 4-6
Enjoy a modern dance interpretation of the holiday classic "The Twelve Days of Christmas"
Saturday, November 28 at 3pm & 7pm
Sunday, November 29 at 3pm
Reception to be held Nov 28 prior to the 7pm show
A family party, an eccentric uncle, dolls that come to life, dancing mice, a palace of sweets… these are some of the images conjured up when thinking about “The Nutcracker.” Long a traditional favorite, Methuen Ballet Ensemble brings the holiday classic to life at The Firehouse for Performing Arts in Newburyport, Massachusetts. Show dates and times are November 28th at 3:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. and November 29th at 3:00 p.m. A reception will be held in the main lobby of The Firehouse at 6:00 p.m. on November 28th prior to the 7:00 show.
Methuen Ballet Ensemble, an established ballet company under the artistic direction of Vanessa Voter Shaheen, has staged “The Nutcracker” for over twenty years. Ms. Shaheen, a former dancer with Boston Ballet, conceived the idea for local performances when she experienced the audition process for Boston Ballet’s productions. With hundreds of dancers auditioning for a very few parts, she was moved by the disappointment expressed by those not chosen. What separates Methuen Ballet Ensemble from other productions is that every dancer who auditions receives a part.
All principal roles are performed by members of Methuen Ballet Ensemble, whose experience totals over 150 years of classical ballet training under Ms. Shaheen’s tutelage! All principal dancers maintain a rigorous class schedule while balancing their personal lives. Company members include college students, school teachers, and even a dentist! Students of Voter’s School of Dance, established 58 years ago by Pam Voter, perform all other roles. Dancers hail from Methuen, Lawrence, Dracut, Andover, and N. Andover, MA, as well as Salem, Pelham, Hampstead, and Manchester, NH.
Each year, the production has become more elaborate with stunning visual effects and custom-designed costumes by a well-known Canadian designer. All performances include a giant growing Christmas tree, a heavenly mist, and an abundance of snowfall. Come share in the magic of Methuen Ballet Ensemble’s “The Nutcracker!
This event is presented by Methuen Ballet Ensemble.
All tickets: $20, reserved seating
Visit the performer's web site.
