Tag Archives: The Nutcracker

Grand Rapids Ballet gets ready for upcoming 2023-24 season

Citizen Journalism, Entertainment, Local Entertainment, Recreation,

By WKTV Staff

Grand Rapids Ballet brings back its popular “The Nutcracker” production. (Courtesy, Grand Rapids Ballet)

Grand Rapids Ballet (GRB), Michigan’s only classical ballet company, officially kicks off its 2023-24 season as tickets go on sale for all their upcoming productions.

The season is packed full of dynamic pieces in Contemporary Visions, Jumpstart 2024, and In The Upper Room, in the Peter Martin Wege Theatre. These unique ballets show a range of diverse styles and themes the professional company can offer.

Throughout their 23-24 season Grand Rapids Ballet continues to present beloved classical family-friendly ballets such as The Nutcracker and Sleeping Beauty on a grand scale at DeVos Performance Hall with accompaniment from the Grand Rapids Symphony.

The Grand Rapids Ballet School’s Junior Company is pleased to present two spectacular productions, Carnival of the Animals and Snow White, at the Peter Martin Wege Theatre.

“In the 23-24 season, our audience will be able to experience a full range of what makes ballet so exciting. From the classical tradition of Sleeping Beauty to the contemporary thrill of In The Upper Room to our free Summer Dance Festival that celebrates the diversity of dance in our community, I am confident that this season will amaze, inspire, and perhaps most of all, connect us through the arts,” Artistic Director James Sofranko said.

The company continues to take artistic risks and bring new styles of ballet to the stage for its audience to enjoy. With this new season, Grand Rapids Ballet will welcome seven new company dancers from all across the United States and even from Japan. As the dancers have a month more of summer break, the ballet eagerly awaits their company dancers’ return, veteran and new, to start working on an incredible season lineup.

 

“Our 23-24 Season continues to uphold the reputation of Grand Rapids Ballet as a leader in the arts community, presenting the best of classical and contemporary ballet as well as commissioning new and exciting works by in-demand choreographers,” James Sofranko, Artistic Director at Grand Rapids Ballet says.

Individual tickets and season subscriptions are on sale during the duration of the season. By becoming a season subscriber, patrons can take advantage of many benefits, including the best seats for the best price, discounts on additional tickets, ticket flexibility with worry-free exchanges, exclusive invites to special GRB events, and so much more. Patrons also can participate in the Sizzling Summer Sale, where they can purchase tickets to The Nutcracker for 50% off for performances Dec. 8-18. The sale is going on through July 26 and patrons can use the promo code: SIZZLE.

Gonzo’s Top 5: WWE, Santa parade, holiday music, and James Taylor

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By John D. Gonzalez
WKTV Contributing Writer

Welcome to the weekend, my friends.

What do you have planned?

Me? Well, I’m still wrapping my head around the fact Christmas is about two weeks away. Yes, I said TWO  WEEKS! Thankfully I have the lovely Pam, my wife, who handles all the stress of shopping, cooking and wrapping to make it a perfect holiday. But there is just so much going on.

Well, I say don’t forget to take a break to try something new or maybe create new traditions.

Here are a few things to consider in this weekend’s Gonzo’s Top 5, exclusively on WKTV Journal.

5.WWE Supershow Holiday Tour

Are you a fan of Raw or SmackDown? Well, you probably already know your favorite stars will be in Grand Rapids this weekend for a show at 5 p.m. Sunday (Dec. 12). Scheduled to appear: Universal Champion Roman Reigns, WWE Champion Big E, RAW Women’s Champion Charlotte Flair, SmackDown Women’s Champion Becky Lynch, Bianca Belair, Drew McIntyre and many more. Ticket information and more details at vanandelarena.com.

The Horrocks Holiday Jamboree will including kids bands. (Supplied)

4.Horrocks Holiday Jamboree

Live music. Santra’s reindeer. Hot chocolate. And a mac and cheese bar! Sign me up. The annual Horrocks Holiday Jamboree returns from 4-8 p.m. Friday (Dec. 10) at Horrocks, 4455 Breton Road SE, in Kentwood. There is a winter petting zoo for kids, as well as holiday caroling and a lineup of children’s bands. Kids can also drop off a letter to Santa in the Elf Express Delivery mailbox. For a list of music acts and more details, check out the event’s Facebook page.

3.The Grand Rapids Ballet Presents The Nutcracker

You know it’s the holidays when the famous “Nutcracker” presented by the Grand Rapids Ballet Company returns. Performances are Dec. 10-12 and Dec. 17-19 at DeVos Performance Hall, 303 Monroe Ave NW. I’m not sure if I need to explain why it’s such a classic meant for every child, at least, once in their lifetime. (One of these days I’ll tell the story of how I took three little boys to the show, only to have them begging me to take them home at “halftime.” It’s a great memory in the Gonzalez household.)  For performance times, ticket information and more details, go to devosperformancehall.com or grballet.com.

The Wyoming Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce’s Santa Parade returns this Saturday. (WKTV)

2.Wyoming and Kentwood Area Santa Parade

Presented by the Wyoming/Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce, the Santa Parade is at 10 a.m. Saturday (Dec. 11) and features more than 50 entrants, including five school bands, and — well, you know — Santa. The parade travels on South Division between 34th and Murray Streets. More info at http://southkent.org. If you miss the parade, your friends at WKTV will re-broadcast on cable television at 7 p.m. Saturday and 10:30 p.m. Sunday. WKTV’s coverage of the parade also will be available on-demand later.

RELATED: Santa Parade returns to Division Avenue

1.James Taylor & Jackson Browne at Van Andel Arena

Concerts are back in a big way, and you get two big names in one show when James Taylor and Jackson Browne perform at 7:30 p.m. Friday at Van Andel Arena. Performing with his All-Star Band, James Taylor has been entertaining audiences for more than 40 years. He’s in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Songwriters Hall of Fame, and he has sold more than 100 million albums. Fans have loved him for years. And Jackson Browne, who is known for big hits such as “The Pretender” and “Running on Empty,” is always a pro. Check on ticket availability and more details at vanandelarena.com.

That’s it for now.

As always, I welcome your input and recommendations for events to include in my Top 5 list. If you have something for me to consider, just send me an email at michigangonzo@gmail.com.

Have a great, safe weekend.



John D. Gonzalez is a digital journalist with 30-plus years of experience as a food, travel, craft beer and arts & entertainment reporter based in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He’s an early adopter of Social Media and SEO expert. Follow him on his journey to discover what’s next. You can find him on Twitter as @MichiganGonzo, on Instagram @MichiganGonzo and Facebook at @GRGonzo. He also relaunched his YouTube Channel. Email him story ideas and tips at michigangonzo@gmail.com.

GR Ballet brings holiday favorite ‘The Nutcracker’ back to stage with audience joy, dancers’ energy

Entertainment, Holidays, Kids Activities, Local Entertainment, Upcoming Events, WKTV Projects, ,
Grand Rapids Ballet’s company dancers in a scene from “The Nutcracker”. (Supplied/Ray Nard Imagemaker)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

If you have seen the pandemic-inspired virtual productions of the Grand Rapids Ballet  over the last year-plus, you know they are of exquisite quality in both production and filming.

So as the Ballet returns to DeVos Performance Hall after a 24 month hiatus for live performances of the holiday favorite “The Nutcracker” — scheduled for two weekends, Dec. 10-12 and Dec. 17-19 — there is a virtual option “for those who can’t join in person.”

But there is something, almost indescribable, about seeing dance live.
 

Grand Rapids Ballet’s Sarah Marley and Nathan Young in a scene from “The Nutcracker”. (Supplied/Ray Nard Imagemaker)

“There is just something irreplaceable about the magic of the theater, when the conductor cues the musicians, the lights dim, and the curtain opens to reveal a world of music, dance, and joy,” Ballet artistic director James Sofranko said to WKTV. “Live performance exists only in the present moment and is gone the next, and this immediacy is what makes attending the theater so special.”

The stage at DeVos Performance Hall will be in full holiday spirit with beautiful sets and beloved characters including Clara, Drosselmeyer, the Sugar Plum Fairy, the Cavalier, and of course, the Nutcracker Prince. The production also features Tchaikovsky’s magical score, performed live by the Grand Rapids Symphony with vocals by Grand Valley State University’s Department of Music.

Grand Rapids Ballet’s ballet school members in a scene from “The Nutcracker”. (Supplied/Ray Nard Imagemaker)

“For professional dancers, the tradition of ‘The Nutcracker’ is in our blood, we can’t imagine the holidays without it,” Sofranko said in supplied material. “It’s very special to return with this production that means so much to our organization’s history and our community.”


“The Nutcracker” was reimagined in 2014 by Grand Rapids native Chris Van Allsburg, author of “The Polar Express,” and features set designs by Eugene Lee, a Tony Award winner for productions including “The Lion King”, and “Wicked”.


The Ballet’s company dancers, consisting of professional dancers from across the globe, will also share the stage with students from Grand Rapids Ballet School — all of which will come together to perform captivating choreography by Val Caniparoli, one of America’s most renowned choreographers.

And both young and experienced dancers will be on their toes to be back in front of a live audience at DeVos.

“Knowing that live performances are right around the corner, the dancers are filled with a renewed vigor and energy that is exciting to witness,” Sofanko said to WKTV.

Company dancer Nathan Young agreed, and noted that there is also a deep appreciation by the dancers of having a live audience.

“We are an extension of your community,” Young said in supplied material. “When you come to see Grand Rapids Ballet, you are seeing Grand Rapids community members who live close to you and nearby. All we want to do is share our talent with people in Michigan. We thrive on your support and applause, which is how we can keep this classical art form alive.”

Grand Rapids Ballet’s Yuka Oba-Muschiana and Josue Justiz in a scene from “The Nutcracker”. (Supplied/Ray Nard Imagemaker)

Tickets, other options and a kids party

For audience members who are not able to attend an in-person performance, tiger Ballet’s virtual option is available for $25 and will be available following opening night and can be viewed multiple times through Jan. 2, 2022.

Additionally, the Grand Rapids Ballet is once again hosting Clara’s Nutcracker Party, a one-of-a-kind holiday celebration made just for kids, on Sunday, Dec. 12. Clara’s Nutcracker Party will allow children to meet their favorite characters from “The Nutcracker” in a fun and festive fantasyland at Amway Grand Plaza Hotel. The holiday experience includes a fun arts and crafts activity, tea and brunch, a reading of “The Nutcracker” tale, as well as a live performance by the Grand Rapids Ballet School.


“The Nutcracker” runs for two weekends with tickets starting at $20 online, via phone at 616-454-4771 ext. 10, or in-person at the Ballet’s Box Office, located at the Ballet’s home and offices, 341 Ellsworth Ave SW, Grand Rapids.

Nutcracker Ballet Tea is perfect holiday treat for kids

Citizen Journalism, Entertainment, Holidays, Kids Activities, Upcoming Events, , ,


By Merritt Kramer, Holland Area Arts Council


This holiday season, the Holland Area Arts Council is reprising their partnership with Grand Rapids Ballet in two special performances for children ages 4 to 10 and their adult guests on Sunday, Nov. 17th. The gallery will be filled with the enchanting giggles of children as they experience the magic of music, dance and storytelling. Performances will be held at 12:30 and 2:30pm.


The Nutcracker Ballet Tea is a story-time brunch in a winter fairy-tale land of ballerinas, nutcrackers and toy soldiers. Members of Grand Rapids Ballet Junior Company will dance vignettes from The Nutcracker as Attila Mosolygo, Junior Company Artistic Director reads The Nutcracker story. The performance includes tea, delicious snacks and a box of treats for each child to enjoy.


Children live in a world of imagination and play. The line between reality and pretend has not yet been drawn. They involve themselves in performance physically, mentally and emotionally, and so the Arts Council is excited to expose the very young to live performance featuring other young performers.


Partnership with Grand Rapids Ballet, who provides the dancers in costume, makes this event truly special.


Tickets for the Nutcracker Ballet Tea are on sale now. Admission is $35 per ticket. Children 10 and under get in for $15 each.


Tickets to Grand Rapids Ballet’s The Nutcracker Dec. 13-15 and 20-22 performances at DeVos Performance Hall may be purchased online at grballet.com or by calling (616) 454-4771 x10.


Call the Holland Area Arts Council at (616) 396-3278, email helpdesk@hollandarts.org, visit www.hollandarts.org/nutcracker-ballet-tea.html or stop by 150 East 8th Street to learn more about this and other events and reserve your family’s spots!


Advance reservations are required.



The Weekend Edition: Things to do Dec. 8 – 11

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kentwood-christmas-tree-lightingLight It Up

 

The City of Kentwood will host its annual tree lighting ceremony Friday, Dec. 9, at the KDL Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch, 4950 Breton Rd. SE.

 

Kicking of the event will be the annual Holiday Light Parade featuring local business and organizations including the Kentwood Police and Fire departments. The parade will start at the Kentwood Baptist Church, 2875 52nd St. SE and travel north on Breton for about a quarter of a mile, ending at Kentwood City Hall, 4900 Breton SE.

 

Also taking place from 5 – 9 p.m. will be the Elves Express Gift Shop at the KDL Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch. Families will be able to shop for grandmas, grandpas, sisters, brothers, moms, dads, aunts, uncles, friends, pets, and anyone else on their list. Also WKTV will be at the library to record Christmas greetings.

 

For more information about any of these events, visit www.yourkprd.org.

 

Candy CaneThe Great Candy Cane Hunt

 

It’s Wyoming’s Great Candy Cane Hunt Saturday, Dec. 10 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Wyoming Senior Center, 2380 DeHoop SW.

 

Santa Claus will lead children through a scavenger hunt of hidden candy canes scattered in the Veterans Memorial Garden. Once the children have found all the sweet treats, they will head over to the Wyoming Senior Center for lunch and activities such as a holiday craft, work on a coloring book or to play games. Santa also will be visiting with all the children, collecting holiday wish lists.

 

The cost for the Great Candy Hunt is $4 for children ages 3-14 years old and $6 for non-residents. Additional family members of all ages may attend the event and have lunch for an additional $2 each. Pre-registration is required. Call 616-530-3164 or register at www.wyomingmi.gov/PRRegistration by Thursday, Dec. 8.

 

Soldier NutcrackerThe Nutcracker

 

The Grand Rapids Ballet kicks off its traditional holiday presentation of “The Nutcracker” on Friday, Dec. 9, with performances this weekend and next at DeVos Performance Hall, 303 Monroe Ave. NW.

 

Re-imagined by “Polar Express” author Chris Van Allsburg a couple of years ago, the production follows the story of Clare and her doll as they battle the Mice King and his army and travel to the Land of Sweets and meet its ruler the Sugar Plum Fairy. The production features choreography by Val Caniparoli and set design by Eugene Lee.

 

Showtimes are 7:30 p.m. Fridays; 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturdays, and 2 p.m. Sundays. Tickets start at $20. For more information, visit grballet.com or call 454-4771, ext. 10.

 

grinch_setFlick’s Festival Favorites

 

Everybody has some favorite holiday films and this weekend the Flick’S Family Film Festival celebrates its favorites by featuring two popular films, the 2000 “Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas” and “Polar Express.”

 

Showings will be at area Celebration! Cinemas including South Celebration! Cinema. Showtimes do vary, so make sure to check local listings. Tickets are free for children 12 and under and $5 for anyone else.

 

For more information, visit the Facebook page, www.facebook.com/FlicksFamilyFilmFestival/.

 

santa-train-thumbThe Santa Train

 

Break away for the day and ride the Santa Train. Each child will be personally escorted to meet with the big guy by his elves and receive a present. A story-telling princess will read Christmas-themed books to the children as the Coopersville & Marne Railway train speeds along the tracks.

 

The Coopersville & Marne Railway is located at 311 Danforth St., Coopersville. Departure times available for this weekend are 10 a.m., noon, 2:30 and 4:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 10, and 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 11. Other departure dates are Dec. 17, 18 and 24. Tickets are $19/adults, $18/seniors (60 and older), $17, children 2 – 12, and free, children two and under.

 

For more information, visit coopersvilleandmarne.org.

 

youth-chorusGrand Rapids Symphony Youth Choruses’ Holiday Concert

 

Made up of students from throughout the Greater Grand Rapids area, including Wyoming and Kentwood, the Grand Rapids Symphony Youth Choruses bring some holiday favorites and traditional classics to life in the organization’s annual holiday performance.

 

The performance is Sunday, Dec. 11, at the Basilica of St. Adalbert, 654 Davis NW. Performances are at 4:30 and 7 p.m. Tickets are $20 at the door and $5 for students.

Calling All Dance Students: Nutcracker Auditions are Here!

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The NutcrackerThe Nutcracker is a holiday classic that comprises a massive effort behind the scenes. Grand Rapids Ballet (GRB) will hold auditions for The Nutcracker on Saturday, September 19 from 12pm-3pm. Dancers must be registered as a full-time student in Grand Rapids Ballet School (GRBS) to audition.

All students interested in auditioning for The Nutcracker need to sign up at the School Office prior to the audition date. The School Office is located at the Meijer-Royce Center for Dance at 341 Ellsworth Ave SW and is open Monday through Friday, 9am – 5pm.

The Nutcracker, re-imagined in 2014 by Polar Express author Chris Van Allsburg, is a magnificent production featuring choreography by Val Caniparoli and sumptuous set design by Eugene Lee. Sugar plum fairies, fighting mice, and toy soldiers make this enchanting story the perfect tradition for the entire family.

It is preferred that both parent and student be present to sign-up (a parent signature is required to complete the form). In addition, students need to provide an audition photograph meeting the following qualifications:

  • 4 x 6 OR 5 x 7 portrait
  • Full body, wearing classroom attire (class leotard/shirt, tights, ballet shoes, and hair pulled back from the face)

“This is a wonderful opportunity for local dance students to take part in a beloved holiday classic by an internationally renowned, professional dance company,” said Patricia Barker, Artistic Director of Grand Rapids Ballet. “The creative team of Chris, Eugene, and Val have created such an enchanting story that truly is a product of Grand Rapids.”

“The Nutcracker” will take place at DeVos Performance Hall with show dates: December 11-13 and 18-20, 2015. For more information on Grand Rapids Ballet, visit www.grballet.com or connect with on Facebook.