NEWS RELEASE
HAMILTON ACADEMY OF PERFORMING ARTS
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This December 6 & 7, the Hamilton Academy of Performing Arts (HAPA) is proud to present the highly anticipated Nutcracker 2024, celebrating its 10th anniversary. The beloved holiday production, which has become a cherished tradition for Hamilton will once again grace the stage of the McIntyre Theatre at Mohawk College for three unforgettable performances.
Directed by Artistic Directors Max Ratevosian and Melania Pawliw, this year’s production features over 100 dancers from Hamilton and the surrounding areas, local children’s choir members directed by Marta Greta-Kicek, and a live 33-piece orchestra, conducted by Maestro Mate Szigeti. The Hamilton City Ballet Orchestra will accompany the evening performances, bringing the unforgettable Tchaikovsky score to life.
The performances will take place on Friday, December 6 and Saturday, December 7 at 7:30 p.m., with a matinee performance on Saturday, December 7 at 2:00 p.m. Tickets are available online at www.onstagedirect.com, with prices ranging from $25 to $45.
To mark the occasion, Nutcracker 2024 will feature an exceptional cast of distinguished and internationally acclaimed dancers. Olga Posternak, principal dancer at the National Opera & Ballet Theatre of Ukraine, will take on the role of the Sugar Plum Fairy. Vladyslav Romashchenko, also a former principal dancer at the National Opera & Ballet Theatre of Ukraine, will dance the role of the Nutcracker Prince.
Nikolai Riabin, a graduate of the prestigious Vaganova Ballet Academy in Russia, will perform the role of Herr Drosselmeyer.
Jingru Sun, a student of Cristina Pora Classical Dance Academy in Mississauga, will make her debut as Princess Clara, while young dancers Manuela Arghittu from Thorold/St. Catharines (student at Ballet Etc.) and Autumn Lee from Guelph (student at Hamilton City Ballet) will share the role of Young Clara.
The role of Young Fritz will be performed by Noah Finochio, a dancer from Stoney Creek (student at S & J Dance Factory). Noah will also perform in the Mirliton Pas-de-Trois during the matinee performance. With such an extraordinary cast, this year’s Nutcracker promises to be a truly magical celebration of ballet.
“We are thrilled to celebrate a decade of bringing The Nutcracker to life for the Hamilton community,” said Melania Pawliw, Artistic Director of the Hamilton Academy of Performing Arts. “This production is a testament to the talent, dedication, and passion of all the dancers, musicians, and creatives involved, and we are so proud to share it with our audience this holiday season.”
To mark the occasion, Hamilton Mayor Andrea Horwath and city councillors will attend the opening night on December 6, while MPP Sandy Shaw will be present on December 7 at the closing performance.
Ticket Information
- Friday, December 6 at 7:30 p.m.
- Saturday, December 7 at 2:00 p.m. (matinee performance)
- Saturday, December 7 at 7:30 p.m.
Tickets: $25 to $45
Purchase tickets online at www.onstagedirect.com
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