Kick off the holiday season with ‘The Nutcracker’

Keeping with holiday tradition, the Northwest Ballet Company tradition presents its 36th production of “The Nutcracker” over Thanksgiving weekend at the Bigfork Center for the Performing Arts.    

“These company performances have been a holiday staple in the Flathead Valley for years.  Parents who began with bringing their kids are now grandparents bringing their kids and grandkids,” director Marisa Roth said.  

To keep productions fresh, Roth adds a bit of variation to the classic tale in each production drawing inspiration from the talents each year’s dancers and guest artists bring to the stage.  

This year, company dancer Mallory James, a homeschooled senior, will dance the iconic role of the Dew Drop Fairy in the “Waltz of the Flowers.”  

“I am so blessed to have been a part of the Nutcracker for all these years.  I can’t believe that it’s my senior year and I am so excited to be dancing my dream roll, Dew Drop, in ‘Waltz of the Flowers,’” James said.  

Performances will be held at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. on Nov. 30, and at 4 p.m. on Dec. 1.    

In keeping with tradition, the popular Sugar Plum Fairy Parade will greet audience members after the Nov. 30 matinee.  

Ticket prices are $25 for adults, $23 seniors (65 and older), and $16 for children (12 and under). Tickets may be purchased online at www.northwestballet.com. On show days, tickets will be available at the box office, 526 Electric Ave., Bigfork, one hour before the performances start.    

“Seeing the children dressed up in their Christmas best, eyes excitedly glued to the stage, taking pictures during the Sugar Plum Fairy Parade with the ‘big girls,’ walking out with a Nutcracker doll of their very own to commemorate the event — it blesses my heart every year,” Roth said.  

For more information call 755-0760, e-mail info@northwestballet.com, or visit www.northwestballet.com. 

    Northwest Ballet Company alumna Miki Flint as the Rat Queen in "The Nutcracker." (Photo by Trevon Baker Photography)

    Northwest Ballet Company soloist Milla Owens as the Arabian Princess in "The Nutcracker." (Photo by Trevon Baker Photography)