I think this is great news, both for the local economy and the arts. Probably indicative that things are bouncing back!

Click to visit the Pennsylvania Ballet website.

The following is a press release from the Pennsylvania Ballet:

Pennsylvania Ballet Hits Highest Sales in 5 Years with George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker™

Philadelphia, PA (January 31, 2013) – Pennsylvania Ballet’s 2012 production of George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker™ soared past sales goals to earn the Company $2.3M in total revenue, making it their best-selling Nutcracker in five years.

“Not since 2007, when we debuted brand new costumes and sets for our George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker™, have we seen sales like this,” Executive Director Michael Scolamiero says. “The Company is cautiously optimistic about the prospect of new momentum around ticket sales.”

Pennsylvania Ballet’s 2012 production of 23 performances, also marking its 25^th Anniversary presentation of George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker™, exceeded its sales goals and exceeded 2011 totals by over $130K and over 4,000 tickets.

Pennsylvania Ballet can be seen on stage next with Balanchine/Wheeldon/Tharp, February 7-10 at the Merriam Theater.  Starting at $30, tickets are on sale now at paballet.org, by phone at 215.893.1999, and in person at the Kimmel Center Box Office.

Spring 2013 Season subscriptions are available at 215.893.1955 and at paballet.org. Save up to 20% on single ticket prices with a custom subscription. Subscribers enjoy the best seats at the best prices, personalized service, lost ticket insurance, flexible ticket exchanges, a monthly payment plan, discounted parking, and more.

George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker™ is presented by First Niagara.

PECO is a Lead Sponsor of George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker™.

The costumes and sets of Pennsylvania Ballet’s production of George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker™ were made possible by major support from The William Penn Foundation and Christa and Calvin Schmidt.

Pennsylvania Ballet’s 2012-2013 Season sponsors include DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel, The Sporting Club at the Bellevue, and US Airways.

Pennsylvania Ballet receives support from the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts – a state agency funded by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency – and The Philadelphia Cultural Fund.

Founded in 1963 by Balanchine student and protégée Barbara Weisberger, Pennsylvania Ballet is one of the nation’s leading ballet companies. Headquartered in Philadelphia, the Company’s annual local season features six programs of classic favorites and new works, including the Philadelphia holiday tradition, George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker™.  For more information, visit paballet.org or call 215.551.7000.

Click to visit the Pennsylvania Ballet website.

TWO great holiday photo opportunities in one day!
Saturday, December 8, 2012

WHAT:            “Nutcracker Magic” children’s party
WHO:             Hundreds of local children and parents
WHEN:           Saturday, December 8, 2012 at noon
WHERE:         The Ballroom at the Hyatt at the Bellevue
Broad & Walnut Streets
Philadelphia, PA 19102

WHAT:           Opening Night of George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker™
WHO:             Pennsylvania Ballet dancers and dozens of local dance students
WHEN:           Saturday, December 8, 2012 at 7 p.m.
WHERE:         Academy of Music
Broad & Locust Streets
Philadelphia, PA 19102
Please use “Stage Entrance” on Locust Street between Broad and 15^th.

DETAILS:
Pennsylvania Ballet ushers in the Nutcracker season with two vibrant photo opportunities this Saturday, December 8. At noon, Pennsylvania Ballet hosts its annual children’s party and fundraiser, Nutcracker Magic, at the ballroom at the Hyatt at the Bellevue. Hundreds of local children and their parents will don their finest holiday attire to join in this yuletide fantasyland, complete with magicians, costumed characters, stilt-walkers, crafts, games, and more! All children will be invited to make a holiday card for a patient at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.

Then at 7 p.m. at the Academy of Music, Pennsylvania Ballet presents Opening Night of George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker™. Celebrating 25 years, George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker™ is the Philadelphia region’s most beloved holiday tradition. Lavish sets and costumes bring the charming story of Marie and her Prince to life, from the resplendent Party Scene, to a harrowing battle with the Mouse King, to the wondrous Land of Sweets. Pennsylvania Ballet professional dancers share the stage with dozens of local dance students.

Tickets to all 23 performances of George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker™, December 8-30 at the Academy of Music, are on sale now, with prices starting at $20. Tickets are available online at paballet.org, by phone at 215.893.1999, and in person at the Kimmel Center Box Office. George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker™ is presented by First Niagara.

Founded in 1963 by Balanchine student and protégée Barbara Weisberger, Pennsylvania Ballet is one of the nation’s leading ballet companies. Headquartered in Philadelphia, the Company’s annual local season features six programs of classic favorites and new works, including the Philadelphia holiday tradition, George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker™. For more information, visit paballet.org or call 215.551.7000.