OKC Ballet presents all-new Nutcracker

This year’s Oklahoma City Ballet production of The Nutcracker debuts all new set and costume designs, offering Oklahoma City a production that will provide a fresh holiday experience for families across the state. The new sets were designed by Emmy Award-winning scenic designer Gregory Crane, and the elaborate new costumes are from Colorado designer Susanne Hubbs, whose designs have been featured in Dance Magazine. 

This classic fairy tale tells the story of Clara, who receives a beautiful, handmade wooden Nutcracker from the quirky Heir Drosselmeyer at a Christmas Eve party. That night, Clara sneaks downstairs to play with her new Nutcracker and is swept away to a fantasyland of toy soldiers, giant mice and dancing snowflakes. After saving her beloved Nutcracker from the evil Mouse King, she is whisked away to the enchanted Kingdom of Sweets and Toys, where she is treated to performances by fanciful, dancing confections and toys including the Sugar Plum Fairy.

Choreographed by Artistic Director Robert Mills, Oklahoma City Ballet’s version of The Nutcracker remains true to the original libretto that premiered in 1892 in St. Petersburg. Tchaikovsky’s familiar score will be performed live at every performance by the Oklahoma City Philharmonic, led by Music Director Joel Levine.

As an added treat, Santa Claus will be in the main lobby one hour before each performance. Families will have the opportunity to take photos with Santa as a holiday keepsake (service fees apply). Children are invited to make their own Nutcracker oil pastel drawing one hour before all performances and during matinée Intermissions, sponsored by Oklahoma Contemporary. Following each 2pm matinée performance, dancers from The Nutcracker will be available in the main lobby for photos and autographs and patrons can enjoy refreshments courtesy of Braum’s.

All performances take place at the Civic Center Music Hall, 201 North Walker, Oklahoma City. Performances take place on Saturday, Dec. 13 at 2 and 7pm; Sunday, Dec. 14 at 2 and 7pm; Friday, Dec. 19 at 7pm; Saturday, Dec. 20 at 2 and 7pm; Sunday, Dec. 21 at 2 and 7pm, and Monday, Dec. 22 at 7pm. 

Single tickets are now available at the Civic Center and Oklahoma City Ballet ticket offices, or by calling (405) 848-TOES (8637), or online at www.okcballet.com/nutcracker. The Oklahoma City Ballet Box Office is open Monday through Friday from 9am to 5pm. It is located at 7421 North Classen, Oklahoma City. 

About Oklahoma City Ballet:Founded in 1972 by Ballet Russe dancers Yvonne Chouteau and Miguel Terekhov, Oklahoma City Ballet has been the city’s professional ballet company for more than 40 years.  It is the resident dance company of the Civic Center Music Hall and currently boasts 31 dancers from around the world. Led by Artistic Director Robert Mills, the company produces four main stage productions per season in Oklahoma City and tours across Oklahoma and the surrounding states.  It is the only ballet company of its size to regularly debut world premiere story ballets with original commissioned scores and also commissions new works from the industry’s leading choreographers.

The Gayly – December 5, 2014 @ 9:45am