'Thoroughly Irish version' of Nutcracker ballet comes to Limerick theatre
Nutcracker Sweeties is presented by Ballet Ireland
BALLET Ireland is bringing a “thoroughly Irish version” of the classic ballet, The Nutcracker, to the Lime Tree Theatre.
An international company of “world-class” dancers will bring the performance to the stage in Limerick this Wednesday and Thursday.
Ballet Ireland’s Nutcracker Sweeties is set in a bustling Irish department store amongst the Christmas shopping rush.
The main characters have been transcribed from Clara to Ciara and Fritz to Fionn, and the eccentric Uncle Drosselmeyer, is now “a lovely store manager working away with her ballet clerks to make the store perfect for the biggest shopping day of the year”.
As the story unfolds, mannequins in store windows, like the ones seen on the streets of every Irish town and village at Christmastime, magically come to life. There are dancing hurlers, Irish sweets, and even a bit of hoovering.
Ballet Ireland’s company of dancers hail from around the globe, including Australia, Spain, Italy, Brazil, Columbia, South Korea, Japan, and of course, Ireland.
“The international mix of artists, languages, and cultures also highlights the universality of ballet storytelling and its ability to transcend linguistics,” a spokesperson for the company said.
“Audiences of all ages and nationalities are able to follow the story of Nutcracker Sweeties because it is physical and visual... For people who have never seen a ballet, Nutcracker Sweeties is the perfect introduction to this extraordinary art form.”
The spokesperson added, “a night at the ballet can be an escape into an evening of glamour, enchantment and joy. Nutcracker Sweeties makes for a perfect date or a family treat. It will be an experience to remember that will capture imaginations and leave audiences with full hearts and big smiles”.
Nutcracker Sweeties will perform in The Lime Tree Theatre on Wednesday, November 27 and Thursday, November 28 at 7:30pm.
Tickets are available through balletireland.ie or at limetreebelltable.ie.
Nutcracker Sweeties is presented in association with EY Ireland and funded by The Arts Council.