St. Paul & District Arts Foundation presents the classic Christmas tale, The Nutcracker

A local ballet will premier The Nutcracker this holiday season at the Elite Theatre in St. Paul.

The St. Paul & District Arts Foundation will present a special take on Marius Petipa’s beloved classic on Dec 18.

Artistic Director Anna Pratch says growing up in the ballet world makes this production which will be shown on the big screen feel like the classic Christmas tale.

“It’s about a girl who falls asleep at midnight on Christmas Eve and thanks to a bit of magic from her uncle she ends up going on this magical journey which includes the Sugar Plum Fairy, a massive battle and my personal favorite is our traditional dancers,” Pratch told Lakeland Connect.

The Nutcracker is known for its traditional ballet pieces, there’s a scene of the story where Clara and The Nutcracker go to the sugar palace and there are dancers from all around the world that have all gathered to celebrate the end of the battle, however, Pratch says what they’ve done with their Nutcracker production instead of doing a ballet version they will include traditional dancers.

“We have actual traditional dancers,” Pratch said. “We have Ukrainian, Latin, Indigenous, Highland, to name a few.”

Tons of teamwork has gone into the production Pratch says.

“Around 40 people worked on it. However, with crew and volunteers, I mean that number at least doubles if not triples,” Pratch said.
People from all over the Lakeland have helped with the project, which includes local talent on the big screen.

“Clara will be played by Alyssa Kennedy from St. Paul, and Ryder Trembecky from Smoky Lake is playing the Nutcracker,” Pratch told Lakeland Connect.

Tickets for the show are by donation only, and Pratch says you won’t be disappointed in the show.

“It is kind of a weird mix between both film and live theater,” Pratch said. “We didn’t stop to rehearse and plan specific shots ever which is something that we did actually last year. So it is more like a live stream of a professional performance.”

Pratch says so far only showing of the performance has been planned but they may add a second showing if there is enough interest.

“The show will run about 90 minutes,” Pratch said.

Pratch who began dancing at age four teaches students at the St. Paul & District Arts Foundation and loves sharing her gift.

“A lot of my students obviously auditioned for the Nutcracker when the opportunity came up,” Pratch said. “But we do have a lot of performers. Our cast is also made up of additional members from the community and outside outer areas.”