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Have tea with the Nutcracker Sweets

Young, young-at-heart invited to experience the dreams of Clara

Monday, December 1, 2008 10:47 AM CST

These four young ladies will alternate in the role of Clara for "The Nutcracker," presented by the Young People's Performing Arts Theatre. The production dates are Dec. 11-13, with the show beginning at 7 p.m each day, plus a matinee at 2 p.m on Saturday. Prior to the Saturday matinee performance will be a "Tea with the Nutcracker Sweets" at 1 p.m. The price for the tea is $8 and includes refreshments and never-to-be-forgotten opportunity to visit with performers from the production. Pictured, from left, are Katie Scism, Caroline Boyer, Andrea McClanahan and Hannah Oliver. - Submitted video

“The Nutcracker” — through the music of Peter Tchaikovsky — tells the story a little girl named Clara. She dreams of her nutcracker being transformed into a prince, who takes her to the Land of the Sweets where she is entertained by dancers from around the world.

This year, the dream of Clara can be experienced by those who attend the “Tea with the Nutcracker Sweets” on Dec. 13 at 1 p.m. The tea takes place before the 2 p.m. matinee on that day and gives a chance for the young — and the young at heart — to see the wonder of “The Nutcracker” up close and to make forever memories.

The cost for the tea is $8 and includes refreshments and a complimentary photograph in front of an authentic Nutcracker set. Also attending the tea will be the dancers filling the lead roles, such as the Sugar Plum Fairy and the Snow Queen. Those attending the tea will have a chance to meet with the performers.

Tickets for the tea are available at the Ballet Arts Center, located inside The Factory in Farmington or at the Farmington Civic Center. Tickets may also be purchased at the door the day of the tea.

Pam McLaurin is one of the organizers of the tea, along with Debbie Reidt. She said the idea for this special event came from Kimberly Gavin Anderson, who is the artistic director for the Young People’s Performing Arts Theatre.

“She had seen similar events done in other Nutcracker Productions and thought it might be a special opportunity for young audience members as well as the dancers,” said McLaurin.

In this year’s production, four young ladies will be alternating in the role of Clara. Andrea McClanahan will fill the role on Thursday, Katie Scism on Friday, Caroline Boyer at the 2 p.m. performance on Saturday and Hannah Oliver during the 7 p.m. performance on Saturday.

Since 1981, the Young People’s Performing Arts Theatre has brought this story to the stage in the Parkland. Dance students from throughout the area will be featured in the production, which will take place Dec. 11-13 at the Centene Center in Farmington. Tickets for “The Nutcracker” can be purchased at the Farmington Civic Center.

Holiday Inn Express and Suites is a sponsor for this year’s production.

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