NICK GOSNELL
Hutch Post
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The every other year tradition of the Prairie Nutcracker is at the Fox Theatre in Hutchinson Dec. 8-10.
"Prairie Nutcracker was an idea that was born back in 2000," said production director Sarah Snider. "We were looking at the traditional Nutcracker and thinking, what's a fun, unique way that we could change this and make it special to this area in particular? We came up with this idea of a Prairie Nutcracker. It's an adaptation and we are honoring the pioneer spirit of Kansas. You will have a Kansas and Americana theme throughout the whole show."
The score was adapted from Tchaikovsky by Omaha, Nebraska native Rick Kuethe.
"We have 35 local area students starting at the age of eight, up through our high school students," Snider said. "Then, we also have adult dignitaries that join us. Then, this year, we have a guest studio appearance. We have 14 students from Salina, Tamara Howe School of Dance, that are coming to dance in our farm scene and our Act II opening scene, so almost 60 people total in our cast."
Students are asked to have at least a year of dance training before being a part of the cast.
"They already have a little bit of a background when they come to us," Snider said. "We actually only have seven short weeks to put this together. We've been spending Sunday afternoons in the studio, rehearsing and putting all those details on to this. They are all quick learners and we are really excited to share with you everything that they have been working on."
Performances are Friday, Dec. 8 and Saturday, Dec. 9 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 10 at 3:00 p.m. Tickets are available at the Fox Theatre Box Office at 18 East First in Hutchinson.
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