Quincy Community Theatre and Kaiser Dance Theatre are adding magic to the holidays as they open the Box Office November 23 for the beloved Tri-State tradition, THE NUTCRACKER.

Running December 18-20, this is the 15th time since its first performance in 1985 that QCT and Kaiser Dance Theatre have collaborated on this magical holiday experience. In total, 125 local dancers are involved in this magnificent ballet. This season’s production features Sarah Staff as the Sugar Plum Fairy, Patrick Regner as Cavalier, Morgan Hill as Clara, Nick Boyer as The Nutcracker, Emily Schwartz as The Snow Queen, Abby Biswell as The Mouse Queen, Drew Quintero as Godfather Drosselmeyer, and Kristen Houston as Mother Ginger.

“We started performing THE NUTCRACKER 30 years ago because there were so many students taking ballet and I felt they needed something bigger to work towards,” said choreographer and studio owner Cheryl Kaiser. “Performing THE NUTCRACKER allows the girls to learn the history of the show and of different ballet companies while challenging them to reach higher and higher. Plus, it really brings the entire studio together for the holidays.”

The Nutcracker Ballet is a holiday tradition woven with beautiful choreography, music, and a special story. This beautiful two-act ballet, set to the gorgeous score by Tchaikovsky, tells the story of a young girl named Clara who is given a nutcracker during a Christmas party. Enchanted by the doll, Clara sneaks out of bed after the party is over to check on it only to find her nutcracker is engrossed in a battle with the evil Mouse Queen. As the evening unfolds, Clara is taken to the Land of Sweets where wonders from many lands await her. Staged against a stunning tapestry of costumes and an elaborate set, it is easy to see why THE NUTCRACKER is a time-honored tradition.

Tickets are $14 for adults and $8 for children 12 and under, on sale November 23. Performances are December 18-20, Friday and Saturday at 7:30 PM with 2:00 PM matinees Saturday and Sunday. For more information about the show, visit 1qct.org. To secure your family’s tickets, call the QCT Box Office, located in the Oakley-Lindsay Center, at (217) 222-3209.

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