Brooklyn Center for the Performing Arts Presents THE COLONIAL NUTCRACKER Today

Brooklyn Center for the Performing Arts at Brooklyn College (BCBC) continues its 2012-2013 season with its annual holiday performance of Dance Theatre in Westchester'sThe Colonial Nutcracker today, December 16, 2012 at 2pm. Tickets are $10 each, and can be purchased by phone at 718-951-4500 (Tues-Sat, 1pm-6pm), or online at www.BrooklynCenterOnline.org.

Created especially for families with children ages four to ten, The Colonial Nutcracker sets Tchaikovsky's classic ballet in wintry colonial Yorktown during the Revolutionary War. The production features classics such as "Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy" and "Waltz of the Snowflakes," a red-coated mouse army, an enchanted nutcracker prince, and compelling narration that will enhance young viewers' understanding and enjoyment of this timeless story. Rose Menes' delightful staging and choreography, coupled with colorful costumes and Tchaikovsky's enduring score, will captivate audiences of all ages.

In addition to The Colonial Nutcracker, Brooklyn Center will present other family-friendly shows including the magical Christmas tale The Snow Maiden (Saturday, December 22, 2012 at 6pm), Bash the Trash's Tales of Anansi (Saturday, April 13, 2013 at 2pm), and a sing-along screening of the Julie Andrews classic film The Sound of Music (Sunday, May 19, 2013 at 1pm). Brooklyn Center will also partner with The School of American Ballet to present a free family dance event, The Beauty of Ballet (Sunday, March 17, 2013 at 2pm). Family programming ticket prices range from free to $30, with a 50% discount available to children 12 and under for select performances.

This season, Brooklyn Center is also introducing the new Target Storybook Series featuring performances based on classic and contemporary children's literature. This series includesHow I Became a Pirate (Sunday, January 6, 2013 at 2pm), The Little Prince (Sunday, January 27, 2013 at 2pm), and American Family Theater's Sleeping Beauty (Sunday, March 10, 2013 at 2pm).

The Target Storybook Series aims to encourage the development of strong reading skills at home in children ages four to eight. Each show's Parents' Guide, containing literacy-based activity sheets, reading tips, and discussion topics, gives parents the opportunity to engage their children both before and after seeing each show. Parents' Guides are available for download at www.BrooklynCenterOnline.org/Target_Storybook.asp. All seats for BCBC's 2012-2013 Target Storybook Series are $7.

Brooklyn Center for the Performing Arts' presentation of The Colonial Nutcracker is sponsored, in part, by Kings Plaza Shopping Center.

About Dance Theatre in Westchester

Dance Theatre in Westchester is a professional company founded in 1979 by Artistic Director Rose Menes. With a repertoire that includes The Colonial Nutcracker, Sleeping Beauty, Peter and the Wolf, and Cinderella, The company engages both professional dancers from around the world as well as talented students from throughout the tri-state area for its ballets. In addition to creating all of the staging and choreography for her company, Ms. Menes has also choreographed several operas including The Merry Widow, Faust, and Orfeo ed Eurydice at theaters ranging from the Williams Center for the Performing Arts in New Jersey to the Anchorage Opera in Alaska.

About Brooklyn Center for the Performing Arts

Founded in 1954, the mission of Brooklyn Center for the Performing Arts is to present outstanding performing arts and arts education programs, reflective of Brooklyn's diverse communities, at affordable prices. Brooklyn Center's presentations explore both the classical traditions and the boldest contemporary performances, embracing the world culture that defines Brooklyn. Brooklyn Center for the Performing Arts welcomes over 70,000 people to the 2,400-seat Walt Whitman Theatre each season, and boasts one of the largest arts education programs in the borough, serving 46,000 schoolchildren from over 300 schools annually with its SchoolTime series.

The Colonial Nutcracker

Performed by Dance Theatre in Westchester

Sunday, December 16, 2012 at 2PM Tickets: $10

Brooklyn Center for the Performing Arts

Walt Whitman Theatre at Brooklyn College

2/5 trains to Flatbush Avenue / on-site paid parking available

Running time: approx 2 hours plus intermission

Recommended for ages 4 and up.

Online orders: BrooklynCenterOnline.org

Box Office: (718) 951-4500, Tuesday - Saturday, 1pm - 6pm

Groups of 15 or more: (718) 951-4600, ext. 3331

Facebook: www.Facebook.com/BrooklynCenterforthePerformingArts

Twitter: www.twitter.com/BrklynCtr

Brooklyn Center for the Performing Arts' programs are supported, in part, by public funding from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council. Major support for the 2012-2013 season is provided by: Brooklyn College; Target; Con Edison; Macy's Foundation; Mertz Gilmore Foundation; TD Charitable Foundation; National Grid; and the Herman Goldman Foundation. Additional support provided by CNG Publications and The Brooklyn Eagle. The Sheraton Brooklyn New York Hotel is the official hotel of Brooklyn Center's 2012-2013 season. Backstage catering is graciously provided by Applebee's and Crystal Manor.

Brooklyn Center for the Performing Arts gratefully acknowledges generous support from New York City Councilman Albert Vann and the Department of Youth & Community Development; New York City Council Speaker Christine C. Quinn; and Commissioner of Cultural Affairs Kate Levin.