17 YEARS OF IMAGINE BALLET THEATRE’S ‘THE NUTCRACKER’

A community production of the traditional holiday ballet continues for three more shows this weekend at Peery’s Egyptian Theater in Ogden.

NEWS / REVIEW

Opening scene of Imagine Ballet Theatre’s ‘The Nutcracker’ at Peery’s Egyptian Theater in Ogden. Photo by Deann Armes

Imagine Ballet Theatre (IBT) opened its 17th season of ‘The Nutcraker’ on Friday, December 8 at Peery’s Egyptian Theater in Ogden. The community ballet company’s production of the traditional holiday favorite, choreographed by IBT director Raymond Van Mason since 2007, has three more performances this weekend.

IBT’s annual production is loved by adults and children alike. It’s shorter length, less than two hours with an intermission, live music with the New American Philharmonic Orchestra, and beautiful artwork by local artist Sherry Ferrin makes this a wonderful experience for all ages and a cornerstone community event.

I attended the Saturday matinee performance at the nearly sold out 800-seat theater. Clara and her Nutcracker Prince were an absolute joy to watch, along with the endearing choreography, IBT students, and guest dancers from across the Wasatch front.

For as many young children were in the audience it was surprisingly quiet, speaking to how captivating the production is at it takes you from the opening Christmas Eve party with the arrival of the toy maker Herr Drosselmeyer, to Clara’s Nutcracker Prince and the Mouse King, and through the Land of Snow to the Sugar Plum Fairy.

Clara and her Nutracker Prince in the Land of Snow (left). The Land of Sweets (right). Photos by Deann Armes

This local production with a live orchestra inside the historic Egyptian Theater is an experience that makes it feel like Christmas Eve is already here.

Tickets are on sale now at ogdenpet.com for the three remaining shows: Friday, December 15, 7:30 p.m., Saturday December 16 at 1 p.m. and 6 p.m.