The Nutcracker
ft. Cy Doherty and Elisabeth Beyer
Meridian Hall, Toronto
December 23, 2023
The Nutcracker
Meridian Hall, Toronto
Saturday, December 23, 2023
Heartfelt Thanks from Toronto International Ballet Theatre
As we reflect on the memorable performance of ‘The Nutcracker’ at the Toronto International Ballet Theatre, we are filled with immense gratitude. Our heartfelt thanks go to the incredible dancers, led by Elisabeth Beyer and Cy Doherty, whose dedication and talent brought this classic tale to life. We extend our appreciation to our generous sponsors for their unwavering support. A special thank you to our crew, volunteers, and everyone behind the scenes for their tireless efforts. And to our audience, your presence and enthusiasm made this event truly magical. Your support inspires us to continue bringing exceptional ballet to our community. Thank you!
Highlights of this year's performance:
- Stellar Leads: Elisabeth Beyer and Cy Doherty take center stage in this year’s ‘The Nutcracker’, infusing the performance with a remarkable blend of artistry and finesse. Beyer, a rising star known for her technical brilliance and emotive power, joins the talented Doherty, whose compelling presence adds a new dimension to this cherished tale. Together, they promise to deliver a performance that captures the heart and imagination of the audience.
- Visionary Direction: Under the artistic vision of Tatiana Stepanova, ‘The Nutcracker’ transcends traditional boundaries. Stepanova’s expertise and nuanced understanding of ballet bring a unique flair to the production, ensuring that each performance is not just a show but an artistic masterpiece that reflects her dedication to the craft.
- Romantic Rendition: This adaptation of ‘The Nutcracker’ emphasizes the romantic essence of Clara’s journey, weaving threads of love and magic into the narrative. The production captures the heart of the story, focusing on the emotional bond and transformative adventure of Clara and her Prince, making it relatable and enchanting for all.
- Theatrical Wonderland: Meridian Hall, Canada’s largest theatre, undergoes a transformation into a breathtaking spectacle for ‘The Nutcracker’. Audiences will step into an immersive experience, where the grandeur of the venue complements the splendor of the performance, creating an unforgettable atmosphere of awe and excitement.
- Global Ensemble, Local Heart: ‘The Nutcracker’ is a testament to the rich tapestry of talent that Toronto attracts, with dancers converging from around the Greater Toronto Area and beyond. This gathering of artists from various backgrounds creates a performance that not only showcases world-class ballet but also celebrates the unity and spirit of the global dance community right here in our city.
Elisabeth Beyer
Elisabeth Beyer, a distinguished member of the American Ballet Theatre, is renowned in the ballet world for her extraordinary technique and compelling artistry. Born in New York City, she embarked on her ballet journey at the age of 7 with the Greenwich Ballet Academy, and by 13, she was honing her skills at the Ellison Ballet Professional Training Program under Edward Ellison and Jolanta Valeikaite.
In 2020, at just 17, Elisabeth joined the ABT Studio Company, and by June 2023, she had advanced to the corps de ballet of the American Ballet Theatre, participating in their 2023 MET Spring and David H. Koch Fall Seasons.
Elisabeth’s talent has been recognized with several prestigious awards. She won the Gold Medal in the Junior Division at the USA IBC XI in 2018 and in the Senior Division at the Youth America Grand Prix Finals the same year, where she performed at the David Koch Theater, Lincoln Center. In 2017, she claimed the First Prize at the Moscow International Ballet Competition XIII, showcasing her skills on the historic stage of the Bolshoi Theatre and earning the Natalia Makarova Award for Artistry at the YAGP NYC Finals.
Her performances extend to galas and guest appearances worldwide, including the Nervi Festival 2022, Dance Against Cancer events, YAGP Galas, Kaatsbaan Summer Festival, and the Marius Petipa 200th Anniversary Gala in Paris. Elisabeth has also been the recipient of scholarship awards from several prestigious ballet schools globally, including American Ballet Theater, Houston Ballet, San Francisco Ballet School, Berlin State Ballet Schooll, Princess Grace Academy, and the Royal Ballet School, reflecting her status as a ballet artist of international acclaim.
Cy Doherty
Cy Doherty began his formal training in Cary, North Carolina. At 16, he moved to The Harid Conservatory and trained under Meelis Pakri. While there, he danced lead roles and received the Rudolf Nureyev Award, the inaugural Marcelo Gomes Scholarship, and was a two-time winner of the Fred Lieberman Award. After earning Top 12 in the Youth America Grand Prix NYC Finals, Doherty was offered a position with Ballet West II, where he performed lead roles. He also performed in Ballet West company productions of George Balanchine’s Jewels, Frederick Ashton’s Cinderella, and Adam Sklute’s Swan Lake.
Doherty joined American Ballet Theatre Studio Company in September 2019, became an apprentice with the main Company in November 2021, and joined the corps de ballet in September 2022. His repertoire includes Don Quixote in Don Quixote, von Rothbart (Lakeside) in Swan Lake, and a featured role in Children’s Songs Dance, as well as roles in all the Company’s full-length ballets.
Reviews
“The best Nutcracker on the planet.” – The Globe and Mail
“The Nutcracker: nothing short of spectacular!” – National Post
“★★★★★/5 A Christmas gift for everyone… a feast for the senses, filled with enough wonder that there is something certain to delight audiences of any age and any taste.” – Toronto Sun
“The ballet spectacle that never fails to delight young and old alike!” – 680 News
Our Nutcracker Story
In TIBT’s rendition of “The Nutcracker,” the story centers around Clara, a young girl with a vivid imagination and a deep affection for her Christmas gift – a Nutcracker doll from her Uncle. As she falls asleep beside the Christmas tree, cradling the doll, her world transforms through her uncle’s mysterious spell. Clara finds herself on a transformative journey, maturing into a young woman as her beloved Nutcracker becomes a gallant prince. Their love propels them through a mesmerizing winter wonderland and the enchanting Castle of Sweets. This rendition is a portrayal of innocent, childlike love, capturing the essence of a young girl’s dream of her ideal prince.
Key Highlights of the Story:
- Mystical Gift: Clara’s Nutcracker doll, a gift that comes to life, setting the stage for the night’s magic.
- Heroic Battle: The Nutcracker Prince battles the fearsome Mouse King in a thrilling encounter to protect Clara.
- Enchanted Realms: The duo travels to the whimsical Land of Sweets, where they are greeted with a celebration of dances.
- Cultural Tribute: Each dance in the Land of Sweets represents a corner of the world, showcasing the holiday’s universal joy.
- Love’s Awakening: Amidst the wonder, Clara’s journey with the Prince blossoms into a tender love story, leaving her to wonder if it was all a dream.
Toronto International Ballet Theatre Announces Cast Change for "The Nutcracker"
The Toronto International Ballet Theatre (TIBT) today announced a change in the cast for its upcoming production of “The Nutcracker,” scheduled for December 23rd at Meridian Hall.
With a mix of both pride and regret, TIBT shares that Shale Wagman, originally slated to perform in the lead role, will not be able to participate in this year’s production due to an unforeseen injury. Shale, a remarkable talent and a cherished member of the international ballet community, has made the difficult decision in consultation with medical professionals. TIBT respects and supports his choice, prioritizing the health and well-being of its artists above all else.
While we will miss Shale’s extraordinary presence on stage, we are thrilled to announce that Elisabeth Beyer and Cy Doherty, two exceptional artists from the American Ballet Theatre, will be joining our cast. Elisabeth, known for her stunning technique and emotive performances, has garnered international acclaim and numerous prestigious awards. Cy, celebrated for his dynamic athleticism and expressive artistry, brings a wealth of experience and talent to our production.
The Toronto International Ballet Theatre remains committed to delivering a spectacular and magical performance of “The Nutcracker.” We are confident that Elisabeth and Cy will bring their unique brilliance to this beloved holiday classic, ensuring an unforgettable experience for our audience.
We extend our heartfelt wishes to Shale for a speedy and complete recovery and look forward to the opportunity to work with him in the future.
