The Washington Ballet Hosts Military Appreciation Night Tonight

The Washington Ballet (TWB) will celebrate its presentation of Septime Webre's The Nutcracker at the historic Warner Theatre in Washington, DC, December 4 through December 28. Tonight, December 10, The Washington Ballet, teaming with Northrop Grumman and Geico, will bring the magic of The Nutcracker to 500 service men and women and their families for Military Appreciation Night.

Guests will be greeted at the historic Warner Theatre by military dignitaries and Nutcracker cast members and will be treated to an exclusive behind-the-scenes rehearsal of The Nutcracker 'Soldiers Marching.' Notable Military figures in attendance will include Robert Work, Deputy Secretary of Defense, James A. "Sandy" Winnefeld, Jr., four-star Admiral and Elaine Rogers, President of USO of Metropolitan Washington. Excitingly, the Deputy Secretary of Defense will be joining The Washington Ballet's Company dancers on stage as the Ambassador during the Act I Party Scene. Admiral Winnefeld and Sergeant Major Michael Barrett will be two uniformed party guests.

Patrons are asked to demonstrate their commitment to military families in our nation's capital by wearing red, white and blue. Select tickets for this night are discounted by 25%, and can be purchased in person or over the phone with the Warner Theatre Box Office or by using the discount code 'MILITARY' online at www.washingtonballet.org.

The Washington Ballet's magical and inventive interpretation of the timeless holiday ballet, The Nutcracker, was an instant success when it premiered in 2004. Choreographed by The Washington Ballet's Artistic Director Septime Webre, this re-envisioned production of The Nutcracker celebrates American history, starring George Washington as the heroic Nutcracker and England's King George III as the villainous Rat King. Set in Georgetown, this gorgeous production showcases the grandeur of The Washington Ballet's international roster of dancers and majesty of Tchaikovsky's music. The ballet is replete with swirling snowflakes, cherry blossoms and historical characters. It has become a tradition for generations of family and friends to celebrate the holidays.

TWB's version of The Nutcracker contains many layers of American iconography, history and ideals. "Rather than conjuring up a land of bonbons, this 'Nutcracker' takes us to springtime, on the banks of the Potomac, and it's quite a nice place to end up," wrote The Washington Post. What makes this ballet one of Washington's most beloved holiday traditions? The answer is simple. "In Artistic Director Septime Webre's [The Nutcracker]... the element of nostalgia that draws families again and again to the Christmas tale is heightened with the ballet's setting in a Georgetown mansion, where Frederick Douglass is among the party guests and the entertainment features a dancing John Paul Jones. He [Webre] has injected touches of mischief and humor" wrote The Washington Post.

This year, TWB's adds new, unique characters to the historical Nutcracker production. The ballet joyously teaches American history to audiences and young dancers, and is a great way to introduce historic elements to children and adults alike. This season, TWB will introduce African-American abolitionist and humanitarian Harriett Tubman, founding father and third president Thomas Jefferson

Northrop Grumman is the presenting sponsor for Military Appreciation Night. ###

The Nutcracker, The Warner Theatre: Thursday, DEC 4 at 7PM (Preview Night) Friday, DEC 5 at 7PM (Opening Night) Saturday, DEC 6 at 2PM & 7PM

Sunday, DEC 7 at 1PM

Wednesday, DEC 10 at 7PM (Military Appreciation Night)

Thursday, DEC 11 at 7PM^
Friday, DEC 12 at 7PM^
Saturday, DEC 13 at 2PM & 7PM^ Sunday, DEC 14 at 1PM & 5:30PM Wednesday, DEC 17 at 7PM Thursday, DEC 18 at 7PM

Friday, DEC 19 at 7PM
Saturday, DEC 20 at 2PM & 7PM Sunday, DEC 21 at 1PM & 5:30PM Tuesday, DEC 23 at 2PM & 7PM Wednesday, DEC 24 at 11AM and 3PM Friday, DEC 26 at 7PM

Saturday, DEC 27 at 2PM & 7PM Sunday, DEC 28 at 1PM
^ denotes Toys For Tots Performance

Tickets for The Nutcracker at the Warner Theatre, priced from $32*, are now on sale and can be purchased at www.washingtonballet.org, 202.397.SEAT (7328) or the Warner Theatre Box Office. A 25% discount for the December 10 evening performance will apply to select price levels, and can be used in person or over the phone with the Warner Theatre Box Office or by using the discount code 'MILITARY' online. The Warner Theatre is located at 513 13th St, Washington, DC 20004 (*Ticket prices include $2 Warner Theatre preservation fee.)

Photo Credit: TWB and TWSB Dancers by Theo Kossenas

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