By Conrad Dudderar
Associate Editor
Fall arrives soon and that means it’s time to start thinking about Yukon’s yuletide favorite – The Nutcracker.
Central Oklahoma Ballet sure is, and the local dance company is gearing up for its fall program slate.
“We’re going to have new costumes at our 28th annual Nutcracker this December,” Central Oklahoma Ballet President Allie Overton said. “To have the high-quality costuming that we have takes quite a bit of funding.”
To help offset production costs, Central Oklahoma Ballet’s Fall Follies will present “Phantom of the Nutcracker” next month.
Members of the Yukon Nutcracker cast will be joined by some special guests for this program set Friday, Oct. 20 at the Dale Robertson Center, 1200 Lakeshore.
“This is our big annual fall event to support The Nutcracker,” Overton said.
Doors will open at 7 p.m. with “heavy” hors d’ouevres served at 7:30 p.m. before the entertainment starts. Tickets are $30 each, which includes two drinks.
“The audience will get to see some Yukon community leaders – they may be familiar with – performing skits and musical numbers,” Overton said.
The upcoming Yukon Nutcracker benefit will feature an auction and raffle; items are needed. Attendees also will enjoy hearing pianist Earl Goolsby.
“We’re very, very excited about our Fall Follies,” Overton added. “It will include some comedy skits along with talent routines.
“This will be a memorable evening that you won’t want to miss. All fund-raising goes to aid in the production of the ballet.”
‘NUTCRACKER’ DEC. 2-3
Performances of The Nutcracker will be 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2 and 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 3 inside the Yukon Fine Arts Center, 850 Yukon Ave.
This Central Oklahoma Ballet production has become a true Yukon Christmas tradition, attracting people from across the region.
Local dance company performers take the stage alongside professional guest artists, accompanied by a live orchestra.
All contributions to the non-profit Central Oklahoma Ballet are tax-deductible, Overton pointed out.
The dance company relies on donations, grants and fund-raisers like the Oct. 20th Fall Follies’ “Phantom of the Nutcracker” to be able to present Yukon’s annual Nutcracker.
Also coming up this fall is the annual Sugar Plum Fairy Tea set 2-3:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 12 at Yukon’s First United Methodist Church, 400 Elm. More details to come.
Central Oklahoma Ballet presented “Boots & Ballet” at Yukon Czech Hall as its spring benefit.
To purchase tickets or contribute auction or raffle items for next month’s Nutcracker Fall Follies, visit centralokballet.org or contact a Central Oklahoma Ballet board member.
