It all begins here, in Grand Rapids, MI in 2008, and, the fictional Herpolburg’s Department Store in 1967. Get it, Herpolsheimer s and Wurzburgs! Two local and popular Grand Rapids department stores downtown a bit ago.
The Santa Hat is, I think, going to be a Christmas classic. Produced by Teresa Thome and Patrick Ziegler of Fubble Entertainment here in Grand Rapids, an Emmy® Award winning company with success in national entertainment television, web content development, new media based projects and live theater.
The Santa Hat has an all star cast with Ed Asner, Lucie Arnaz, and Tony Award winner Levi Kreis leading including national, regional and local talent - for first and only world wide virtual reading. Other familiar names include Gregory Jbara (Tony Award, Billy Elliot , Blue Bloods ), Michael Urie ( Ugly Betty Buyer & Cellar ) and Stephen Wallem ( Nurse Jackie ).There is Michigan talent too, including Rachael Ruiz of TV8 (Host: Eight West) and Michael Stewart (
Clara holds her new Nutcracker Prince in âThe Nutcracker Experience,â performed by the Grand Rapids Ballet this Christmas season. (Courtesy Grand Rapids Ballet)
The Grand Rapids Ballet, with music performed by Grand Rapids Symphony, performs âThe Nutcracker Experienceâ including highlights from Tchaikovskyâs seasonal âNutcracker Ballet,â including the Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy, waltzes of the Snowflakes and of the Flowers, The Russian Trepak, Chinese Dragon and more.
This performance, reimagined for the pandemic audience under Artistic Director James Sofranko, choreographed by Val Caniparoli and hosted by Rachael Ruiz & Jordan Carson of WOOD-TVâs eightWest, also includes behind-the-scenes interviews and rehearsals by Michiganâs only professional ballet company, in a virtual program available through Dec. 27.