Goochlanders will have a chance to see a full-length production of the holiday favorite “The Nutcracker” this year.

For the last two years The Concert Ballet of Virginia (CBV) has performed the “short version” of the holiday favorite, said Associate Director Scott Boyer.

“It’s the first time for a full scale show in Goochland,” said Boyer as he watched a rehearsal before a performance of the Nutcracker Suite, the short program, at Moody Middle School in Henrico last Saturday.

Parent volunteer John Madeira said he hopes the four performances at the middle school will draw people all the way from the Charlottesville area in the west to the Richmond area in the east.

The ballet performed in Charlottesville for a number of years in the past.

Four performances are scheduled for December 4 through December 6 at the auditorium at Goochland High School.

“There’s an untapped audience out here,” said Goochland resident Madeira, who has both a son and a daughter in the cast.

Both Boyer and Madeira said they see the CBV as a regional institution.

“That’s why we chose the name Concert Ballet of Virginia,” said Boyer.

Now the full two hour production is performed at three spots in the metro Richmond area – Atlee High School in Hanover County, Monacan High School in Chesterfield and Goochland High School in Goochland County.

The Goochland performance will serve as a fund raiser for Goochland Middle School, said Madeira. For ticket information, contact Linda Jasper at the GMS by calling 556-5320.

Photo by Ken Odor
Clara (Ellen Fellenstein) holds the enchanted nutcracker during a rehearsal. The Concert Ballet of Virginia will present four performances at Goochland High School from December 4 through December 6.