PBT brings back 'The Nutcracker' on December 16, 17
MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Ballet Theater (PBT) is restaging its classic holiday offering of “The Nutcracker” on December 16 and 17 in a new venue – the Newport Performing Arts Theater (NPAT) at the Newport World Resorts in Pasay City.
Before the pandemic, PBT had staged this ballet for nine consecutive years. This time, the principal cast is composed of Matthew Davo as the Nutcracker Prince and Eloisa Jessa Tangalin as the Sugar Plum Princess, with Sophie Tiangco and Therese Riego alternating as Clara.
Artistic Director Ronilo Jaynario has new additions to the choreography originally created in 1995 by Michael Chernov of Sydney City Ballet and Gelsey Kirkland of American Ballet Theater specifically for the PBT.
With a cast of over a hundred artists of different ages, the show is set against the backdrop of sparkling snowflakes and a magical land of sweets – accompanied by the aclaimed music of Tchaikovsky.
In 2023, PBT opened its 37th season with a new Filipino ballet titled “Ibalon” at the Samsung Performing Arts Theater in Circuit Makati last July 28 and 29. Based on the full-length epic from Bicol, it focused on the love story of Handyong (The Warrior) and Oryol (The Cursed Princess).
PBT also staged a series of performances in other parts of the country and overseas. Kicking off its roadshow was the Negros Occidental Tour last May 24-28 in the cities of Bacolod, Victorias, and Talisay. This was followed by the Iloilo Tour on August 19 at the Iloilo Convention Center and the USA Tour from September 30 to October 21 at the LaGuardia Performing Arts Center in New York City and the Royce Hall of UCLA in Los Angeles.
Generations of Filipino audiences have enjoyed ‘The Nutcracker” as a perennial Christmas favorite. This whimsical show is a fitting finale to the 37th season of the PBT. Catch it next weekend with matinee and gala shows at NPAT. Tickets are available at premier.ticketworld.com.ph or at the Newport box office.
