The Connection

Two venerable Fairfax County performing arts institutions are joining forces for a singular holiday season experience for the whole family. Long-standing local performing arts organizations, the Fairfax Symphony Orchestra (FSO) and the Fairfax Ballet Company, have re-envisioned and created “A Fairfax Nutcracker” to be performed at the Center for Arts.

The wintertime wonders of “A Fairfax Nutcracker” will have the memorable Tchaikovsky score performed live by the FSO under the baton of the classically trained Luke Frazier, FSO Principal Pops Conductor. Frazier is noted for conducting a number of FSO programs of his own creation as well founding and conducting the American Pops Orchestra with Great American Songbook performances at D.C.’s Lisner Auditorium.

Serving as “A Fairfax Nutcracker” production artistic director is Joseph J. Simeone, who will also dance the key role of the Nutcracker Prince. Simeone has danced with the American Ballet Theater, appeared on Broadway and recently at the Kennedy Center on “Little Dancer.”

Fairfax Ballet Company member Kellyn McNulty will dance the major role of Clara, the young girl who dreams of magical moments on Christmas Eve. The enchantment and mischief that Clara witnesses and joins includes a brave Nutcracker Prince coming to life, whimsical and exquisite characters such as Mother Ginger and the Sugar Plum Fairy along with a multitude of dancing angels, a ballerina doll, sugar plum fairies and witnessing a fantastical epic battle between heroic toy soldiers and mischievous mice. Dancing with McNulty and Simeone will be artistic staff and students from Fairfax Ballet and experienced professional dancers.

According to Karla Petry, executive director, Fairfax Ballet, “‘A Fairfax Nutcracker” gives students “a priceless opportunity to perform in a full production with professional dancers, with a major classical orchestra on a large stage.” Frazier, Petry and Simone agreed that “partnering together with other local arts organizations helps to promote youth involvement and greater arts awareness.”

Inviting audiences to “A Fairfax Nutcracker,” Simeone noted that “our Nutcracker offers everything that is exciting about an evening of live theater.” For Frazier, this is a great “opportunity for audiences to have a grand experience and to introduce new audiences to all that the performing arts offers in an inclusive and accessible production.”

What better way to kick-off these festive times of holiday cheer, than by experiencing a new holiday classic with the FSO and the Fairfax Ballet, partnering to create a wondrous evening of entertainment to cherish.