Pacific Northwest Ballet to Present THE NUTCRACKER, Today

SEATTLE, WA -For over thirty years, family and friends have shared the wonder and beauty of the holidays with PNB's world-famous Nutcracker. Created by Founding Artistic Director Kent Stowell and children's author and illustrator Maurice Sendak, PNB's one-of-a-kind Nutcracker has been dazzling Northwest audiences since 1983. Join us now for the final season of this acclaimed and much-loved Nutcracker before it goes into the PNB vault. (In 2015, PNB will unveil its production of George Balanchine's The Nutcracker™, featuring all-new sets and costumes by children's author/illustrator and theatre designer Ian Falconer.) The Stowell/Sendak Nutcracker returns to Seattle Center's McCaw Hall for 35 public performances November 28 through December 28, 2014. Tickets to Nutcrackermay be purchased through the PNB Box Office at 206.441.2424, online at PNB.org, or in person at 301 Mercer St. (A limited selection of tickets are also available through Ticketmaster, 800-745-3000 or online at Ticketmaster.com. No other outlets are authorized to sell Pacific Northwest Ballet Nutcracker tickets.)

"This is a bittersweet year for us at PNB," said Artistic Director Peter Boal, reflecting on the legacy of the Stowell/Sendak Nutcracker. "We celebrate and salute a production like no other in our history - one that has brought more people through our doors than any other. We recognize and appreciate the profound contributions of Kent Stowell and Maurice Sendak, but also those of thousands of others, from our child performers and their carpooling parents and patient ballet masters, to our supernumeraries, some of whom have participated in this production every year since 1983! There are ticket sellers and seam sewers, dressers and stage managers, helpful ushers and members of the stage crew, some of whom not only built these whimsical sets but also still manually operate them during every performance, every year. We love this production as you do, and we look back with great pride and respect on an amazing run."

Speaking on behalf of their dearly departed friend Maurice Sendak and themselves, PNB's Founding Artistic Directors Kent Stowell and Francia Russell added, "It takes so many people to make this production possible: onstage, backstage, in the PNB studios and offices, and out in the lobbies of the theater-a veritable army. All these groups become a real family from Thanksgiving to the New Year. To so many more than can be listed here, our heartfelt thanks for your contributions to the work and joy we shared. Together, we propelled PNB onto the world stage. And to the generations of faithful audience members who made possible the mighty 32-year success of Seattle's own Nutcracker, our deepest gratitude."

ABOUT THE SHOW

"Truly magical! The dazzling details of this original PNB production make it a holiday treat for fans of any age." --Where Seattle magazine

Pacific Northwest Ballet can proudly lay claim to one of the world's most recognized and celebrated productions of Nutcracker. Drawing on E.T.A. Hoffman's The Nutcracker and the Mouse King, Kent Stowell and Maurice Sendak delved deeply into the original story and infused the ballet with a drama and strength that fully complements Tchaikovsky's classic score (performed live, as always, by the mighty PNB Orchestra. The roster of the orchestra, currently celebrating its 25th Anniversary season, still includes 23 founding members whose performances of PNB's Nutcracker predate the formation of the orchestra!) Combining Stowell's charming and dramatic choreography with magnificent sets and costumes by Sendak, Nutcracker premiered to national acclaim on December 13, 1983. Breaking all PNB box office records, its 26 performances were presented to 78,000 people, approximately 16% of Seattle's population. The following year saw the publication of Nutcracker, a new edition of the original Hoffman story with illustrations by Sendak, which remained on The New York Times' Best Seller List for eight weeks. In 1986 a feature-length film of the Stowell & Sendak Nutcracker was released nationwide, however audiences and critics universally agree that PNB's stunning production is best viewed live onstage. This marvelously imagined production features over 200 dancers, gigantic moving sets and glorious costumes. With its vast array of roles danced by PNB's professional dancers and students of Pacific Northwest Ballet School, Baby Mice have dreamed of one day being Party Girls, Soldiers, Chinese Tigers, Snowflakes or Flowers, and, ultimately, the lead roles of Clara and her Nutcracker Prince.

TICKET INFORMATION

Ticket range: $35 - $156, depending on performance date and time. ($32 - $142 for children 12 and under. All ages require a ticket for admission, including babes in arms.) Tickets may be purchased through the PNB Box Office:

• Online 24/7 at PNB.org
• Phone: 206.441.2424 (Mon.-Fri. 10am-6pm; Sat. 10am-5pm)
• In Person: 301 Mercer Street, Seattle (Mon.-Fri. 10am-6pm; Sat. 10am-5pm)

Tickets are also available - subject to availability - 90 minutes prior to each performance at McCaw Hall, located at 321 Mercer Street. A limited number of Nutcracker tickets are available through Ticketmaster, 800-745-3000 or online at ticketmaster.com. NOTE: No other ticket outlets are authorized to sell Pacific Northwest Ballet Nutcracker tickets.

It's all in the planning: We've got all the tools to arrange your perfect Nutcracker experience! Find driving directions, parking options, transportation and traffic links, local dining and lodging, and FAQs about McCaw Hall by visiting PNB.org/Season/PlanYourVisit.

2014 NUTCRACKER PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE.

Day	Date	Times
Friday	Nov. 28	7:30pm
Saturday	Nov. 29	2:00 pm & 7:30 pm
Sunday	Nov. 30	1:00 pm & 5:30 pm
Friday	Dec. 5	7:30 pm
Saturday	Dec. 6	2:00 pm & 7:30 pm
Sunday	Dec. 7	1:00 pm & 5:30 pm
Thursday	Dec. 11	7:30pm
Friday	Dec. 12	7:30pm
Saturday	Dec. 13	2:00 pm & 7:30 pm
Sunday	Dec. 14	1:00 pm & 5:30 pm
Wednesday	Dec. 17	7:30 pm
Thursday	Dec. 18	7:30 pm
Friday	Dec. 19	2:00 pm & 7:30 pm
Saturday	Dec. 20	2:00 pm & 7:30 pm
Sunday	Dec. 21	1:00 pm & 5:30 pm
Monday	Dec. 22	2:00 pm & 7:30 pm
Tuesday	Dec. 23	2:00 pm & 7:30 pm
Wednesday	Dec. 24	2:00pm*
Friday	Dec. 26	1:00 pm & 5:30 pm
Saturday	Dec. 27	1:00 pm & 5:30 pm
Sunday	Dec. 28	1:00 pm & 5:30 pm

*PLEASE NOTE: The Tuesday, December 24, 2:00 pm show is PNB's annual "Nutty Nutcracker" performance, with some scene changes, improvisation, and surprise features. Caveat emptor.

SPECIAL EVENTS, FUN & GAMES

OPENING WEEKEND FESTIVITIES (November 28 - 30)

Kick off the holidays with our festive lobby activities including crafts, mini dance classes and story time, roaming magicians, Nutcracker characters and other fun - all FREE for ticket holders! Guests arriving early for opening weekend performances will enjoy this joyous celebration in the splendor of McCaw Hall, shimmering with holiday décor and a soaring 20-foot tree. Pre-show festivities begin one hour before curtain.

LISTEN TO THE BALLET!

PNB partners with 98.1 Classical KING FM to bring listeners some of history's most popular ballet scores, featuring the Pacific Northwest Ballet Orchestra direct from McCaw Hall. Tune in for a live broadcast of Nutcracker under the direction of conductor Emil de Cou on Saturday, December 6 at 7:30 pm. Only on Classical KING FM, 98.1 fm or online at KING.org/listen.

SEE THE BALLET...AND PLAY THE INSTRUMENTS

Classical KING FM and Music Center Northwest will host their popular Instrument Petting Zoo at Nutcracker matinees on November 30, December 1, 14, 15 and 21. Stop by and get a feel for the instruments that make Tchaikovsky's beautiful score come to life!

NUTCRACKER BRUNCH

Join the PNB League at 9:30 am on Saturday, December 6th for a fun-filled holiday event designed for younger children and their families. Enjoy activities for kids, a delicious brunch, and a special Nutcracker-themed mini performance to delight the young and young-at-heart. Brunch tickets may be purchased through the PNB Box Office. For more information about this annual sell-out event, email events@pnb.org. [This event is sold out.]

NUTCRACKER SUITES at McCAW!

Skip the lines and bustle of the lobby at intermission! Treat you and yours to a special intermission experience in the SAVOR...McCaw Hall Nutcracker Suite. The Nutcracker Suite takes the stress out of intermission and adds to your memorable Nutcracker experience. There's a Trophy Cupcakes Sprinkle Station where you can create your own custom sweet treat, swords and crowns for snap-your-own pictures, a holiday appetizer buffet by Executive Chef Shawn Applin, and coffee and champagne for adults. Admission is $20 per person (plus applicable tax and service charge); Nutcracker performance tickets sold separately. To purchase, visit tickets.savormccaw.com.

DECK THE HALLS WITH BOUGHS OF NEWSPRINT

All of the entries in The Seattle Times' "Nutcracker Memories" coloring contest will be on display at McCaw Hall through the run of Nutcracker and one entry will win a spectacular night on the town, including a hotel stay, dinner, and four tickets to a Nutcracker performance. (An additional 20 winners will receive show tickets.)

MORE, MORE, MORE

Visit PNB.org/Community/PNBKids for Fun Stuff for kids and FAQs for their parents.

DISCOUNT OFFERS

TEEN TIX

PNB is a proud participant in the Teen Tix program. Teen Tix members may purchase tickets to the Sunday, November 30, 5:30 performance of Nutcracker, on a first-come, first-served basis, day-of-show only, starting at 3:30 pm. No Teen Tix "companion tickets" are available for this performance. To learn more about Teen Tix, visit TeenTix.org.

BRING A GROUP TO NUTCRACKER AND SAVE!
From a familial flock of 15 to a throng of 3,000 of your closest comrades, PNB's Nutcracker is the perfect way to celebrate the holiday season! Bring a group of family, friends, co-workers, or clients and receive 10-15% off regular Nutcracker prices, depending on date, time, and section. In addition to outstanding savings, groups receive personal ticketing assistance, the opportunity to book a backstage tour, save on group menu packages, receive priority seating, and have access to McCaw Hall reception facilities that may be rented for private parties. For more information or to purchase group tickets, contact Julie Jamieson at 206.441.2416 or juliej@pnb.org, or use PNB's online contact form at PNB.org/Season/GroupTickets.

Please note that all discounts are taken off the standard ticket price only, and may not be combined with other offers.

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