Gwinnett Ballet Theatre’s “The Nutcracker” Returns to Duluth’s Infinite Energy Theatre

By Holley Calmes

A holiday favorite returns in a live theatre staging just in time to lift sequestered spirits. Gwinnett Ballet Theatre’s “The Nutcracker” will be performed in Duluth’s Infinite Energy Theatre on the first three weekends in December.

The production will offer a cast of professional and student performers, a full orchestra for many shows, sumptuous sets and costumes, and a strict adherence to safety guidelines.

It took a little magic and the merger of two prominent artistic groups, but there was never a doubt that the show would go on. After all, Gwinnett Ballet Theatre has performed “The Nutcracker” every Christmas for almost four decades. Lori Zamzow-Wire, GBT’s new Artistic Director, explains, “’The Nutcracker’ has been a Christmas tradition for so many families over the years, and we’re pleased to be able to continue that tradition.”

This year’s production will offer a traditional “Nutcracker” with all the beautiful music, lively storytelling, and endearing characters that draw audiences year after year. Both matinee and evening performances are offered.

This production of “The Nutcracker“ will be the first major performance given by both Gwinnett Ballet Theatre and Sugarloaf Youth Ballet. The two organizations joined forces last February to create a premier dance studio that offers opportunities for professional dancers and for students who aspire to perform at the highest levels.

Photo by Richard Calmes

Both organizations are now housed in Sugarloaf Performing Arts’ large studios in Suwanee, GA, which include a dance school, a youth ballet company, a daytime ballet conservatory, and the Gwinnett Ballet Theatre professional ensemble.

Zamzow-Wire studied dance at the Cincinnati College Conservatory of Music and has performed in several professional companies. The Ballet Master is Bruce Thornton, a 15-year veteran of Mimi City Ballet and formerly on staff at Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet.

In creating Sugarloaf Youth Ballet, and now with the addition of Gwinnett Ballet Theatre, Zamzow-Wire fulfills a long-held goal. She says, “My vision has always been to create a full ballet company that can give dancers an opportunity to perform at home.”

Gwinnett Ballet Theatre’s Professional Company Season will continue in the winter with a modern and contemporary series and a Spring production of Beauty and the Beast.