University Park, IL,
14
November
2017
|
14:09 PM
America/Chicago

Salt Creek Ballet Brings Family Holiday Classic to the CPA at GSU

Contact: Sharon Morrissey

Governors State University

Phone: (708) 235.2812

Email: sbanaszak@govst.edu

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Salt Creek Ballet Presents a Time-Honored Holiday Tradition ‘THE NUTCRACKER’

December 9 at GSU’s Center for Performing Arts

Ballerinas perform in costumes during The NutcrackerNovember 14, 2017 (University Park, IL) – The highly acclaimed Salt Creek Ballet once again brings its lovable holiday classic The Nutcracker to GSU’s Center for Performing Arts (CPA). This year, the production will feature internationally-recognized guest dancers Vilia Putrius and Mindaugas Bauzys from Festival Ballet Providence. The Nutcracker performers waltz into Governors State University on Saturday, December 9 at 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. Families will enjoy a ‘Sugar Plum Party’ between the performances at 3 p.m. where they can take pictures with Santa, enjoy hot chocolate and cookies, and enter to win prizes.

The Chicago Sun-Times has called the production “…a solid, professional Nutcracker,” and the Chicago Tribune calls it “a plum performance.” This enchanting holiday tradition features gorgeous sets and costumes and a cast of 89 dancers, including local children and young adults ages 8-17.

Vilia PutriusThe guest artists were both born in Lithuania, trained at Vilnius Ballet School, and joined the Lithuanian National Opera and Ballet Theatre as principal dancers. Vilia Putrius has also performed with Ballet Arlington in Texas and Boston Ballet. Her roles have included Juliet in Romeo and Juliet, Odette and Odile in Swan Lake, Giselle and Myrtha in Giselle, the pas de deux from The Sleeping Beauty, and many more. Mindaugas Bauzys also performed with Ballet Arlington and as a soloist Mindaugas Bauzyswith Boston Ballet, starring in lead roles for Cinderella, Snow White and Seven Dwarves, The Nutcracker, Giselle, Swan Lake, The Sleeping Beauty, Carmen, and more. Mr. Bauzys was also honored as Ballet Artist of the Year, and in 2001, he was awarded the Order of the Lithuanian Grand Duke Gediminas, which was given by the Lithuanian President.

The performance is supported by First Midwest Bank and The Illinois Arts Council.

Ticket Information

Tickets are $43/$36/$28 for adults, based on seating location; $25 for seniors (65+); and $18 for children (16 and under).

Online: CenterTickets.net

By Phone: 708.235.2222

In Person at the Box Office: 1 University Parkway, University Park, IL

Box Office Hours: Monday- Friday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (open until 6p.m. on Thursdays) and two hours prior to all performances.

Governors State University is located at 1 University Parkway, University Park, IL 60484. Conveniently located off of I-57 (Sauk Trail exit), the Center for Performing Arts is easily accessible from all neighboring south suburban communities. Parking is free. For best GPS directions always use the location search term “Governors State University” only.

About Center for Performing Arts

The Center for Performing Arts (CPA) serves over 50,000 patrons annually, offering diverse, high-quality, and affordable cultural and arts education experiences. CPA presents concerts, dance, theatre, opera, and family programs from national touring acts, Chicago-based artists, and community and academic theatre as part of the Governors State University Theatre and Performance Studies program.

About Salt Creek Ballet

Salt Creek Ballet dancers are pre-professionals drawn from the best Chicago-area talent. Internationally-known guest artists, choreographers, and designers regularly work with SCB to provide dancers and audiences alike with a level of performance usually associated with top professional companies. Repertory includes traditional classical works plus original classical and contemporary works by both resident and guest choreographers. The School of Salt Creek Ballet offers students unmatched excellence at all ability, interest, and age levels, from pre-ballet classes through the Vaganova Curriculum of dance education, to teen/adult classes.

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Governors State University serves 5,200 undergraduate and graduate students with degree programs that prepare them for success in business, industry, healthcare, the arts, and education. As a state university, GSU is committed to providing high-quality, accessible, and responsible higher education opportunities. GSU is located 35 miles south of Chicago in University Park, IL and committed to embracing diversity and academic excellence while transforming student passion into lifelong purpose.