Kaitlyn Ruch is Clara and Kaden Pfister is the Nutcracker in Queen City Ballet's production.
One hundred dancers, a growing Christmas tree, dancing snowflakes, and lavish costumes will delight families as Queen City Ballet Company presents its 19th annual production of the beloved holiday classic The Nutcracker at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 23, and 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 24, at the Helena Civic Center.
Written by German author E.T.A. Hoffmann in 1816, The Nutcracker tells the story of young Clara Stahlbaum’s favorite toy, the Nutcracker Prince, who comes to life and, after defeating the evil Mouse King in battle, whisks her away to a magical kingdom of dolls.
The Nutcracker, which debuted in 1892 in St. Petersburg, Russia, features the popular music of Tchaikovsky, and has been a holiday favorite for over a century.
Queen City Ballet Company’s Artistic Director Campbell Midgley believes that one of the reasons The Nutcracker has proven so enduring has to do with how exciting and engaging it is for children.
“For so many children, The Nutcracker is their first exposure to ballet and to classical music,” Midgley said. “The production is the ideal stimulating choice that combines the beloved story about a child’s holiday fantasy with the famous and recognizable music of Tchaikovsky.”
“It is one of the only ballets whose cast is made up of children, from the party scene, tiny mice, and the sheep hidden under Mother Ginger’s skirt,” she adds.
Starring in this year’s production are Helena dancer-students Sasha Shkurigin as the Sugarplum Fairy, Kaitlyn Ruch as Clara, Kaden Pfister as the Nutcracker, and Sam Stutz as the Rat King and Russian.
Treat your family to the wonders of Queen City Ballet Company’s The Nutcracker to kick off the holiday season.
Tickets are now on sale online at www.queencityballet.com and start at $15.