'Nutcracker' comes to Bigfork stage Thanksgiving weekend
Bigfork Eagle | Bigfork Eagle | UPDATED 2 weeks, 2 days AGO
The Northwest Ballet Company presents its 37th production of "Nutcracker" over Thanksgiving weekend at the Bigfork Center for the Performing Arts.
The company has been preparing since mid-September for the magical occasion and director Marisa Roth is pleased with how each dancer pours themselves into their parts. From the squeaky little mice, to the radiant Sugar Plum Fairy, they've been working hard yet also having fun in their weekly rehearsals.
"The growth from September to November always astounds me," said Roth. "I'm so grateful for the supportive community who faithfully comes to Christmas-decked-out-Bigfork for our performances each season. We aim to always have something different and special for them as they do."
With dancers from throughout the Flathead Valley and as far away as Eureka, as well as guests from around the community, the cast of roughly 50 is ecstatic for show weekend in the theater.
Senior at Glacier High School and Northwest Ballet Company Principal dancing the role of the Sugar Plum Fairy, Marygrace Knuffke reflects, "These moments leading up to the show are bittersweet, but I know once the shows come, I'll be able to live it up. It's crazy to think that I'm one of the big girls now and I get to leave my legacy."
Another Northwest Ballet Company Principal, Milla Owens, dancing the part of the Snow Queen and a Senior at Whitefish High School had these thoughts: "My senior year of Ballet has been a wild journey so far, filled with growth, challenges and unforgettable memories, and the anticipation leading up to the shows feels incredibly bittersweet."
Reserved tickets for the Northwest Ballet Company's event are available at northwestballet.com or facebook.com/NWB.Co.
Performances are Saturday, Nov. 29, at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, Nov. 30, at 4 p.m. The ever-popular Sugar Plum Fairy Parade will follow the 2 p.m. matinee on Saturday.
Ticket prices are $25 adults, $23 seniors (65 and older), and $17 children (12 and under).
On show days, tickets will be available at the Bigfork Center's box office, 526 Electric Ave., Bigfork, one hour before the performances start.
Call the Northwest Ballet at (406)755-0760 or email [email protected].
Northwest Ballet Company Principal Marygrace Knuffke as the Sugar Plum Fairy. (Digital Montana Photography)