Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet returns to Cape Girardeau Nov. 11

FOX23 News at 9 p.m.

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. (KBSI) — A holiday tradition is returning to Cape Girardeau as Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet takes the stage at the Donald C. Bedell Performance Hall on Wednesday, Nov. 11.

The production is part of the show’s 34th annual North American tour, featuring an international cast of 40 performers, including principal dancers from Ukrainian opera houses.

This year’s performance will combine classical ballet with acrobatics, elaborate puppetry and new choreography under the direction of Ukrainian choreographer Viktor Davydiuk.

Audiences can expect several new additions, including a larger-than-life Rat King puppet featuring a 4-foot-wide mouth and massive moving claws. The handcrafted puppet, created by Broadway and film fabrication studio Costume Armour Inc., requires three puppeteers to operate.

The production will also feature a Cyr Wheel performer who uses a large metal hoop for acrobatic routines, along with a hand-balancing performance during the Arabian dance.

Other highlights include 10-foot-tall animal puppets and handcrafted birds designed by South African artist Roger Titley.

“At its heart, this show is built around the warmth and magic of the holiday story,” Davydiuk said. “While we honor the technical foundation of classical ballet, we bring the stage to life through vibrant color, incredible puppets, and dynamic staging.”

The second act follows Clara and her companion, Sweets the Dog, through the Land of Peace and Harmony. The journey includes the Doves of Peace performance, which uses acrobatics to symbolize unity and understanding.

Ballerinas Karyna Shatkovskaya and Elena Pechenyuk will reprise the role of Clara.

The production will also feature local children performing alongside professional dancers through the company’s Dance With Us program.

The program gives young dancers an opportunity to participate in a professional touring production while bringing a local connection to the performance.

Executive producer Dan Talmi said the show aims to introduce ballet to audiences who may not typically attend classical dance performances.

“The NUTCRACKER! Magical Christmas Ballet brings the magic of the holiday season to audiences who often aren’t able to connect with the ballet,” Talmi said.

The production is presented by Talmi Entertainment, which brings the show to more than 85 North American cities each year.

Tickets are available at www.nutcracker.com.

Special group pricing is also available by calling 800-320-1733 or emailing groups@nutcracker.com.

The performance will take place Nov. 11 at the Donald C. Bedell Performance Hall in Cape Girardeau.