CSB presents Minnesota Dance Theatre’s Nutcracker Fantasy

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November 13, 2007

Dancers, musicians and singers don’t easily fit in a gift box. Is this a gift that is impossible to give this holiday season? Not necessarily. Fine Arts Programming presents Minnesota Dance Theatre’s performance of the Nutcracker Fantasy at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 15, in Petters Auditorium, Benedicta Arts Center of the College of Saint Benedict.

This extraordinary performance brings Loyce Houlton’s beautifully crafted choreography to the stage in a time-honored classic. Hear Tchaikovsky played live by the 72-piece College of Saint Benedict/Saint John’s University Symphony Orchestra, conducted by J. David Arnott, with vocal accompaniment by the regional girl’s choir, Cantabile, and the St. John’s Boys’ Choir.

Minnesota Dance Theatre’s production of Nutcracker Fantasy holds the distinction of being the longest running arts event in Minnesota history; 2007 marks the 46th year of this event.  This performance will be a one-of-a-kind opportunity to witness several of Minnesota’s cultural gems collaborating for a tour-de-force performance complete with pyrotechnics, a cast of 60 dancers, and a live orchestra. 

Nutcracker Fantasy takes place in the 19th century town of Nuremberg at Christmastime. A gift from a wizardly godfather creates a magical fantasy in the eyes of a little girl named Marie. As toys come to life, and party guests are transformed into extraordinary characters, Marie begins her journey to the Land of Sweets with her Nutcracker Prince.

In 1962, Houlton embarked on an artistic journey that would change the artistic landscape and have a lasting impact on the world of dance. The legacy of Minnesota Dance Theatre continues with a courageous vision and masterfully-integrated dance techniques that represent this flagship organization. Minnesota Dance Theatre is currently renowned as one of Minnesota's cultural treasures with an eclectic international voice performing "dance that dares."

Tickets to Nutcracker Fantasy are $35, Senior (60+)/Youth (5-21) $32 and CSB/SJU ID $17.50. For tickets, call the Benedicta Arts Center Box Office at 320-363-3577 or 320-363-5777 or order online at the Fine Arts Web site.

This performance is sponsored by Eich Motor Co., St. Cloud, and Plaza Park Bank, Waite Park. The Fine Arts Series is made possible in part by a grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board, through an appropriation by the Minnesota State Legislature and a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts.