Caravan Farm Theatre’s rendition of The Nutcracker will be the star of the annual sleigh ride show this holiday season.
Image Credit: SUBMITTED/Cody Clyburn Photography
November 07, 2023 - 12:30 PM
Caravan Farm Theatre’s rendition of The Nutcracker will be the star of the annual sleigh ride show this holiday season.
The Nutcracker was first staged three years ago by Armstrong's Caravan Farm Theatre, according to a media release issued today, Nov. 7, and artistic director Estelle Shook said her creative team is "dialling up the magic."
Tickets are now on sale for the production which runs from Dec. 5 to Jan. 7.
“As with all revivals, it’s an opportunity to tweak what didn’t work and finesse what did. There will be a new final scene, a new song, and a brand-new set,” Shook said in the release. “We are aiming to build on our 2019 production to make it a little bit more spectacular, a little more magical.”
This 35-year-old cherished Okanagan tradition builds on the wintry landscape of Caravan’s rural theatre experience as well as the revival of a classic holiday tale.
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Caravan Farm Theatre wishes to bring warmth, jolliness and some magical Christmas spirit to all this holiday season through their rendition of The Nutcracker.
“Around the holidays, there are certain stories we like to revisit every year. Some people read A Christmas Carol, some watch It’s a Wonderful Life on TV and some attend The Nutcracker at the ballet," Shook said. "These stories have been so woven into the holiday tradition that they have the power to evoke warmth and comfort, and we need some coziness right now.
“The Nutcracker is about the power of dreams, creativity and imagination. As we know, children are very connected to these things but adults, not so much. This is a story that explores the importance of maintaining our connection to the world of the imagination.”
The performance begins and ends around a fire and guests are encouraged to arrive early and enjoy the setting.
A photo from a previous Caravan Farm Theatre winter show.
Image Credit: SUBMITTED/Cody Clyburn Photography
“The winter sleigh ride show is a popular event to do with others,” Shook said. “It’s such a great way to connect with your family and with your friends in a way that’s enriching for those relationships. It can be easier to bond with others when we are engaged in parallel activity — such as walking, watching a play, or enjoying a sleigh ride — something side by side.”
The event prices have not increased from last year in the hope the current economy doesn’t hold people back from coming. Caravan is also increasing the number of pay-what-you-can performances.
“Everyone’s dollars are stretched, and we know that things like entertainment and outings can be the first to go,” Shook said. “We’re here to serve our community with this event, and we want to do everything we can to help everyone experience the magic of The Nutcracker.”
Manon Beaudoin from the Cirque du Soleil will be back to direct the team of performers made up of Lili Beaudoin, Colin Heath, Ruaridh MacDonald, Jayke Mayne, Krystle Pederson and Elinor Holt.
The immersive set designs will be made by Molly March, and Jillian White will be responsible for lighting, while Cody Cyburn will be on music to revamp the classic Tchaikovsky soundtrack.
Tickets to the event are on sale now and start at $60 for adults and $45 for those aged 16 and under. The pay-what-you-can nights are scheduled for the beginning and ending of the show run. Tickets are expected to sell out and can be bought online here, or by calling the box office at 1-866-546-8533.
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