Westchester County will continue to host “The Nutcracker” at the County Center next month, but with a new innovative financial relationship and public-private partnership that the Astorino administration negotiated with the Westchester Ballet Company (WBC) that ensures the show will go on but without costs being incurred by county taxpayers.
Westchester County has been the co-producer of “The Nutcracker” for the past 15 years. As such, the financial risk if the production lost money rested with taxpayers. Under the new arrangement, the production company will assume all profits or loses associated with the show.
“At a time when the county government is facing a $114 million shortfall for next year, we have had to look closely at every dollar we spend,” County Executive Robert P. Astorino said. “With this new arrangement, Westchester will continue to be home to a top-flight production of ‘The Nutcracker’ without any risk to taxpayers.”
Denise Rempe, president of the ballet company, thanked the county executive for his support and partnership. “This is a win for everyone” said Rempe. “We certainly understand the financial realities facing the county. This new arrangement will allow us to continue a great holiday tradition in Westchester.”
Tchaikovsky’s “The Nutcracker” will be performed Saturday, Dec. 17, 12:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 18, at 2 p.m. Tickets are now on sale at the HYPERLINK “http://countycenter.biz/” \o “Link opens a new window” \t “_blank” County Center box office, and may also be purchased through Ticketmaster by calling (800) 745-3000, HYPERLINK “http://www.ticketmaster.com/” \o “Link opens a new window” \t “_blank” online or at all Ticketmaster outlets. HYPERLINK “http://countycenter.biz/nutcracker.html” \o “Link opens a new window” \t “_blank” Discount coupons are available online for advance sale tickets. Advance tickets are $20 for adults, $14 for children (ages 2 through 10) and seniors (age 60 and up); all tickets are $25 on the day of the performance. Discounted tickets are available for HYPERLINK “http://countycenter.biz/nutcracker.html” group of 20 or more.
Under the new arrangement, Westchester County will no longer pay the ballet for production costs. WBC will assume the financial risk of presenting the 2011 production of “The Nutcracker” at slightly increased ticket pricing which is still at levels that are significantly less than other local productions. To make the production possible, WBC’s professionals, including its artistic directors, have agreed to make a material portion of their compensation contingent upon the economic success of the production. The WBC has also launched a corporate and individual sponsorship program.
As in years past the county will continue provide marketing for “The Nutcracker” for this year.
