'Nutcracker' To Return To Bankhead In Livermore

LIVERMORE, CA — Valley Dance Theatre will present its annual full-length production of Tchaikovsky’s holiday classic, "The Nutcracker," accompanied by the Valley Dance Theatre Pit Orchestra, beginning Dec. 14 at the Bankhead Theater.

Now in its 40th year, Valley Dance's 2019 performances will feature new backdrops, from designer Jean-François Revon, for the Land of Snow and Kingdom of the Sweets scenes.

“We wanted to create something new and fresh for this special Nutcracker,” Revon said, “so I designed the drop (canvas curtain at the back of the set) for Land of Snow to be a colorful complement to the dancers’ white costumes. Drop designs are usually driven by the set, not the costumes, so this is a new way of doing things. I think the audiences will like it!”

“Both the Land of Snow and The Land of Sweets scenes hold many surprises, thanks to Jean- François — a non-traditional house, asymmetrical tree, floating balloons, unexpected uses of light and more," artistic director Betsy Hausburg said. "We invite everyone to join us in celebrating our 40th anniversary at our beloved Nutcracker with all of its exciting new touches.”

Evening shows will be at 7 p.m. Dec. 14, 20, 21 and 22, with 2 p.m. matinees on Dec. 14, 15, 21 and 22. Tickets to The Nutcracker are $42 adults and $21 for students 18 years and younger. Children under 2 years old must have tickets, obtained through the Bankhead Theater box office at no charge. Group tickets are also available.

The Bankhead is located at 2400 First St. in Livermore. For more information, follow this link.

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