Image supplied, Imagine Ballet Theatre

Imagine Ballet Theatre’s locally collaborated version of  “The Nutcracker,” a 15-year holiday tradition in Ogden, returns to the historic Peery’s Egyptian Theater in its original pre-pandemic form with a seven-show run starting this Friday through Dec. 18.

It’s a production “by the local community, for the local community,” stated Imagine Ballet Theatre in a media release. Making his IBT “Nutcracker” debut is Ogden-based conductor Gabriel Gordon, founder of Ogden Camerata in 2021, who also debuted with Ballet West’s “Nutcracker” this year, with local musicians of the New American Philharmonic. The cast members, ages 6 to 65 years old, volunteers and stage help are all from around “the top of Utah,” with guest dancers from the University of Utah: Loren Khan, Natalie Taylor, Caleb Hold and Samuel Johnson. The hand-painted backdrops featured in the full-length ballet are by muralist and fine artist of Northern Utah Sherry Ferrin.

The opening party scene, the magically oversized tree during the fight scene, the snow landscape and the magical land of the Sugar Plum Fairy are all illustrated by Ferrin, who incorporated real elements of Ogden in the painted backdrops. The fireplace in the grand party scene is from a historic Ogden home and scenes outside the frosted windows depict a historic Ogden street.

“To have such a locally inspired and created ‘Nutcracker’ is keeping with tradition, since the first ‘Nutcracker’ in the United States premiered in Salt Lake City and was choreographed by Ballet West founder William C. Christensen,” IBT said.

The classic holiday ballet is based on the story by E. T. A. Hoffman about a young girl named Clara who dreams of her Nutcracker Prince, a fierce battle against a Mouse King and their travels together into the magical Land of Sweets. The Ogden-based ballet company, Imagine Ballet Theatre, premiered its “Nutcracker” in 2007 with choreography by its artistic director and founder, Raymond Van Mason, who brings the ballet classic back to its original choreography this season after making several changes last year due to the pandemic.

Photo supplied, Imagine Ballet Theatre

According to IBT, “Van Mason’s version of ‘The Nutcracker’ holds tightly to the story of Clara, setting her character in the spotlight as the story progresses. From the exciting fight scene to the calm snow scene, and then back to excitement in the Land of Sweets, Van Mason’s ‘Nutcracker’ keeps the energy and dancers moving throughout this classic and captivating holiday story.”

This year, Clara will be danced by IBT dancers Emily Pope and Anna Cloward, and the Sugar Plum Fairy will be danced by Tessa Parkinson and Sonya Kryzhanovsky.

The award-winning Imagine Ballet Theatre is in residence at Peery’s Egyptian Theater in Ogden. Van Mason created the company in 2004 to offer the company of dancers an opportunity to work with professional artists and foster professional performing experiences.

Tickets for IBT’s “The Nutcracker” may be purchased at the Peery’s Egyptian Theater box office, 2415 Washington Blvd. in Ogden, online at ogdenpet.com/events or by phone at 801-689-8700 Monday through Friday from noon to 6 p.m.

For more information about Imagine Ballet Theatre and its upcoming performances and other dance opportunities, visit imagineballet.org.

Photo supplied, Imagine Ballet Theatre

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