Nutcracker comes to Constantine Dec. 9

Dance Maker Performing Arts Academy will bring “The Nutcracker” ballet to the historic Constantine Theatre at 110 W. Main St. in Pawhuska at 7 p.m. Dec. 9.

Tickets are available in advance at Dance Maker’s Boutique at the Ole’ #1 Firehouse on Main Street, located next door to the Constantine. The Boutique is open 10 a.m. t0 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

Advance tickets for adults are $15 each and $8 for students. A family ticket is available for $45, which includes two adults and three children.

“Bringing the Nutcracker to the Osage is especially meaningful because of its connection to the late prima ballerina, Maria Tallchief, who was Osage and hailed from Fairfax in Osage County,” said Dance Maker’s Artistic Director Jenna Smith.

In 1954, Tallchief, a member of the New York City Ballet, was cast in the lead role of the Sugar Plum Fairy.

One ballet critic, Walter Terry, writing at the time said, “Maria Tallchief, as the Sugar Plum Fairy, is herself a creature of magic, dancing the seemingly impossible with effortless beauty of movement, electrifying us with her brilliance, enchanting us with her radiance of being.”

“Tallchief’s interpretation of the role paved the way for the “Nutcracker” ballet to become an American ballet tradition during the Christmas season,” Smith said. “We are pleased that Osages are among those who will be performing in the Nutcracker, including lead dancer, Amity Bevard, from Hominy.”