By Conrad Dudderar
Staff Writer
Fans of Yukon’s Nutcracker will want to send their kids to a special benefit event coming soon.
The Sugar Plum Fairy Tea will be 2-3:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 14 at the Fellowship Hall at Yukon’s First United Methodist Church, 400 Elm.
Yukon youth are invited to enjoy sweets in the “Land of the Sweets” alongside the Sugar Plum Fairy, Mouse King, Clara, the Nutcracker, and other characters from Central Oklahoma Ballet’s production of “The Nutcracker.
“The kids will enjoy playing games with Godfather Drosselmeyer and showing off their own dancing abilities,” Central Oklahoma Ballet President Allie Overton said.
Attendees will see the story of The Nutcracker acted out by the characters as told by Yukon storyteller Ginger LaCroix.
“At the end, all the kids will be crowned ‘junior’ sugar plum fairies,” Overton reported.
“We’ll also have photo opportunities with all the Nutcracker characters who come to the tea.”
This will be the third event to support the 2021 edition of Central Oklahoma Ballet’s Nutcracker in Yukon.
Others were a Grady’s 66 Pub music/auction fundraiser and Nutty Nutcracker “Duck Lake” skit/auction.
These special activities bring in thousands of dollars to help cover production costs, which include new sets and costumes.
Tickets to the Nov. 14th Sugar Plum Fairy Tea are $15 each. For more information, visit centralokballet.org or call (405) 354-1743.
MARK YOUR CALENDARS!
Central Oklahoma Ballet’s 26th annual production of “The Nutcracker” will be staged Saturday night and Sunday afternoon, Dec. 4-5 at the Yukon Fine Arts Center, 850 Yukon Ave.
Performances of this timeless Christmas classic were canceled in 2020 due to COVID-19.
As with the 2019 season, this year’s production will feature guest artists, world-class dancers, magical theatrics, and beautiful costumes.
Local dancers from Yukon, Mustang, Piedmont, and El Reno will perform alongside seasoned professional artists.
“It’s always a benefit for those young dancers to perform alongside professional artists,” Overton said. “Not many communities can offer that.”
Live music will be provided by the Oklahoma Community Orchestra directed by Irv Wagner.
Tickets to the Yukon Nutcracker remain just $15 in advance and $20 at the door.
“Ticket prices are much higher to see similar performances presented by large ballet companies,” Overton said.
“People who watch Yukon’s Nutcracker get to see professional guest artists perform close to home while also supporting our up-and-coming local dancers – all at a bargain price.”
