Celebrating 38 years in Bozeman, Montana Ballet Company’s dazzling Nutcracker returns to the Willson Auditorium Dec. 4-5.
“It feels so hopeful and joyous to return the stage, especially with The Nutcracker, which is a cherished holiday tradition for so many,” says MBC Artistic and Executive Director Elizabeth DeFranti. “While we kept the tradition alive last year with our virtual ‘Nutcracker Reimagined,’ there is nothing quite like the experience of live performances.”
“We would not be celebrating our special 38th annual Nutcracker without the generous and immense support of our community,” she adds. “We are incredibly grateful.”
This year’s production features exceptional guest artists from the renowned Pacific Northwest Ballet, Lesley Rausch and Dylan Wald, performing the celebrated roles of Snow King and Queen and Sugar Plum and her Cavalier. Rausch and Wald will share the stage with Soren Kisiel, co-director of Broad Comedy, MBC’s own company members, and more than 100 dancers from the community.
Another highlight of this charming production is the live orchestra featuring Maestro Lee Mills. The associate conductor of the Seattle Symphony and four-time winner of the Solti Foundation U.S. Career Assistance Award will lead the Bozeman Symphony in Tchaikovsky’s beloved score.
MBC’s Nutcracker was first performed in the lobby of First Security Bank in 1983. Over the years, the first weekend in December has become synonymous with the Bozeman Christmas Stroll and MBC’s Nutcracker, a cherished holiday tradition for countless performers and their families and friends, as well as the thousands of audience members who share in the experience year after year.
“There is something so powerful about gathering to collectively experience the performing arts,” writes DeFranti. “Taking time out of our daily lives to be fully present, to be transported into something magical is so healing.”
The Nutcracker is one of the largest artistic collaborations in the region featuring the talents of master choreographers, distinguished guest artists, accomplished dancers, live musicians, seasoned stage technicians, costume and lighting designers, and a host of dedicated volunteers, who together craft a treat for the entire family.
The company’s mission includes making performances like The Nutcracker accessible to as many children, families and seniors as possible – especially those who might not otherwise be able to attend. Its Community Engagement program, Share the Dance, makes it possible to provide complimentary performance tickets to people served by other local nonprofits, such as HRDC, Thrive, Eagle Mount, Senior Centers and other organizations.
For Nutcracker tickets contact the Montana Ballet Company at 406-582-8702 or order online at www.montanaballet.org. All seating is reserved. Ticket prices range from $20 to $65.