'Nutcracker' to be at UNLV Dec. 14-27

SPECIAL TO VIEWYoomi Lee, left, and Kuydong Kwak dance in last year?s production of "The Nutcracker." Advertisement

The ambience offered by a beautifully bedecked Christmas tree, the warm, pulsing glow of colored, twinkling lights, songs and poems about a beloved elf-like figure who travels the world to bring toys to sleeping children, and a story filled with magical toys and sugar plum fairies have become images that are synonymous with the Christmas season.

"The Nutcracker" has become a tradition among many families.

"It isn't Christmas if you don't go see 'The Nutcracker,' " said southeast resident Alex Fordenburgh. "I've taken my girls every year since they were 2, and they love it."

The Nevada Ballet Theatre's production of "The Nutcracker" will begin Dec. 14 and run through Dec. 27 at UNLV's Judy Bayley Theater, 4505 Maryland Parkway. The show features the ballet's professional company and students from the new youth company and is sure to elicit wonder and excitement from children and adults alike.

"It's an incredible production that we begin training for months in advance," public relations manager Jennifer Kratochwill said. "It's an elaborate setting and we want it to be just right."

According to artistic director Bruce Steivel, the sets and costumes for the production are lavish and mesmerizing.

"They can take a long time to build, but they have to have that authentic texture so that you can escape into the story," Steivel said.

Twelve-year-old Henderson resident Miranda Jackson will play one of the children's lead roles as Clara. Jackson, a ballet student since she was 3, said she has dreamed of being a part of the production for years.

"I love the way you can express yourself," Jackson said. "And the beautiful costumes and facial expressions. It's magical."

Tickets already are on sale and range from $39 to $72. Tickets can be purchased by calling 895-2787 or by visiting www.nevadaballet.com.