By Conrad Dudderar
Associate Editor
Local ballet dancers were joined by special guest vocalists at Yukon’s “Phantom of the Nutcracker.”
A benefit for Central Oklahoma Ballet Co., the Yukon Nutcracker’s annual Fall Follies was staged Oct. 20 inside the Dale Robertson Center, 1200 Lakeshore.
Yukon Nutcracker cast members performed several skits and dances to the delight of the audience. They followed featured singer Presley Harrington, who sang a few excerpts of his favorite musical “Phantom of the Opera” with Maison Dolphin.
“The singers were stunning,” Central Oklahoma Ballet President Allie Overton said. “And the performances by our dancers were, as always, out of this world.
“We had a great turnout even thought it was fall break. The audience was engaged the whole time.”
Earl Goolsby performed on the piano.
Central Oklahoma Ballet’s Fall Follies also featured a silent auction, raffle, heavy hors d’ouevres, and drinks.
“The hand-painted ballet shows were an even bigger hit than in the past,” Overton shared. “We had a great deal of enthusiastic bidding.
“We raffled off a Nutcracker quilt that included pictures of previous ‘Cookie’ dancers with Mother Ginger.”
Emcee for the evening was COB board member Sam Sims, who dances with his wife Jennifer in the opening “party scene” of Yukon’s Nutcracker.
Central Oklahoma Ballet’s Fall Follies raised funds to cover production costs of its 28th Annual Nutcracker set the first weekend of December.
The dance company relies on donations, grants and fund-raisers to be able to present this Yukon yuletide favorite.
SUGAR PLUM FAIRY TEA
Central Oklahoma Ballet Co. will present the annual Sugar Plum Fairy Tea from 2-3:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 12 at Yukon’s First United Methodist Church, 400 Elm.
Tickets are $15 each, with proceeds used to offset costs of the annual Nutcracker production.
“We will have characters from the Nutcracker serving snacks and Sugar Plum Fairy tea to the kids,” Overton said. “They will be available for pictures. We’ll also raffle off an American Girl doll.”
Guests will enter the “Kingdom of Sweets” to enjoy tea and treats while the Nutcracker characters visit each table.
They will listen to Mother Ginger’s story of The Nutcracker acted out with the help of the characters.
The young attendees will be invited to visit with the Sugar Plum Fairy or Clara and the Nutcracker Prince in the Snow Queen’s sleigh.
NUTCRACKER SET DEC. 2-3
Central Oklahoma Ballet’s 2023 Nutcracker will be presented Dec. 2-3 inside the Yukon Fine Arts Center, 850 Yukon Ave.
The curtain will rise at 8 p.m. Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday.
This Yukon production has become a true Christmas holiday tradition, attracting people from across the region.
Local dance company performers take the stage alongside professional guest artists, accompanied by a live orchestra.
“Our community is always very supportive of the Nutcracker,” said Overton, who has been involved for 22 years. “They’ve always come out in droves for our activities to show their support of the arts in Yukon.”
Yukon’s Nutcracker ballet was first performed in 1994 on a small stage inside the Yukon Museum and Arts Center (Old Central School), 601 Oak. After a few years, the production moved to the spacious Yukon Fine Arts Auditorium.
For more information, visit centralokballet.org.
