Marin Greenan performing as Clara in last year's The Nutcracker production.

Marin Greenan performing as Clara in last year's The Nutcracker production.

The Nutcracker returns to Mission

Mission dancer stars in this year's production of The Nutcracker by the Fraser Valley Academy of Dance.

Local dancers will once again delight audiences in Mission with a magical rendition of the classic Nutcracker.

The Fraser Valley Academy of Dance is presenting the ballet on Saturday, Dec. 7, at the Clarke Theatre in Mission.

Local ballerina Marin Greenan will be playing Clara. The accomplished 12-year-old has just been accepted by both Canada’s National Ballet School, and the Royal Winnipeg Ballet School, for their summer pre-professional programs.

This sixth annual production of John C. Carney’s choreography will feature over 100 ballet students of the Fraser Valley Academy of Dance, hailing from Mission, Abbotsford, Langley, Chilliwack, Maple Ridge, Agassiz, and Harrison.

They will perform with professional guest artists Patrick Willison and Courtney Dressner of the Montgomery Ballet in Alabama.

Justin Reist, originally of Mission, performs once again as the infamous and hilarious King Rat.

FVAD invites audiences to enjoy the humour and delight of the Stahlbaum’s festive party, then follow Clara in her dream as she witnesses the battle between Rats and Soldiers, travels through the mystical Snow and across the serene Ocean to the Kingdom of Sweets. Audiences can meet the Sugar Plum Fairy and Nutcracker Prince and all of Clara’s new friends who entertain the audience with dances, including the Chinese, Candy Cane, Russian, Arabian, Smarties, Spanish and Flowers.

Performances are at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 7 at the Clarke Theatre. Tickets are $26 for adults, $22 for seniors, $20 for students, and $16 for children. Prices include tax.

Tickets can be purchased online at www.fvad.ca or from the FVAD office at 33219 1st Avenue, Mission. More information is available at 604-826-0097.

Mission City Record