SPAC’s Nutcracker Tea to kick off Holiday Season
SARATOGASPRINGS, N.Y. » A battle between toy soldiers and mischievous mice, a blizzard of ballerinas and a wonderful world of confection will come alive at Saratoga Performing Arts Center’s upcoming popular Nutcracker Tea.
The event, considered by many a kick- off to the holiday season, is slated for 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 17 at the Hall of Springs at Saratoga Spa State Park in Saratoga Springs.
A Capital Region holiday tradition for families, both performances will feature excerpts from The Nutcracker by Northeast Ballet Company, a traditional English Christmas Tea including tea, mini sandwiches, cookies and light edibles, an American Girl doll raffle and giveaways, boutique shopping and a visit from Santa Claus.
“Our Nutcracker Tea is a truly magical event, celebrating the arts, community and the holiday season. New this year, the afternoon also marks the start of our new holiday programming series which will feature the Salzburg
Marionette Theatre’s production of The Nutcracker, among other performances to be announced shortly,” said Elizabeth Sobol, president and CEO of Saratoga Performing Arts Center, in a press release. “A special thanks to our Action Council members for their amazing work.”
Event co- chair and Action Council member Marsha Dolinsky added, “This year’s Nutcracker Tea will enchant the child in all of us as guests enjoy Northeast Ballet Company’s performance, boutique shopping, raffles including American Girl and Wonder Crew dolls, a traditional English tea and a special visit from Santa Claus.
“This event sells out quickly every year – we recommend purchasing tickets as soon as possible to secure your place at this magical event.”
The Nutcracker, composed in 1891 by Tchaikovsky, is a fairy tale ballet that tells the story of a little girl’s journey through a fantasy world of fairies, princes, toy soldiers and an army of mice. First performed in 1892 in St. Petersburg, Russia, it has become an American classic since choreographer George Balanchine introduced his production in 1954 in New York City.
Tickets for the Nutcracker Tea cost $75 for adults and $35 for children ages 15 and younger. Proceeds from this program benefit arts education programs at Saratoga Performing Arts Center.
Expected to sell out quickly, the tickets will be available beginning at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 23 at 10 a.m. online at spac.org or by calling (518)-5849330 ext.101.