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Nutcracker performance kicks off holiday season in Alberni

The show will be at the ADSS Theatre on Saturday, Nov. 25
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Stage West School of Performing Arts dancers, from left to right, Alexa Morgan, Payton Evans, Megan Ma and Faith Morgan, practice for the upcoming performance of The Nutcracker on Saturday, Nov. 25. KARLY BLATS PHOTO

Stage West School of Performing Arts is bringing back its performance of The Nutcracker to the ADSS Theatre on Saturday, Nov. 25.

This is the third year Stage West has teamed up with Urban Dance Connection’s classical division in Campbell River to bring The Nutcracker to Port Alberni this holiday season.

“It’s a nice tradition,” said Jen Soo, studio director and owner. “We find the same audience members are coming year after year so we try and switch up the shows and have surprises. It’s just a really good way to kick off our ballet program for the year and it’s something the kids get really excited about.”

Dancers aged five and up work with Soo and director and choreographer Geraldine Potter to bring this performance to both Port Alberni and Campbell River.

“Now that we’re doing our third year, it’s neat to see the younger kids learning the dances they watched the older girls do the year before,” Soo said. “Hopefully everyone gets a turn at all the roles they want.”

This year’s show will feature guest dancers from the Victoria Academy of Ballet doing the Sugar Plum Fairy and Snow Queen roles. A guest performer from Vancouver’s Goh Ballet will be doing the role of Mother Ginger and Drosselmeyer. Dustin Carnie, formerly of the Goh Ballet, will perform the role of the Nutcracker Prince.

“We have a few guests which really adds to the show for the kids and the audience,” Soo said.

This show will also feature the Alberni Elementary School choir, who will open the show with Christmas songs.

A 2 p.m. matinee and a 7 p.m. evening show will be available. Tickets are $15 for students and seniors and $20 for adults. Tickets are available at Stage West, Funk Trunk and Finishing Touches. The performance in Campbell River takes place on Dec. 9.