TRADITION RETURNS

SPAC’s ‘Nutcracker Tea’ scheduled for Nov. 19

SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. » The Saratoga Performing Arts Center’s annual “Nutcracker Tea” is back for two special performances on Sunday, Nov. 19, at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.

The afternoon will feature excerpts from “The Nutcracker” by Northeast Ballet Company, a traditional English Christmas Tea, American Girl activities, giveaways and gift bags, and more. Tickets are $75 for adults and $35 for children 15 and under and can be purchased online at spac.org. Proceeds benefit arts education programs at SPAC.

“The Nutcracker Tea has become one of the most highly anticipated events of the year and is an exhilarating way to kick-off the holiday season in Saratoga,” SPAC president and CEO Elizabeth Sobol said in a news release. “We are grateful to American Girl Place for their partnership and our Action Council members whose efforts and imagination create a magical experience for guests.”

At both seatings, American Girl Place of New York City will host a Raffle for a Gabriela doll and her accompanying storybook. Gabriela is the American Girl Doll of the Year, a limited edition doll who has a passion for dance and art. American Girl Place will also provide a fashion and arts activity for young guests; additional activities include a Nutcracker Raffle and a Nutcracker Store with specialty Nutcrackers for sale.

Tickets for the Nutcracker Tea will go on sale on Oct. 23 at 10 a.m. and are available at spac.org or by calling (518) 5849330, Ext.164. Questions can be emailed to Christy Pronto at cpronto@spac.org, or by calling (518) 584-9330, Ext.136.

Sobol said in the past, tickets to the tea have sold out in less than an hour.

LAWRENCE WRIGHT PHOTO Northeast Ballet dancers take a bow on stage at a previous SPAC “Nutcracker Tea.”

LAWRENCE WRIGHT PHOTO LAWRENCE WRIGHT PHOTO This year’s SPAC “Nutcracker Tea” takes place Nov. 19 at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. Colorful costumes and characters are a part of SPAC’s “Nutcracker Tea.”