Mendocino Ballet presents 2021 production of ‘The Nutcracker’

The Mendocino Ballet is busy rehearsing one of the holiday season’s favorite family traditions, “The Nutcracker.” A joyous Christmas celebration at the home of the Staulbaum family where beautiful life size dolls come to life to entertain the guests, an action packed battle scene takes place between mice, and toy soldiers, and a Nutcracker Doll who is turned into a handsome prince, are but a few of the surprises in the first act of this fanciful ballet.

The Nutcracker Prince then leads young Clara into the magical land of Snow and on to the Kingdom of Sweets where exotic performers from faraway lands dance in the court of the Sugar Plum Fairy and her Cavalier.

The Nutcracker comes to life under the direction of Mendocino Ballet’s Artistic Director, Trudy Mccreanor with beautiful sets, colorful costumes and entertaining choreography. This is a truly delightful holiday treat, certain to enchant audiences of all ages!

Performances will be held on Saturday, Dec. 18 at 7 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 19 at 2 p.m.at Ukiah High School. Tickets are $20 for adults, $18 for seniors 65 & up, and $10 for children/students under 18. Tickets are available in the ballet office and online at www.mendocinoballet.org. There is a $1 surcharge for credit card sales.

The role of Clara will be danced by Mendocino Ballet corps member Trillium Bennett-mccoy with Jacob Kubin as the Nutcracker/ Prince. Community member actor/dancer Oscar Montelongo will perform as the mysterious Drosselmeyer, Clara’s eccentric Godfather. Eva Campise will dance as Fritz, the mischievous brother of Clara, with Olivia Kubin and Alex Bernie of Ukiah as their parents, Frau and Dr. Staulbaum.

The Waltz of the Snowflakes is led by company member Allison Reedy as the beautiful Snow Queen, with Oscar Montelongo as the Snow King.

Potter Valley’s Morgan Cummings will dance the magical role of the Sugar Plum Fairy who presides over the Land of the Sweets with her Cavalier, Ari Sunbeam, a dancer and actor from Ukiah. Other major roles are danced by Payton Slotte as the Rose Queen in the “Waltz of the Flowers,” Emily Lindstrom in her lively Spanish dance, and Allison Reedy with Oscar Montelongo as Arabian Coffee.

For further information about performances or classes, please call the Mendocino Ballet at 4632290 or visit us online at mendocinoballet.org.