THE CENTRE ICE RINK PRESENTS NUTCRACKER ON ICE

HARRINGTON, DE - December 8, 2005
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The Centre Ice Rink at the Delaware State Fair in Harrington will present the holiday classic, “Nutcracker on Ice" December 17 and 18. The presentation is loosely based on Dorothy Hamill’s program which combines the art of ballet with the athleticism of figure skating. Similar to the Nutcracker ballet, "Nutcracker on Ice" tells the magical tale of a young girl, Clara, who receives a wooden nutcracker for Christmas. Later that night, Clara dreams of a battle between a pack of mice led by the Mouse King and toy soldiers under the command of the Nutcracker Prince. Upon defeating the Mouse King, Clara's prince comes to life, and they travel to the Land of Snow and the Land of Sweets. The story ends with Clara waking and wondering, “Was it really all just a dream”?

According to the fair's public relations and marketing director, Tricia Southard, “This is the second ‘Nutcracker on Ice’ production for The Centre. Last year was very successful, and the team has decided to make this an annual event. Once again, The Centre’s skating director, Deanna Vokes, has put a lot of hard work into the event along with members of the Bay Country Figure Skating team. Personally, I enjoyed taking my niece to the show last year; we thought the very young skaters were just adorable, and the older students were very talented.”

According to Vokes, there are several new additions this year, “We’re including the party scene at Clara’s house, and we’ve added various roles such as Dew Drop, Parfaits, Gingerbread, Ice Crystals and adorable Gumdrops. Last year, our Snow Queen danced ballet on a side stage; however, this year, she will be skating.” Vokes noted elements of dance will still occur during the program including an Arabian Princess dance. Vokes explained the overall performance will highlight various facets of ice skating. She added, “We have skaters performing elements of free skating, including spins, jumps, ice dancing, synchronized skating, and pair skating. The show offers a full array of skating techniques all packed into a wonderful story line with colorful costumes and powerful music.”

Southard suggested reserving tickets now but specified that seating is still first come, first serve and encourages ticket holders to arrive early if they want to sit in a particular section. Show times are as follows: December 17, 7:00 p.m.; December 18, 4:00 p.m.

To purchase your tickets to see The Centre Ice Rink's "Nutcracker on Ice", please call (302) 398-5900 ext. 500 or visit The Centre's website and follow the homepage link to purchase tickets.

Ticket prices are as follows:

Adults (ages6+) - $10.00
Children (ages 3 - 5) - $5.00
Children (ages 2 & under) - FREE with a paying adult.###