By Conrad Dudderar
Staff Writer
A hilarious play featuring Yukon civic leaders will highlight a Friday night gala to benefit Yukon’s traditional yuletide dance production.
“Nutty Nutcracker Visits Duck Lake” will be performed Oct. 29 at the Dale Robertson Center, 1200 Lakeshore. The program starts at 7:30 p.m.
“It will be the ‘Nutcracker’ like you’ve never seen before!” said Allie Overton, president of Central Oklahoma Ballet Co. “This will be a great opportunity for our community to join in a pre-production of the Yukon Nutcracker ballet.”
Friday night’s event supports Central Oklahoma Ballet’s 26th Annual Nutcracker – which returns this December after being canceled in 2020 due to COVID-19.
Festivities will feature a side-splitting skit presented by adult cast members from the Yukon Nutcracker’s opening party scene.
“They include some familiar faces who will perform the story of ‘Duck Lake’ written and told by famous Yukon storyteller Ginger LaCroix,” Overton said.
“This will be a great opportunity to see the funnier side of some of our civic leaders, like Yukon principal Scott Hein, Terry Martin of Nina Willingham Senior Housing, Mayor Shelli Selby, former Mayor Earline Smaistrla, former County Commissioner Phil Carson, retired Yukon teachers Larry Taylor and Maggie Fuchs, and others.”
Central Oklahoma Ballet artistic director Debra Vossen and LaCroix are preparing a “nutty” play that will be remembered for many years, Overton added.
SILENT AUCTION, RAFFLE, MORE
Besides the comical skit, there will be a silent auction featuring items like:
- Ballet shoes painted by local artists including one representing the “Land of the Sweets”;
- Books written and signed by local author Tina Hawkins; and
- A “Taste of Oklahoma” beer basket.
As a bonus, there will be a raffle for an entertainment package highlighted by a night at the new Lucky Star Casino in Watonga, dinner for two at the Rez restaurant, and $200 in free play.
Proceeds from Friday night’s fundraiser will be used to cover Yukon Nutcracker production costs – guest dancers, stage backdrops, sets, new costumes, and new boxes.
Tickets to the “Nutty Nutcracker Visits Duck Lake” are $20 in advance and $25 at the door.
Attendees will receive two drink tickets and food catered by Clint Eaves.
“We really appreciate Casey Barnett and her staff at the Dale Robertson Center for their support and hospitality,” Overton said.
Another Yukon Nutcracker benefit will be the Sugar Plum Fairy Tea set Sunday, Nov. 14. Read more details in upcoming print and online editions.
Central Oklahoma Ballet’s Nutcracker will be presented Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 4-5 at the Yukon Fine Arts Center, 850 Yukon Ave.
This enchanting production of the timeless classic story of Christmas wonder features professional guest artists performing alongside local dancers.
Performances are accompanied by live music from the Oklahoma Community Orchestra directed by Irv Wagner.
For more information about Yukon’s Nutcracker, visit centralokballet.org or call (405) 354-1743.
