MOUNT VERNON — The Nutcracker will be live on stage at The Woodward Opera House in downtown Mount Vernon this holiday season.
The Central Ohio Youth Ballet will bring the magic and splendor of this holiday classic to life Saturday, Dec. 9 and Sunday, Dec. 10.
This affordable, family-friendly production is staged by Robert Cole, former dancer with The National Ballet of Canada.
His love for the complexity and pageantry of a classical ballet draws a cast of young dancers from five different counties to join him in creating this beloved story for the Mount Vernon stage.
The audience is welcomed into the Silberhaus home on the eve of their holiday gala, where they encounter whimsical vignettes, magic tricks and grown-up Clara telling her childhood story.
Clara’s journey traverses a battleground with the toy soldiers and menacing mice, a beautiful snowy landscape and a magnificent kingdom of the sweets.
The Nutcracker story is brought to life with dynamic dancing, vivid costumes and dazzling details to delight even the youngest audience members.
There will be 40 youth dancers, flanked by adults as carolers and party guests, that bring to life the story of Clara and her enchanted nutcracker in this fast-paced holiday classic set to Tchaikovsky’s traditional score.
The Central Ohio Youth Ballet is a 501 (c)(3) organization located in downtown Newark.
The Nutcracker will be performed at The Woodward Opera House on Saturday, Dec. 9 at 6 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 10 at 1 p.m. and 5 p.m.
Tickets are available at thewoodward.org or by calling 740-462-4ART (278) tickets: $24.
“This spectacular production of The Nutcracker has not only brought timeless holiday magic to the stage but has also offered an incredible platform for immersive teaching, learning technical skills, and nurturing lifelong friendships,” said Amy Parsons (mom to 4 Central Ohio Youth Ballet Dancers).
“The dedication of the entire cast, creative team, and the heartwarming support from the community has made this production a truly unforgettable learning experience for our children.
“Our kids have had the privilege of learning under the guidance of passionate professionals who have generously shared their expertise.
“The technical skills they have acquired from mastering choreography to understanding the intricacies of stage design and lighting, have been invaluable life lessons.
“They’ve grown as performers and more importantly, as individuals.”
Knox Community Hospital proudly supports the vibrant pulse of our community by sponsoring the Life & Culture section on Knox Pages, celebrating the stories and experiences that make our region unique.