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McPherson Opera House Ballet Wichita Nutcracker
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Courtesy photo Ballet Wichita will bring The Nutcracker to McPherson Opera House on Dec. 8.

McPHERSON — On Saturday, Dec. 8, Ballet Wichita will transport the McPherson Opera House into a magical world of dancing dolls, mischievous mice and sparkling snowflakes with the time-honored classic, the Nutcracker. Performance times are 2 and 7 p.m.

Choreographed and directed by Ballet Wichita’s Artistic Director, Alex Ossadnik, the 45th annual production promises a return to a traditional but lavish fairy-tale that has made the Nutcracker one of the season’s most treasured events. With new costumes and entirely new ACT II scenery by celebrated Wichita set designer Michael Downs, and featuring over 130 artists dancing to Tchaikovsky’s lyrical and dramatic score, the audience will journey through the Kingdom of Sweets and create lasting Nutcracker memories.

Artistic Director Alex Ossadnik is a world-renowned teacher, ballet master, choreographer, and director. He was born and trained in Dresden, Germany; the formerly Soviet occupied East Germany.

After graduating from the prestigious Palucca School of Dance, he joined the German National Theater, where he was a principal dancer from 1987-1991. From 1991-1995, Ossadnik danced with the Ballet Theatre de Bordeaux. Moving to the United States in 1995, he has worked with numerous renowned companies as a teacher, ballet master, choreographer, and director.

“This will be the third time the McPherson Opera House is bringing Ballet Wichita’s Nutcracker to McPherson – and we have our show sponsors Williams and CHS to thank. It’s one of the most beautiful programs to experience during the holidays, and especially is the ambience of our decorated theatre,” said Opera House Business Director Diane Fallis. “It will be exciting this year to see the new costumes and scenery. Past shows have sold out, so we suggest buying tickets as soon as possible.”

Ticket prices range from $25 to $35, and student tickets $12. Tickets can be purchased at mcphersonoperahosue.org, by calling 620-241-1952, or stopping by the box office at 219 S. Main Street. Student and group ticket sales are only available by phone or at the box office.