Walnut Hill Stages The Nutcracker; Two Decades of the Acclaimed Production.

Entertainment/Lifestyle Editors

NATICK, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 8, 2001

Walnut Hill School, the nation's only conservatory and academic high school, announced today that its acclaimed annual production of Tchaikovsky's The Nutcracker, now in its 20th season, will take place on campus December 5th through December 15th in the Keiter Center for the Performing Arts. Tickets are $24/$18 and may be purchased by calling the Walnut Hill box office at [phone].

"The Nutcracker at Walnut Hill has represents youth ballet at its highest level and the joy of the holiday season," said Stephanie Perrin, Head of School. "The connection of the arts and academic work is at the heart of what we do, each informing and enriching the other. We believe that in the process of becoming an artist, every aspect of a young person is engaged, and the habits of mind and heart that are developed in that process will serve him well all his life, no matter what his ultimate career."

The Nutcracker is directed by Michael Owen, Director of Ballet at Walnut Hill since 1998. During his distinguished 23-year career with American Ballet Theatre in New York, Mr. Owen performed leading and character roles to critical acclaim. He continues his professional affiliation as a guest artist with American Ballet Theater, recently performing in Le Corsaire and Romeo and Juliet.

Samuel Kurkjian is the Artistic Director and Resident Choreographer for Walnut Hill's Youth Ballet Theater and a member of the Walnut Hill faculty. Mr. Kurkjian was formerly resident choreographer for Boston Ballet and was ballet master at Boston Ballet, Dance Theater of Harlem, and Basel Ballet, Switzerland.

About Walnut Hill

The Walnut Hill School, founded in 1893, provides students with intensive training of a professional standard in the arts, including dance, music, theater, creative writing and the visual arts, with a strong college-preparatory academic program. Boarding and day students in grades 9-12 receive a combination arts and academic training unparalleled at the secondary level, preparing them for placement in the leading colleges, universities, conservatories and professional companies. Additional information may be found at www.walnuthillarts.org.