KING CITY — A cherished holiday tradition returns to King City this December as “The Nutcracker Ballet” celebrates its 66th anniversary at the Robert Stanton Theater.
Produced by the Monterey County Dance Foundation, the long-running production features more than 120 performers from South Monterey County and has been a staple of the community since 1959.
The ballet is presented by dancers from the Monterey County Dance Theatre under the direction of Artistic Director Janette Harkness, who leads the company after more than 45 years in dance education. The local production was originally founded by Harkness’ mother, Pauline Hall.
“During ‘The Nutcracker,’ we honor my mother, whose vision introduced this production in 1959,” Harkness said. “Dance and the arts can flourish anywhere if students and their communities are provided an opportunity to see, to learn and to experience all it has to offer. This community has done just that.”
Based on the E.T.A. Hoffmann story “The Nutcracker and the Mouse King,” the ballet follows Clara (Nichole Diaz) as she receives a Nutcracker doll from her godfather, Herr Drosselmeyer (Kent Robinson), during the Silberhaus family’s Christmas Eve celebration. The story soon shifts into fantasy, transporting Clara beneath the Christmas tree where the Nutcracker (Zeke Brown) battles the Mouse King (Alicia Quintana).
The production promises theatrical spectacle, including firing cannons, clashing swords and 200 pounds of falling snow during the “Journey through the Land of Snow.” Clara and the Prince are later entertained by confections in the Land of Sweets before she awakens, unsure whether it was all a dream.
Performances take place at the Robert Stanton Theater on Friday, Dec. 12, at 7 p.m., with matinees on Dec. 13 and 14 at 2 p.m. Tickets are available at the box office one hour before each show. No babies in arms or children under age 3 will be admitted.
“Come experience the enchantment and enduring holiday tradition of ‘The Nutcracker,’” Harkness said.
