Oklahoma City Ballet to stage holiday favorite

The holidays are a time to create special memories with family and friends. The Nutcracker is one of Oklahoma City’s favorite holiday traditions and is the perfect first ballet for children or adults.

This beloved holiday classic choreographed by Artistic Director Robert Mills stays true to the original libretto that premiered in 1892 at the Marinsky Theatre in St. Petersburg.

The Oklahoma City Philharmonic, under the direction of Guest Conductor Douglas Droste, will perform Tchaikovsky’s familiar score live at every performance.

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This classic tale tells the story of Clara, who receives a beautiful handmade wooden Nutcracker from the quirky Herr 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.

As an added treat, children are invited to make a craft as a keepsake, sponsored and provided by Oklahoma Contemporary.

Following each 2 p.m. matinee performance, dancers from The Nutcracker will be available in the main lobby for photos and autographs, while patrons enjoy refreshments.

For the second year, the “Nutcracker Tea in the Kingdom of Sweets” will be held in Meinders Hall of Mirrors in Civic Center Music Hall, Sunday December 16, 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

This event will take place between the matinee and evening performances. The tickets to “Nutcracker Tea” are $30 per person and are sold separately from performance tickets. For more information call (405) 843-9898.

The Nutcracker will be performed by the OKC Ballet December 9-19 for eight shows. Tickets are available online under “performances” at www.okcballet.org.

Performances are Dec. 9, 10, 16 and 17 at 2 p.m.; and Dec. 15, 16, 18 and 19 at 7 p.m.

All performances are held at the Civic Center Music Hall, 201 North Walker, Oklahoma City. The Oklahoma City Ballet box office is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and is located at 6800 North Classen, Oklahoma City. For a more information call (405) 838-TOES (8637) or visit www.okcballet.org.

Copyright The Gayly – November 25, 2017 @ 8:00 a.m. CST.