Holiday Magic Abounds As Westside Studio Performs Nutcracker

Holiday Magic Abounds As Westside Studio Performs Nutcracker

December 7-9, at Desert Hills High School.

Enchanted dreams are coming your way as Westside Studio of Performing Arts continues a time-honored holiday tradition in Southern Utah with five performances of the classic ballet The Nutcracker.

Westside Studio has performed an adaptation of The Nutcracker every holiday season for the past 31 years. It grew to a full-scale production in 2000. For the young talent being nurtured by the studio’s faculty, it’s a thrilling opportunity to dance alongside seasoned professionals.

Although the story has been adapted countless times for film, television, and live shows, it remains a beloved Christmas favorite with audiences worldwide. Westside Studio of Performing Arts is proud to bring its version to Southern Utah.

The professional ensemble stars Sophie Silnicki as the Sugar Plum Fairy and the Snow Queen, Janet Reinoso as the Cavalier, and Troy McGee as Drosselmeyer. Silnicki and Reinoso hail from the East Coast, while McGee lives in Southern Utah and has appeared in many productions at Tuacahn Center for the Arts.

“The Nutcracker” is a timeless and beloved ballet that captures the enchantment and wonder of the holiday season. Composed by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky in 1892, with a libretto by Marius Petipa and Lev Ivanov, the ballet has become a cherished tradition worldwide. It is often performed during the winter holiday season, captivating audiences of all ages with its captivating storytelling and beautiful choreography.

The ballet opens at a lavish Christmas party in 19th-century Germany, where a young girl named Clara receives a nutcracker doll as a gift. When the clock strikes midnight, Clara’s world transforms into a magical realm. The Nutcracker comes to life, and Clara is whisked away on an enchanting journey through the Land of Snow and the Kingdom of Sweets. Along the way, she encounters a host of memorable characters, including the Sugar Plum Fairy, the Mouse King, and the Nutcracker Prince.

Tchaikovsky’s evocative and emotive score adds depth to the story, with each character and scene receiving its own distinctive musical theme. From the delightful “Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy” to the dramatic battle between the Nutcracker and the Mouse King, the music enhances the storytelling and creates an immersive experience for the audience.

“The Nutcracker” is not only a celebration of the holiday spirit but also a showcase of the artistry and athleticism of ballet dancers. Its stunning choreography, colorful costumes, and intricate set design transport audiences into a world of fantasy and imagination.

Grown-ups and children alike will delight in seeing the mice and soldiers battle before Clara continues into the Snow Kingdom and the Land of the Sweets to visit the Sugar Plum Fairy. There, dancers from around the world entertain the Nutcracker Prince and Clara, bringing smiles to the faces of all involved. Westside Studio will present a complete production of the classic ballet featuring beautifully decorated sets and exquisite costumes that accent Tchaikovsky’s magical score, accomplished professional dancers, and local dance students. For the young talent being nurtured by the studio’s faculty, it’s a thrilling opportunity to dance alongside seasoned professionals.

The studio will perform The Nutcracker at the Desert Hills High School auditorium on Dec. 7 – 9, with performances at 2:30 PM and 7:30 PM with tickets ranging from $15 – $40. You can visit www.westsidestudio.org/tickets to purchase tickets.