By CLAUDIA LORENZANA
Universe Staff Writer
Tchaikovsky’s “Nutcracker” is being performed by the Utah Valley Civic Ballet Company this Friday at Spanish Fork High School, 99 N. 300 West.
The ballet, which will begin at 7:30 p.m., will be the second performance of the “Nutcracker” this week, following Monday’s opening night.
The “Nutcracker” is a traditional Christmas play about a clock-maker named Drosselmeyer and his nephew, who is turned into a nutcracker by an evil spell.
Eileen Phelps, artistic director, said UVCBC’s production of the play is one-of-a-kind because it combines three versions of the “Nutcracker” into one unique storyline.
Ana Lisa Hale, a BYU alumna and co-producer at UVCBC, said their version shows how the spell placed on the nutcracker is broken.
“We felt this would draw more of a crowd because it was different,” Hale said.
Phelps said the ballet company stressed acting, and included several character dances in the production to entertain even those not particularly fond of ballet. The performance will feature Spanish, Polish, Ukrainian and other ethnic dances.
Narration has also been included to help explain the plot to those less familiar with the play.
“We’re trying to reach the people that normally don’t go and see the Nutcracker,” Phelps said.
The UVCBC, a non-profit organization, is made up of both adults and children ages 8 and up.
Phelps’s 16-year old daughter Jennifer is in the play and takes on a variety of roles ranging from Sugar Plum Fairy to Snow Queen.
Jennifer said dancing as the Snow Queen included a combination of sharp, as well as flowing, arm movements and leaps.
“We tried to imitate the qualities of snow,” Jennifer said.
Phelps said the UVCBC’s performance is not as fancy as other professional companies, but it is less expensive and is made up of a group of people eager and willing to share their talents with others.
According to a news release, the UVCBC has performed locally in productions such as “Cinderella” and “Sleeping Beauty” for the last five years.
Admission to the play is $4 per person, $15 per family. Discounts for groups and advance purchases are available. For tickets, call Eileen Phelps at 224-8298.
