More than just ‘The Nutcracker’ in Ballet Manila’s holiday offering

MANILA, Philippines - This year, for its Christmas production, Ballet Manila is presenting a ballet favorite and more.

“We really wanted to offer something special so we decided that we will have memorable excerpts from The Nutcracker back-to-back with original choreographies that echo themes that are distinctly Pinoy,” Lisa Macuja-Elizalde says.

Nutkraker: Pasko Na Naman Muli will have its gala performance on Nov. 29, Saturday, 7:30 p.m. at Aliw Theater. 

The first half of the show showcases Act II of The Nutcracker, with the music of Peter Tchaikovsky and choreography by Vassily Vainonen. It is being restaged by Osias Barroso and Natalia Raldugina.

Taking on the role of Sugar Plum Fairy in The Nutcracker are BM principal dancers Dawna Mangahas and Mylene Aggabao-Salgado and  senior soloist Tiffany Chiang-Janolo.

Ballet Manila’s holiday offering dazzles with spectacular dancing and colorful pageantry.

The second half unfolds to a medley of Filipino Christmas carols performed in dance, inspired by familiar themes: an OFW coming home to be reunited with his family, children singing Christmas songs in the streets for a few coins, etc.

Ballet Manila co-artistic director Osias Barroso leads the team of choreographers Gerardo Francisco, Michael Divinagracia, Jonathan Janolo, Rudy De Dios and Francis Jaena in creating new works to fill the stage with the sights, sounds, colors and flavors of a typical “Paskong Pinoy.”

The Filipino segment will feature the participation of BM’s Project Ballet Futures scholars.

After the gala on Nov. 29, Nutkraker: Pasko Na Naman Muli will also be seen on Nov. 30, Dec. 5, Dec. 6 and Dec. 7. All shows will be held at Aliw Theater, CCP Complex, Pasay City.

Ballet Manila’s 19th performance season is presented by the Manila Broadcasting Company and sponsored by Aliw Theater and Star City, along with ACS Manufacturing Corporation (Pride and Shield Bath Soap), First United Travel, BPI Express Credit, Island Rose, Ralph’s Wines and Spirits, Krispy Kreme, Hen Lin, Papa John’s Pizza and Crunchybelly by Carlos Kitchen.

For tickets and other inquiries, call Ballet Manila at 525-5967 and 400-0292, e-mail info@balletmanila.com.ph or visit www.balletmanila.com.ph; or call Ticketworld at 891-9999 or visit ticketworld.com.ph.