This holiday season, Berks Ballet Theatre (BBT) celebrates its 50th anniversary with a milestone production of “The Nutcracker” on Dec. 20 and 21. Three performances will take place at Kutztown University’s Schaeffer Auditorium. Tickets start at $43 and are available at BerksBalletTheatre.com.
Half a century after first bringing “The Nutcracker” to Berks County audiences, BBT’s golden-year production honors its legacy while embracing a fresh artistic vision under the direction of Artistic Director Nathan Bland.
Audiences can expect dazzling choreography, vivid new costumes and a full live orchestra — all hallmarks of the company’s signature production — elevated for this special season.
This year also marks a joyful homecoming as BBT alumna Jessica Bealer, now dancing professionally with Rochester City Ballet in New York, returns to portray the Sugar Plum Fairy.
Bealer trained at the Berks Ballet Theatre Conservatory of Dance before pursuing her professional career, and her return celebrates the enduring excellence of BBT’s training and community spirit.
“Jessica’s return is a beautiful symbol of what this anniversary represents — generations of dancers whose journeys began right here at our studios in Berks County,” Bland said.
The 50th anniversary production introduces imaginative updates to the beloved classic, featuring new choreography and exquisite costume enhancements. Audiences will delight in the debut of Waltz of the Snowflakes costumes and refreshed designs for Marzipan and Candy Cane, bringing added elegance and sparkle to the Land of Sweets.
A cast of more than 75 performers — including BBT’s Pre-Professional Company, Conservatory students and community members — will take the stage alongside professional guest artists.
The performance will again feature live accompaniment by the Reading Pops Orchestra, conducted by Dr. Willis M. Rapp, a Kutztown University alumnus, marking his seventh season with BBT.
Tea party
Kick off the holiday season with Berks Ballet Theatre’s Sugar Plum Fairy Tea Party, which will held next Sunday at 1:30 p.m. at the GoggleWorks Center for the Arts, 201 Washington St., Room 420, in Reading.
Guests will step into the enchanting Land of Sweets for a delightful afternoon featuring:
• A special preview performance of “The Nutcracker”
• Story time and meet-and-greets with costumed characters — including the Sugar Plum Fairy herself.
• Festive crafts for children
• A variety of sweet treats and light refreshments
Tickets are required and can be purchased at BerksBalletTheatre.com.
Movies
The Jewish Federation of Reading/Berks has announced the annual Reading Jewish Film Series. This season’s series will feature four exceptional films related to Jewish life, culture and history.
The series opens on Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. at Boscov Theater at the GoggleWorks Center for the Arts, 201 Washington St., Reading, with the comedy “Bad Shabbos.”
In the film, David and his fiancee, Meg, are about to have their parents meet for the first time over a Shabbat dinner when an accidental death (or murder?) gets in the way. With Meg’s Catholic parents due any moment, this family dinner soon spirals into a hilarious disaster.
The film’s director, Daniel Robbins, will speak after the film. Tickets for “Bad Shabbos” include a talkback with Robbins and are $20, $18 for seniors and students. Other film series films are $10, $8 for the discounted rate. Tickets are available at https://goggleworks.org/boscov-theater/#films.
Upcoming Reading Jewish Film Series movies at the Boscov Theater: Dec. 2, 7 p.m., “Charles Grodin: Rebel With a Cause”; Jan. 13, 7 p.m., “Among Neighbors”; Feb. 17, 7 p.m., “Shosana”
Education
The Yocum Institute for Arts Education in Spring Township has announced a transition in leadership.
Susan Rohn has retired after two decades as executive director and will be replaced by Vicki Haller Graff.
“The Yocum Institute for Arts Education is the outstanding organization it is today thanks to Susan’s exceptional leadership and vision,” said Nicholas Bentley, president of the board of directors. “While we are saddened to see Susan retire, we are equally excited for the energy, creativity and leadership that Vicki will bring as we continue our tradition of excellence in arts education.”
According to a press release, Rohn and Haller Graff will work together over the next few months.
“This collaborative period will allow for a smooth transition ensuring that the Yocum Institute continues to thrive while serving the community and upholding its long tradition of excellence in and through the arts,” the release stated.
Music
The WCR Center for the Arts and Dave Kline Productions will present Guitar-A-Rama 2025, a free celebration of guitar mastery and blues-driven performance, on Thursday at the WCR Center for the Arts, 140 N. Fifth St., Reading.
Presented in association with the Reading Blues Fest, the event brings together outstanding local and international talent for an evening filled with original music, blues and blues-inspired styles that showcase the guitar’s unmatched expressive power.
Event schedule:
• 5 p.m.: Doors open; snacks and beverages available
• 5:45–6: Workshop Jam hosted by Dave Kline and performing musicians
• 6:15–7:15: Busker Incognito & The SHOW
• 7:30–9: The Travellin’ Brothers (from Spain). The Travellin’ Brothers are a renowned Spanish R&B big group from Bilbao, consisting of nine members. Known for their high-energy performances, the band blends blues, swing, soul and roots music, having performed at numerous prestigious festivals and venues worldwide. They have also released several albums, including their latest, “Coming Home.”
• 9– 9:15: Everybody Jam featuring students, band members and guest musicians
The show is free. To RSVP: https://www.wcrcenter.org/guitararama2025.
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The latest addition in a long line of party music is a new release from Mountain Laurel Records by alpine trio Kline, Lewis & Meixner. Based in Pennsylvania and Texas, the trio blends traditional alpine music and instrumentation with a touch of electronic dance music and a solid beat.
The new release, “Hop Sa Sa Apres Ski Track,, serves up music with a beat to sway by, and the added twist of everybody jumping to their feet when the words “Hop Sa Sa” are sung.
Kline, Lewis & Meixner is Dave Kline, Dave Lewis and Alex Meixner.
“Hop Sa Sa Après Ski Track” by Kline, Lewis & Meixner is available on all major digital streaming and download platforms such as Spotify, Apple Music, Apple iTunes, Amazon Music, Pandora, Deezer, etc. The new single is also available on YouTube at https://youtu.be/mKvNhRXeT98.
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Reading native Christopher J. Hoh has composed three tracks that appear on “Celestial Voices Vol. II, ” a Navona Records release, by the Kuhn Choir of Prague.
The famed Kuhn singers bring beauty and feeling to two motets by Hoh, “O Sacrum Convivium” and “Lucis Creator Optime.” A string ensemble joins the choir for “Sanctus & Benedictus,” also composed by Hoh.
The album is an encore to “Celestial Voices,” which also included a work by Hoh.
For more information, visit https://www.navonarecords.com/catalog/nv6786.
