photos by: Taylor Jones
A much-beloved holiday tradition returns to the Piedmont Triad this December when the University of North Carolina School of the Arts (UNCSA) presents its annual production of “The Nutcracker.” For a second year in a row, “The Nutcracker” will take place at the Steven Tanger Center for the Performing Arts in Greensboro while the Stevens Center in Winston-Salem, the traditional home of “The Nutcracker,” is being renovated.
UNCSA will offer five performances of “The Nutcracker” December 6 through 8. Opening night will be Friday, December 6, with a performance at 7:30 p.m. On Saturday, December 7, there will be a matinee at noon and an evening performance at 7:30 p.m. Sunday, December 8, will include a 1 p.m. and a 6:30 p.m. show.
UNCSA Chancellor Brian Cole will conduct the UNCSA Symphony Orchestra for all five performances of “The Nutcracker” at the Tanger Center. Cole joined UNCSA as dean of the School of Music in 2016. An accomplished conductor, he has led orchestras and operas throughout the United States, Europe, South America and the Caribbean.
The UNCSA schools of Dance, Design & Production and Music collaborate annually to produce “The Nutcracker,” a Winston-Salem tradition since 1966. This year’s production will again feature choreography by UNCSA faculty member Ilya Kozadayev, as well as lighting by guest artist Penny Jacobus. The temporary move to the Tanger Center provides students with the unique experience of mounting and performing a production in a 3,000-seat, state-of-the-art venue a short distance from UNCSA.
“Last year’s performances at the Tanger Center were a great success, and we are delighted to be able to bring the special UNCSA tradition of ‘The Nutcracker’ back to the Tanger Center this year,” said Chancellor Cole. “It is our immense privilege to be able to provide our students with the experience of creating and performing in this fantastic venue, and to reach new audiences in Greensboro and beyond. Personally, I’m excited to be conducting our UNCSA Symphony Orchestra again. I really enjoy working with our students to bring live music to the gorgeous ballet.”
“We are thrilled UNCSA’s production of the ‘The Nutcracker’ will be returning to the Tanger Center this holiday season,” said Scott Johnson, Oak View Group General Manager for the Tanger Center. “Last year’s record-setting run was one of highlights of our schedule and provided not only a tremendous learning experience for UNCSA students, but also gave the Greensboro community the opportunity to enjoy a very entertaining and high-quality production that is traditionally hosted in Winston-Salem.”
Tickets for 2024 performances of “The Nutcracker” begin at $39 and can be purchased at TangerCenter.com/nutcracker. Optional upgrades include on-site VIP parking, Lee & Wrangler Lounge access and the Tanger Center’s pre-event Prelude Dining experience for select performances. More information about “The Nutcracker” can be found at uncsa.edu/nutcracker.
