Montana Ballet Company's 40th Anniversary Nutcracker includes guest artists and live music by the Bozeman Symphony.
Celebrating 40 years in Bozeman, Montana Ballet Company delivers its opulent Nutcracker Dec. 2-3 at Willson Auditorium. Performances are at 2 and 7 p.m. Saturday and noon and 4 p.m. Sunday.
In keeping with tradition, MBC welcomes exceptional guest artists to its cast of more than 100 community dancers. This year, artists Indiana Woodward and Sebastian Villarini-Velez from the renowned New York City Ballet will perform both the Snow and Sugar Plum pas de deux.
Also joining the cast is Bozeman favorite Soren Kisiel in the role of Drosselmeyer. The part of Clara will be danced by Montana Ballet Company dancers Dulcinéa Johnston and Ruby Weinberg.
MBC will once again collaborate with the Bozeman Symphony Orchestra, which plays Tchaikovsky’s beloved score. Maestro Lee Mills, internationally acclaimed conductor and five-time winner of the Solti Foundation U.S. Career Assistance Award, will conduct.
Montana Ballet also partner with the Heart of the Valley Animal Shelter to promote animal adoptions. HOV’s mission is to compassionately shelter the lost and surrendered pets of Gallatin and Madison Valleys, and to enhance the lives of people and companion animals through pet adoption and education. As a special treat, Worf, a four-legged furry friend, will join the cast during MBC’s Nutcracker performances.
First performed in the lobby of First Security Bank in 1983, MBC’s Nutcracker is held the first weekend in December and has become synonymous with the Bozeman Christmas Stroll. This production is a cherished holiday tradition for countless performers and their families and friends, as well as the thousands of audience members who share in this holiday treat year after year.
All performances sold out in 2021 and 2022. Purchase tickets early to join the celebration by contacting the Montana Ballet Company at 406-582-8702 or online at www.montanaballet.org. All seating is reserved. Ticket prices range from $28 to $78.
Tea with Clara returns
Tea with Clara – a longtime favorite Bozeman event celebrating the holiday season – returns with sittings at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Dec. 9.
After a four-year hiatus, the tea is back and elevated from years past. Returning to the elegant Baxter Ballroom, this special affair is a must for families and children and the perfect opportunity to get dressed up and create lifetime memories in a magical setting.
Little boys and girls and their families will don their best and join some of their favorite Nutcracker cast members as guests for high tea. Café M will provide the tea, which will be accompanied by an assortment of fine treats and small bites.
Perfect for first-time attendees and those Nutcracker enthusiasts looking for more, guests will have the special opportunity to view live performance excerpts, meet Clara and other characters from The Nutcracker, have keepsake photos taken, join Clara on the stage, peruse the unique Tea with Clara Nutcracker boutique and more.
Tea with Clara is a sellout event, with limited seating. Tickets are $75 per person. Reserve at montanaballet.org.
MBC’s Inaugural Nutcracker Ball
Celebrate the arts and support Montana Ballet Company by dressing in your finest black-tie attire and attending the Inaugural Nutcracker Ball, 7 p.m. Dec. 9.
This exclusive event will include live performances by MBC and select Bozeman Symphony Orchestra musicians, and fine drink and dining, all in the festive atmosphere of the Baxter Ballroom.
This formal evening celebrates MBC’s 40 years as a leader in the performing arts and arts education, and support MBC’s philanthropic mission with a portion of the proceeds benefiting the BSO.
Limited tickets are all-inclusive and are priced at $150 per person. Reserve at montanaballet.org.