Bangor, ME – The Bangor Symphony Orchestra’s annual production of Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker with the Robinson Ballet and Bangor Area Children’s Choir returns to the Collins Center for the Arts on December 15 and 16, 2018. A true collaboration, the production is the only in the region to feature a full orchestra in the telling of the tale of Clara and her toy Nutcracker on one magical Christmas Eve.
Starring in the demanding roles of the Sugar Plum Fairy and Cavalier are Katherine Bickford and Jacob Hoover. Katherine Bickford, a native of Miami, FL, graduated from Canada’s National Ballet School in 2010 and went on to earn a B.S from the University of Maine. While in Orono, she danced with Bangor Ballet and as a contributing artist with Robinson Ballet. In 2015, Ms. Bickford joined Festival Ballet Providence, and is now an apprentice with the company. Jacob Hoover was trained in the Boston area and then at Miami City Ballet School.  He has been a company dancer for José Mateo Ballet Theatre, Festival Ballet Providence, and the Vanemuine Theatre in Estonia. Returning in the role of Clara is Alicia Berube, of Belfast Area High School.
New this year, three local citizens of note will make cameo appearances in the Act II role of Mother Ginger: Ric Tyler (Radio Host, WVOM & Kiss-FM; A/V Manager, Sutherland Weston) at the Saturday matinee; Deb Neuman (President & CEO, Bangor Region Chamber of Commerce) at the Saturday evening performance; and Amy Vachon (Head Coach, UMaine Women’s Basketball) at the Sunday matinee.
The 2018 performances of The Nutcracker are sponsored by Darling’s and Camden National Bank. “We’re proud to support the Bangor Symphony Orchestra and their presentation of The Nutcracker this year,” said Greg Dufour, President & CEO of Camden National Bank. “The BSO brings top-notch performances and educational programming to the Bangor community where Camden National Bank has a long history of involvement and support, and we’re grateful for the quality and impact of their work.”
Tickets, including all fees, start at $13 for youth 18-and-under and $23 for adults, available through the Collins Center for the Arts Box Office by phone at 1-800-622-TIXX and online at bangorsymphony.org.