Dancers In Motion Since 1968 Maxine Mahon, Director John Stubbs, Music Director/Conductor

4819 Ronson Court San Diego, CA 92111 858.560.6741 Fax: 858.560.0072 Contact Diane Grosman dgrosman@californiaballet.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE December 2010

California Ballet Salutes the Military

December 18, 2010 at the Civic Theatre

More than 1,400 tickets have been donated to United States Military members, both active and reserve, and their families to California Ballet’s opening night performance of The Nutcracker at the San Diego Civic Theatre.

This extraordinary event was made possible by California Ballet’s Sharing the Art program. Initiated in 2005 by Marketing Director and Ticketing Services Manager Diane Grosman, this program provides over 4,000 tickets annually, or more than 20,000 tickets to children and adults surviving with life threatening diseases through Rady Childrens Hospital and Scripps Cancer Center, military families through Operation Homefront, Naval Special Warfare, and Wounded Warriors as well as underserved children and their families through The Children’s Initiative, Episcopal Community Services and The Monarch School.

Preceding the performance, Arianna Afsar, current Miss California, will perform the National Anthem. She shares the stage with Lt. Colonel Brian and a JROTC Color Guard drilled by retired First Sergeant Marine Corp Mark Keller. Sergeant Keller will also be performing as one of the fathers in the party scene. Poignantly, Sergeant Keller’s young daughter Paige will also perform that night as a soldier in the battle scene.

“I am so pleased to be able to welcome the military community into our home, the Civic Theatre, for this special holiday tradition. It delights me to be able to give back to a community so near and dear to my heart.”

- Founding Artistic Director Maxine Mahon

California Ballet is also continuing its partnership with the U. S. Marine Corps Reserve to collect donations of new toys at all performances for their “Toys for Tots” campaign.

The Saturday night performance stars California Ballet Ballerina Cassandra Lund and American Ballet Theatre Soloist Gennadi Saveliev, and features the San Diego Symphony conducted by California Ballet Music Director John Stubbs.

FOR CALENDAR LISTINGS

The 2010 performances of The Nutcracker are generously sponsored by the Westgate Hotel; Sycuan Resort & Casino; and Patricia Gregory, for the Baker Foundation. Financial support for the 2010-2011 season is provided in part by the City of San Diego Commission for Arts and Culture, the County Board of Supervisors at the recommendation of Pam Slater-Price and Ron Roberts, Supervisors, County of San Diego, and the Hermann Foundation. 

Adult ticket prices range from $35-$80 and children 12 & under gain admission for $25. Tickets may be purchased at the California Ballet Box Office (858.560.6741), The San Diego Civic Theatre (619.570.1100), or online at www.californiaballet.org. Contact the Box Office at 858-560-6741 for information on Group sales. Deeply discounted tickets are offered to Scout Troops and their chaperones at select performances at both theaters.

In addition to these performances, the California Ballet will be presenting a Preview Dress Rehearsal at the Civic Theatre on December 17 at 7:00pm. This preview provides an opportunity for local schools, children’s groups, and help organizations to become familiar with arts, attending at little to no cost. For detailed information regarding Preview Dress Rehearsals, call 858.560.5676 ext. 16, or visit the Education and Outreach pages at www.californiaballet.org.

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California Ballet is a not-for-profit 501 (c) (3) organization dedicated to presenting a full season of professional ballet each year to the people of San Diego and to providing a forum for professional dancers to develop and maintain their artistic skill.