Once again Alberta Ballet’s well-received The Nutcracker returns to the Northern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium for a three-day run from December 9 to 11.
Set to Tchaikovsky’s timeless score, The Nutcracker is the classical tale of the young Klara who falls asleep after a busy day of gift opening. In her dreams a Nutcracker Prince arrives to guide her through a battle with the Mouse King. Together they ride in a magical sleigh to the Snow Czarina’s world with a vivid cast of characters that includes the Sugar Plum Fairy, exotic Arabians and Chinese dancers.
This $1.5 million dollar production, choreographed by Edmund Stripe, is one of the most lavish ever mounted by Alberta Ballet.
More than 75 children from Edmonton and the surrounding area will be filling roles as mice, partygoers, Cossack soldiers and pages. Nearly a dozen of these young supporting dancers are from various studios across St. Albert and Morinville.
“To dance in The Nutcracker is what every young dancer waits for,” said children’s wrangler Francoise Chevennement of Citie Ballet.
Tickets start at $27 for adults and $18 for children. They can be purchased online at albertaballet.com or by calling 780-428-6839.
Once again Edmonton playwright David Belke has whipped out a musical tale for the entire family.
Zu-Ma Productions is mounting Niles’ Journey: A Baby Camel’s Story, an original hand and rod puppet show on Dec. 10 and 17 at 2 p.m.
In this childhood tale, a traveller enlists Niles’ mother to finish a journey following a star. The lonely Niles tries to be brave, but ends up following his mother’s trail. Along the way he meets a cast of characters that teach him to be brave, strong and true.
All performances are at the Holy Trinity Anglican Church, 10037 – 84 Avenue. Tickets are $8 to $15. Call 780-420-1757 or online at www.tixonthesquare.ca
