Berks Ballet Theatre will celebrate a significant milestone this holiday season as it presents its 50th anniversary production of The Nutcracker on December 20 and 21 at Kutztown University’s Schaeffer Auditorium. Three performances are scheduled, and tickets begin at $43.
This year’s production highlights the company’s five decades of performances in Berks County while introducing new artistic elements under Artistic Director Nathan Bland. Audiences can expect updated choreography, vivid new costumes, and live orchestral accompaniment — traditional features of the annual production that have been elevated for the anniversary season.
A highlight of the performances will be the return of alumna Jessica Bealer, who will dance the role of the Sugar Plum Fairy. Bealer, now performing professionally with Rochester City Ballet in New York, trained at the Berks Ballet Theatre Conservatory of Dance before pursuing her professional career.
“Jessica’s return is a beautiful symbol of what this anniversary represents — generations of dancers whose journeys began right here at our studios in Berks County,” Bland said.
The anniversary production includes refreshed designs for the Waltz of the Snowflakes, Marzipan, and Candy Cane costumes, bringing added detail and sparkle to the Land of Sweets. More than 75 performers — including members of BBT’s Pre-Professional Company, Conservatory students, and community members — will appear alongside guest artists. The performances will again feature live music by the Reading Pops Orchestra, conducted by Dr. Willis M. Rapp, marking his seventh season with the company.
Showtimes at Schaeffer Auditorium, 15200 Kutztown Road, are as follows:
- Saturday, December 20 at 1 p.m.
- Saturday, December 20 at 6 p.m.
- Sunday, December 21 at 2 p.m.
In addition to the mainstage production, Berks Ballet Theatre will host its Sugar Plum Fairy Tea Party on Sunday, November 23 at 1:30 p.m. at the GoggleWorks Center for the Arts. The event includes a preview performance, story time, character meet-and-greets, children’s crafts, and seasonal refreshments. Tickets are required.
Berks Ballet Theatre was founded in 1976 by Carol Ennis and continues to serve as a longstanding part of the local arts community. Today, the company presents pre-professional training and public performances through the Berks Ballet Theatre Conservatory of Dance. More information and tickets are available at BerksBalletTheatre.com.
