The Ballet Theatre of Toledo will celebrate its 20th anniversary season with the return of Nigel Burgoine’s family-friendly, original ballet production “A Night Before Christmas At the Museum.” Performances are slated for November 16 and 17, at 2 p.m., at the Valentine Theatre.
Founding BTT company dancer Leigh Anne Albrechta, now a professional dancer with Louisville Ballet, will return as a guest artist to dance the role of Nefertiti.
Other celebrity appearances include Claire Mitchell of 13abc, and Chief Meteorologist Chris Vickers, WTOL11.
A free cake reception follows the Saturday performance.
The original story is an adventure of what happens when the magic of Christmas brings the paintings and sculptures in a museum to life.
“It’s the holiday season and Florence and her mother are visiting the museum. Florence discovers a gift bag on a bench with a statue of Degas’ ‘Little Dancer Aged Fourteen.’ She tries to find the owner when suddenly something magical happens; the statue comes to life and dances for her. The Degas Dancer takes Florence on a fantasy journey throughout the museum as she is entertained by masterpieces from around the world,” said Burgoine.
The production is lighthearted, fun for the entire family and includes live music with an original score by local artist, Dr. David Jex.
Notably, many pieces of art are on display in the Toledo Museum of Art.
“As a child growing up in London, I was always excited to visit the Natural History Museum in London, and my imagination would run wild as I envisioned exhibits coming to life,” said Burgoine, artistic director and choreographer.
“Now living in Toledo and visiting the magnificent Toledo Museum of Art,” he continued, “I am once again using my imagination to transport all of you to the wonderful realm of fantasy.”
For tickets, call the Valentine Theatre box office at 419242-2787 or visit valentine theatre.com.
