Utah Metropolitan Ballet to present holiday favorite ‘Nutcracker’

By Genelle Pugmire - | Dec 3, 2022

Courtesy Utah Metropolitan Ballet

Clara dancing with the Nutcracker at her party.

In its classic holiday tradition, the Utah Metropolitan Ballet, Utah Valley’s professional ballet company, will present a 12-performance run of the Nutcracker.

This run of 12 public performances will take place at the Covey Center for the Arts in Provo. They will be held at 7:30 p.m. from Saturday, Dec. 10, through Wednesday, Dec. 21. There are five matinees offered at 2 p.m. on Saturdays and on Dec. 19-21.

The theater will be reserved for a special “quiet” performance matinee for children dealing with autism and other sensory concerns on Dec. 12 and 13 at 5 p.m. This special performance is free.

All public performances will feature the live Utah Metropolitan Ballet Orchestra, conducted by Bryce Rytting.

“Few holiday traditions capture the delights of the season with the same captivating magic as this timeless family favorite,” said Autumn Cook, with the UMB. “Join Clara as she embarks on a magical journey in this re-imagined production which premiered in 2017.”

Courtesy Utah Metropolitan Ballet

UMB's Nutcracker featuring the Sugar Plum Fairy and Cavalier.

Combining Tchaikovsky’s score with breathtaking costumes and majestic scenery by Cassandra Barney, UMB’s Nutcracker showcases original choreography by Jacqueline Colledge, artistic director.

Audiences will be delighted with the colorful costumes and music in the party scene and hold their breath during the conflict between a life-size nutcracker and the rat king.

“Every element of this holiday favorite captures the imagination and brings to life the spirit of the season,” Cook said.

Performers include the following:

Syndey Lee, Josie DeNosky and Ellie Maddox will star as Clara. The Sugar Plum Fairy will be played by Amy Cook, Jennifer Christie, Sylvie Squires and Hallie Jo Johnson, with the Nutcracker Prince played by Sebastian Vinet and Matteo Garattoni. The role of the Snow Queen will be played by Emeline Terranova, Lily Stephenson, Jennifer Christie and Amy Cook.

Courtesy Utah Metropolitan Ballet

The Snow Queen from UMB's Nutcracker.

The Utah Metropolitan Ballet was founded in 1980 by Colledge. What began with only six students has grown into Utah Valley’s only professional ballet company with dancers employed from across the globe, as well as locally.

Tickets start at $35 and are available at https://umballet.org/nutcracker, or through the Covey Center for the Arts website.