Beyond the Nutcracker to Spread Holiday Cheer In-Person and Online
ORLAND PARK ‒ Under normal circumstances, the December 2020 performances of Ballet 5:8’s holiday classic Beyond the Nutcracker would have marked the production’s sixth anniversary as a staple in the Chicago South Suburbs. Bringing together students from Ballet 5:8 School of the Arts and the Ballet 5:8 professional company, the ballet usually attracts 2,000 community members. Things are different this year, but that doesn't mean there will be no Nutcracker! Ballet 5:8 is thrilled to present a series of live Beyond the Nutcracker Experience performances featuring a mix of live and recorded dancing, plus brand-new interactive elements. Limited, customized seating in the flexible black-box space will seat household groups together, with at least six feet of distance between groups and masks required. Meanwhile, the first-ever made-for-film version of Beyond the Nutcracker will premiere online December 11, available for streaming worldwide through January 1. Ticketing information for live and online performances is available by calling 312-725-4752 or at ballet58.org/nutcracker.
“Amid this extended time of isolation, Beyond the Nutcracker is something important for both our students and our community to be able to look forward to,” says Ballet 5:8 Co-Founder Amy Kozol Sanderson. “Chances to experience and savor the joy of the Christmas season with others, in-person or virtually, are more important than ever this year.” Ballet 5:8 Artistic Director Julianna Rubio Slager has reimagined the company’s typical offering to fit within pandemic limitations. Twenty-four live Beyond the Nutcracker Experience performances will be held in Ballet 5:8’s Black Box theater in its Orland Park studios, which has been newly renovated with additional lighting, backdrops, and seating pods for audience members. The Experience will feature excerpts from the magical Beyond the Nutcracker, following Emma, her Uncle Abrahms, and the angel Anastasis on a once-in-a-lifetime adventure that leads to the story of the first Christmas. Audience members will explore an interactive exhibit featuring the eight countries in Beyond the Nutcracker.
Ballet 5:8’s signature take on The Nutcracker will also premiere online for the first time ever, available for both short-term rental and purchase worldwide. The online version will include the entire Beyond the Nutcracker ballet, featuring original choreography by Ballet 5:8 Artistic Director Julianna Rubio Slager performed by the students from Ballet 5:8 School of the Arts and esteemed guests from the Ballet 5:8 professional company. Filmed cinematically especially for the 2020 premiere, the online version will be filmed immersively and more in-depth than a simple full-stage camera view. As with live performances, the online experience features Tchaikovsky's renowned score and custom-designed costumes by Lorianne Barclay.
ABOUT BALLET 5:8 - Founded in 2012, Ballet 5:8 is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit arts organization based in Orland Park, IL, just outside of Chicago. The mission of Ballet 5:8 is to engage communities in Chicago, the Midwest and across the nation in conversation of life and faith through innovative storytelling and breathtaking dance. Ballet 5:8 also promotes thriving artistic communities through dance performance and education.