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Altamont St. Melissa Curtis is directing the performance for the Continued from Page 3 eighth year and said while the “Nutcracker Suite” is an annual production, each year Arts Academy,” she said. “A is different. lot of planning goes into it “We like to change things before it ever hits the stage.” up some every year,” Curtis Davison said work on the production is something said. Part of the process for the entire Sadler staff and Sadler students is going students buy into each year. through the audition process. “We normally sell out “Everything here at Sadler all three shows with packed starts with a great book, so houses for all performances,” there is background exposure she said. of getting the kids to underIn some years, an extra stand what we’re creating on night time performance has stage,” she said. “Obviously, been added to meet demand any time children work in from the community. a cooperative setting to put Sadler staffer Beverly something together that has Dorn said there will be a 7:30 an artistic root, their brains p.m. performance Saturday; a grow so much throughout 3 p.m. show on Sunday; and the entire endeavor.” a 6:30 p.m. performance on She said nearly every stuMonday. Tickets are $5 for dent in the school above the general admission and $10 kindergarten and first-grade for reserved seats. level who wants to participate However, Dorn said the has that opportunity. reserved seats for Saturday’s “It has a very meaningful performance were sold out. purpose here for all of us,” “Tickets are going fast,” Davison said. “It’s always Dorn said. “It really is a tradi- inspirational to see how the tion, so if people want tickets community supports us.” they should get them early.” Reach Mike Elswick at Tickets can be reserved (918) 684-2954, @melswickby stopping by the Sadler MPhx or melswick@muskArts Academy office at 800 ogeephoenix.com.
Staff photo by Mike Elswick Jaliyah Simmons, center, gets a lift from fellow performers Trenten Martin, left, and Alexis Bribiesca while Jaxson Hill, left, watches during a rehearsal last week.
Staff photo by Mike Elswick Mabry Duncan, as Clara, leads the dance troupe during a scene in the Sadler Arts Academy performances of the “Nutcracker Suite” to be performed Saturday, Sunday and Monday.
Muskogee Phoenix/Tahlequah Daily Press
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December 7 - 13, 2017