Saint Louis Ballet’s The Nutcracker Rings In The Holiday Season December 14-23 At The Touhill

Snowflakes will fall, a Nutcracker toy will come alive, a Christmas tree will grow, a Sugar Plum Fairy will dance as Saint Louis Ballet presents its acclaimed holiday production The Nutcracker at the Blanche M. Touhill Performing Arts Center December 14-23. This legendary story features Peter Ilyich Tchakovsky's classic holiday score under the direction of Saint Louis Ballet’s Artistic Director Gen Horiuchi. The production will captivate audiences with spectacular dancing, dazzling special effects and illusions that take the audience on a magical journey to the Land of Sweets while capturing the spirit of Christmas.

Saint Louis Ballet’s The Nutcracker also provides local dance students the opportunity to perform with the professional company. The Nutcracker has cast more than 100 ballet students, ages seven and older, in a variety of roles including party children, baby mice, baby lambs, toy soldiers, angels and more. “Participation in The Nutcracker is an exciting and rewarding experience for young dancers, and continues to cultivate their love of ballet,” says Horiuchi.  

For over 100 years, the story of the ballet has proven irresistible to both children and adults alike. Set in 19th-century Germany, the ballet opens at a Christmas party at which the mysterious Dr. Drosselmeyer gives a child named Clara a magical toy that takes her on an unforgettable journey. “This ballet performance has become part of the holiday tradition for many St. Louis area families. From the battle scene between the Nutcracker and the Rat King to the cooks who fly magically through the air, The Nutcracker is sure to enchant audiences of all ages,” notes Horiuchi.  

Performance Schedule and Ticketing Information for The Nutcracker:

· Friday, December 14, 7:00 pm 

· Saturday, December 15, *2:30 pm and 7:00 pm (*Sugar Plum Fairy Luncheon prior to this performance)

· Sunday, December 16, *2:30 pm (*Sugar Plum Fairy Luncheon prior to this performance)

· Wednesday, December 19, 7:00 pm

· Thursday, December 20, 2:30 pm and 7:00 pm

· Friday, December 21, 2:30 pm and 7:00 pm

· Saturday, December 22, 2:30 pm and 7:00 pm

· Sunday, December 23, 2:30 pm and 7:00 pm

The Sugar Plum Fairy Luncheon which will take place prior to the matinee performances on December 15 and 16 at 12:30 pm. During this 7^th annual event, attendees can meet the Sugar Plum Fairy and her Cavalier, as well as the rest of The Nutcracker cast. Attendees are welcome to take pictures with characters and get their autographs during an afternoon filled with an exceptional atmosphere that perfectly captures the spirit of the holiday. Tickets are sold separately and cost $32 per person which includes lunch at the Lee Theater located next to the performance theater.

The Nutcracker will be performed at the Blanche M. Touhill Performing Arts Center’s Anheuser-Busch Hall Auditorium located on the University of Missouri-St. Louis campus. Tickets are on sale now, and prices are $27, $37, $44 and $49, with special ticket prices available for children 12 and under. Group discounts are also available. All tickets can be purchased online at www.touhill.org or by calling (314) 516-4949. For additional information and to see the complete Saint Louis Ballet performance schedule, visit www.stlouisballet.org, e-mail info@stlouisballet.org, or call (636) 537-1998.