A Chilliwack magician is performing in the Nutcracker Ballet by the Goh ballet at the Centre for Performing Arts in Vancouver Dec. 15 to 18.
Damien Carriere will be dazzling audiences as Dr. Drosselmeyer the magician — thoroughly believable in the role since he performs all over the world as a magician, illusionist and actor.
Born in Oliver, Carriere's interest in magic was piqued at the tender age of three, when his dad showed him three simple magic tricks. By 14, the young prestidigitator was on his way to making it his career.
Since then the award-winning Carriere has been busy performing his magic, as well as acting in commercials, movies, TV show and plays, after graduating with distinction from the Victoria Motion Picture School Acting Program in 2002.
The Nutcracker Ballet is a magical production is filled with elaborate sets, gorgeous costumes and live music from the pit by members of the Vancouver Opera Orchestra.
Featured this year are dancers from New York’s prestigious, American Ballet Theatre. They will share the stage with over 200 local dancers.
Besides being Tchaikovsky’s most famous composition, The Nutcracker is also regarded as one of the world’s most popular ballets. This lavish production is produced by Chan Hon Goh, former Prima Ballerina with The National Ballet of Canada, and choreographed by Anna-Marie Holmes, an internationally acclaimed luminary of the dance world.
“Goh Ballet’s celebrated production of The Nutcracker is filled with imagination and something for everyone; whether one is seeing dance for the first time or is a seasoned dance aficionado. Award-winning dancers, gymnasts, ballroom couples and even an illusionist bring the ballet to life with our special guest artists from American Ballet Theatre.
"All of this provides an unforgettable live performance experience that has truly become Vancouver’s own Holiday Tradition,” said Chan Hon Goh.
Nutcracker Ballet by the Goh ballet at the Centre for Performing Arts in Vancouver, Dec. 15 to Dec. 18, tickets starting at $28 at "http://www.ticketmaster.ca/search?tm_link=tm_header_search&q=goh+ballet+nutcracker&search.x=0&search.y=0" Ticketmaster.ca or by calling 1-855-985-2787.