Ronn Guidi’s Nutcracker
Paramount Theatre
December 18-24, 2008

OAKLAND, Calif. (November 14, 2008) – The Oakland Ballet Company’s second season under the artistic direction of Ronn Guidi is in full swing. The 2008-2009 Season began with the fall program on October 25, 2008.

Now the company is gearing up for the 36^th Anniversary of Ronn Guidi’s Nutcracker, December 18-24, 2008, with seven performances at the historic Paramount Theatre. Guidi’s Nutcracker has long been enchanting audiences of all ages and will light up Oakland’s holiday season again with Michael Morgan conducting members of the Oakland East Bay Symphony. Filled with stunning costumes and sets complete with a growing tree, this Nutcracker is a beloved treasure.

Mary Ellen Hunt, San Francisco Chronicle said in her review last year, “In a blinding flash onstage, the human versions of the Nutcracker, the Mouse King and the Ballerina were magically replaced by small inanimate dolls. Seated somewhere behind us, a young patron of Oakland Ballet let out a decidedly impressed, “Whoa.”

Local celebrities will join the fun for an All-Star Matinee on Saturday, December 20. Oakland Ballet welcomes our very special All-Stars, Tony La Russa, Manager, St. Louis Cardinals; Elaine La Russa (Mother Ginger); Bob Geren, Manager, Oakland Athletics; Brian Wilson, All Star Pitcher, San Francisco Giants; John Evans, KDFC; Frank Somerville, KTVU2, and Jamie Williams, Former San Francisco 49er and currently Athletic Director, Academy of Art University (Toy Soldiers).

Oakland Ballet Company veterans include Jenna McClintock, Denise Roman-Schmalle, Gianna Davy, David Bertlin and Omar Shabazz. Also featured are David Fonnegra, Angela Evans, Mariko Takahashi, Carlos Venturo, Ethan White, Jekyns Pelaez, Claire Lewis, Maia Mileff, Mario Vitale Labrador and Diego Rivera-Garcia.

Buy your tickets now! Don’t miss the holiday magic of this irresistible Nutcracker with Chevron and the Ronn Guidi Foundation presenting seven performances:

Sponsors: Chevron returns as the lead sponsor this season supporting tickets to the underserved. Bell Investment Advisors, Bank of America Foundation, Target, San Francisco Foundation and the Piedmont Post are returning as major sponsors. 6,000 tickets for Oakland Unified Schools and the underserved are being donated by Clorox, Bank of America and the Oakland Cultural Arts. Target is the proud sponsor of the Target Family Matinee on Wednesday, Dec. 24.

*Special Offers Available Only Through the Paramount Box Office

**Oakland Ballet Discount Promotions for December 23 Matinee:

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