Columbia’s Magical “The Nutcracker” Returns for Holiday Performances at The Township Auditorium

Columbia Ready to Celebrate the Holiday Season with “The Nutcracker”

It’s that magical time of year again in Columbia, and one of the highlights of the festive season is making its grand return! Ann Brodie’s Carolina Ballet will be presenting “The Nutcracker” at The Township Auditorium, with performances kicking off during Thanksgiving week. Set your calendars for a dazzling show with international guest artists and a talented company of over 150 performers.

The Show Details

Mark your calendars for Wednesday, November 27 at 10 a.m., Friday, November 29 at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, December 1 at 3 p.m. This full-length production is a treat for the whole family, showcasing a stunning full orchestra and chorus—making it the only performance of its kind in Columbia. You certainly don’t want to miss this!

The talented Columbia Festival Orchestra will be conducted by Neil Casey, a guest conductor known for his dynamic presence with orchestras around the United States as well as the Karelian Philharmonic Orchestra in Russia. The children’s choir, featuring the Capella Pueri from St. Peter’s Catholic School, directed by Jordan DeRouen, will add a lovely touch to this enchanting ballet.

A Classic Holiday Story

Immerse yourself in the enchanting story of “The Nutcracker,” a holiday classic composed by the beloved Pytor Ilyich Tschaikovsky. This magical tale features a captivating Christmas party, charming guests, toy soldiers, and scrumptious sweets! The story revolves around young Clara, who helps an enchanted nutcracker thwart the wicked Rat King. After their victorious battle, the nutcracker transforms into a dashing prince, leading Clara through a dazzling snowstorm into the Kingdom of Sweets where she meets the delightful Sugar Plum Fairy.

The Carolina Ballet’s performance is based on the original choreography crafted by 19th-century talents Lev Ivanov and Ivan Petipa, melding beautifully into Tschaikovsky’s iconic score. The first-ever production of “The Nutcracker” was staged on December 12, 1882, at the illustrious Imperial Maryinsky Theatre in St. Petersburg, Russia.

Spotlight on Dancers

This year, you can look forward to the brilliant Sakura Oka dancing the role of the Sugar Plum Fairy. With a resume boasting awards from various competitions and guest artist performances across the U.S. and Japan, it’s fantastic to see her shine on stage as the Sugar Plum Fairy.

Joining her will be Brandon Penn as her Cavalier, who is making a return from a successful season with the Colorado Ballet. Audiences will also be treated to the graceful Elizabeth-Gray Rivers as the Snow Queen, with Caleb Roberts as her Cavalier. Roberts is a local favorite who began his training right here in Columbia and has taken his talents across the country.

Don’t miss other phenomenal dancers like Jordan Samuels, back from a Broadway tour performing in “The Lion King,” and the energetic Josh Alexander, a versatile dancer who has appeared on stage with international recording artists!

Tickets and Group Rates

Excited to grab your seats? Reservations for these spectacular performances can be made by calling the Township at 803-576-2350 or through Ticketmaster at 800-745-3000. Special group rates are available through the Columbia Music Festival Association at 803-771-6303. Here’s a quick look at the ticket prices:

• Wednesday, November 27, 2024 – 10 a.m. General admission: $17.50 (Group Rates: $10)
• Friday, November 29, 2024 – 7:30 p.m. General admission: $23.50, students/military/seniors: $18.50
• Sunday, December 1, 2024 – 3 p.m. General admission: $23.50, students/military/seniors: $18.50

This season, the Friday performance is especially meaningful as it honors first responders and their families. So come out and support the artists while celebrating our local heroes!

Let’s kick off the holiday season together in style. Grab your family, friends, and a sprinkle of holiday cheer to enjoy a night of magic and dance that our community has joyfully embraced for years. The Nutcracker promises a delightful experience that will leave you humming the tunes and dreaming of sugarplums!