Monthly Archives: December 2020

Audiences will enjoy a free, all-new version of the holiday favorite

CINCINNATI, OH. (December 9, 2020) –
Cincinnati Ballet and Hearst Television, WLWT announced today that for the first time ever, Cincinnati Ballet’s performance of the holiday classic The Nutcracker presented by Frisch’s will be shown on WLWT Channel 5. The Nutcracker at Home presented by Frisch’s will premiere in Prime Time on Tuesday, December 22 at 8 pm, with additional re-broadcasts throughout the holiday season on both WLWT and MeTV, Cincinnati channel WLWT 5.2. “Everyone has a front row seat to this year’s Nutcracker,” said Cincinnati Ballet President and CEO Scott Altman. “The Nutcracker is a part of so many families’ holiday memories, this re-imagined, hour-long broadcast will keep that tradition alive during this unusual holiday season. We are thrilled to partner with WLWT on this holiday gift to the community.” Music for the production was recorded by members of the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra. “Due to COVID-19, viewers across Greater Cincinnati will be able to enjoy this year’s performance of The Nutcracker from the safety and comfort of their homes,” said Branden Frantz, WLWT President & General manager. “For more than 72 Years, WLWT has continued Leading the Way in the Tri-State on hyper-local programs and unique specials. I am incredibly proud of the collective teams at WLWT and Cincinnati Ballet for the vision and extraordinary efforts to make available to everyone a cherished holiday tradition at the end of this challenging year,” Frantz added.

The Nutcracker at Home presented by Frisch’s will be recorded at Cincinnati Music Hall next week following strict health and safety protocols. The production will introduce new choreography by Artistic Director Victoria Morgan with support from artistic team – Cervilio Miguel Amador, Dale Shields and Suzette Boyer Webb, Main Company dancers, and gorgeous sets and costumes. Morgan and the Cincinnati Ballet’s artistic and production teams spent countless hours working with Emmy award-winning Director David Ashbrock to adapt the ballet for television. Due to the pandemic, dancers will wear masks and follow socially-distancing guidelines, but Morgan said audiences will enjoy an up-close, immersive experience of The Nutcracker like never before. “With eight cameras capturing moments from every angle, even on the stage itself, this is a truly unique experience,” said Morgan. “Those magical moments we share together each year remain in this production — Clara and the Nutcracker Prince, the Sugar Plum Fairy and her Cavalier, plus we’ve added a few surprises just for this broadcast version.” Cincinnati Ballet is also honored to partner with Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra to create a unique recording of Tchaikovsky’s iconic music for this special performance. Cincinnati Ballet Music Director Carmon DeLeone and 35 Symphony musicians recorded a special score for the performance at Music Hall in late November. DeLeone also spent many hours editing the music for this special broadcast. A streaming version of the production will be also available to watch for a limited time after Christmas. More details to come at cballet.org.

WLWT Channel 5 schedule:

• Tuesday December 22 at 8pm
• Thursday December 24 at 7pm
• Friday December 25 at 5am
• Friday December 25 at 12pm

MeTV Cincinnati Channel 5.2 schedule:

• Thursday December 24 at 8pm
• Friday December 25 at 10pm

Nutcracker at Home Presenting Sponsor: Frisch’s, Production Sponsor: Mercy Health, our official Sports Medicine Provider

Cincinnati Ballet 2020-2021 Season Sponsors: Rhonda & Larry A. Sheakley, Margaret & Michael Valentine, ArtsWave, Mercy Health, Louise Dieterle Nippert Musical Arts Fund, Ohio Arts Council, Frisch’s, The Austin E. Knowlton Foundation

About Cincinnati Ballet
Since 1963, Cincinnati Ballet has been the cornerstone professional ballet company of the region, presenting a bold and adventurous array of classical, full-length ballets and contemporary works. Under the artistic direction of Victoria Morgan, Cincinnati Ballet has become a creative force within the larger dance community, commissioning world premiere works and exploring unique collaborations. With a mission to inspire hope and joy in our community and beyond through the power and passion of dance, Cincinnati Ballet reaches beyond the stage in programs that allow every person in the region to be part of the continued evolution of dance through exhilarating performances, extensive community and education programs and top-level professional ballet training at Cincinnati Ballet Otto M. Budig Academy.