A treasured holiday ballet will take audience members on a magical journey when Oglebay Institute’s School of Dance presents The Nutcracker, complete with dancing flowers and beautiful fairies.
Featuring a talented cast of beautifully costumed dancers performing on a lavish set and reveling in Tchaikovsky’s beloved score, this enchanting ballet will be performed by Oglebay Institute’s Youth Ballet Company several times during December at two Oglebay Institute venues — the Mansion Museum and Towngate Theatre.
Based on the book, “The Nutcracker and the Mouse King” written by E.T.A. Hoffman, The Nutcracker ballet revolves around a young German girl named Clara. Clara falls asleep on Christmas Eve and is transported into a Christmas fantasy where a nutcracker turns into a prince, toys become soldiers and enchanted lands are filled with dancing fairies, snowflakes and flowers.
The Nutcracker performances are part of Oglebay Institute’s Children’s Theatre Season, which brings classic stories from the page to the stage through theater and dance. The production is sponsored by Macy’s.
Dates and sites of performances are as follows:
• 1 and 3 p.m. Sundays, Dec. 8 and 15, at the Mansion Museum, located in Oglebay Park. Shows include a tea and an opportunity to get a photograph with the cast. Guests at all performances can also tour the Holidays at the Mansion decorating exhibit on display at the Mansion Museum.
• 3 and 7 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 22, and Monday, Dec. 23, at Towngate Theatre, 2118 Market St., Wheeling.
Children can also join the cast of “The Nutcracker” for a Sugar Plum Social prior to the matinee shows at Towngate. Enjoy refreshments and get pictures with Clara and the Sugar Plum Fairy 1-2 p.m. Dec. 22 and 23.
Reservations are recommended. Shows often sell out. Call 304-242-7700 or visit www.OIonline.com.
