The Royal Winnipeg Ballet (RWB) is bringing the Saskatchewan premiere of Nutcracker to Saskatoon’s TCU Place, Sid Buckwold Theatre, with performances on Friday, December 15th and Saturday, December 16th. The show will consist of a running time of two hours and four minutes, which includes a 20 minute intermission.
This classic holiday story is a fantastic way to embrace the season as you join young Clara as her dreams come to life through the transformation of her nutcracker into a soldier to defend against the army of the Mouse King. This magical journey includes a touching storyline, breathtaking choreography, a winter wonderland, dancing snowflakes, polar bears and the Sugar Plum Fairy, all to the Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s iconic score.
Along with the RWB cast, there will be 42 young dancers portraying the parts of Dieter, party kids, mice, angels and more. Dancers will include local talent from Saskatoon, North Battleford, Prince Albert, Melfort, Dalmeny, Wadena, Borden, Unity and Martensville. Local dancers were selected through auditions at Brenda’s School of Baton and Dance in Saskatoon.
“We are pleased to travel to Saskatoon for Nutcracker and are delighted to include local dancers in two spectacular shows,” shares Royal Winnipeg Ballet Artistic Director, André Lewis. “Nutcracker is one of the best productions to bring the whole family together and feel immersed in the spirit of the holidays.”
MacKenzie Lehner, who is the Ballet Director at Brenda’s School of Baton & Dance and the RWB Nutcracker Rehearsal Assistant, is a RWB Professional Division alumna herself, having once played Clara in the production.
Martensville’s own 10-year-old Brooklyn Haanen will be taking the stage during the Saskatoon showings of Nutcracker. Haanen, who has been dancing since the age of three in ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop and Acro dance, decided to audition after her mom mentioned the opportunity to both Brooklyn and her twin sister, who both decided to try-out.
“I was nervous at first because there were lots of other dancers there, but once it started, Ms. MacKenzie just wanted us to try our best and have fun, so I did that. I found out that I got a part at the end of September. My mom received an email saying that I got a role. I felt sad for my sister Adalyn, who also tried out, but she was very excited for me and has been really supportive. She’s excited to watch the show,” Brooklyn said.
Haanen noted that she is happy, excited and nervous about the experience. “It has been really fun having rehearsals over the last few months, getting to know the other dancers and Ms. MacKenzie is really nice. I am really excited to meet some of the cast from the Royal Winnipeg Ballet and share the stage with them and other local dancers.”
