Montana Ballet Company’s 41st Annual "Nutcracker"

DECEMBER 7 & 8, 2024

Bozeman’s original, cherished holiday tradition, MBC's The Nutcracker with the Bozeman Symphony, will be held at the Willson Auditorium on December 7 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., and December 8 at noon and 4 p.m. With delightful choreography, stunning sets and costumes, and exciting theatrical elements, this classic tale will enchant all audiences.

In tradition, MBC is thrilled to welcome exceptional guest artists to its cast of more than 100 community dancers. This year from the renowned San Francisco Ballet, WanTing Zhao and Steven Morse will perform both the Snow and Sugar Plum pas de deux.

Zhao trained at the Beijing Dance Academy, Rock School for Dance Education and San Francisco Ballet School. She joined the SFB Company in 2011, was promoted to soloist in 2016 and principal dancer in 2019. Morse trained at the Maple Conservatory of Dance, Lauridsen Ballet Centre, Long Beach Ballet Arts Center, San Francisco Ballet School and San Francisco Ballet School Trainee Program. He joined the SFB Company as a member of the corps de ballet in 2009 and was promoted to soloist in 2017.

Also joining the cast is Bozeman favorite Soren Kisiel in the role of Drosselmeyer. The part of Clara will be danced by MBC Company Dancer, Kendall Opsahl, and in the role of the Nutcracker will be MBC Company Dancer, Liam Baker.

MBC will once again collaborate with the Bozeman Symphony Orchestra playing Tchaikovsky’s beloved score. Matthew Makeever, Bozeman Symphony Concert Manager and Orchestra Librarian, will conduct.

First performed in the lobby of First Security Bank in 1983, MBC’s Nutcracker is held the first weekend in December and has become synonymous with the Bozeman Christmas Stroll. This production is a cherished holiday tradition for countless performers and their families and friends, as well as the thousands of audience members who share in the experience year after year. MBC’s Nutcracker is a treat for the entire family.

For tickets, contact the Montana Ballet Company at 406.582.8702 or online at www.montanaballet.org. All seating is reserved.

Tea with Clara will return to the Baxter Hotel on November 24 at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. This special event has been a longtime Bozeman favorite celebrating the holiday season. Returning to the elegant Baxter Ballroom, this special affair is a must for families and children and the perfect opportunity to get dressed up and create lifetime memories in a magical setting.

Little boys and girls and their families will don their best and join some of their favorite Nutcracker cast members as guests for high tea. Café M will provide the tea, which will be accompanied by an assortment of fine treats and small bites.

Perfect for first-time attendees and those Nutcracker enthusiasts looking for more, this event gives guests the special opportunity to view live performance excerpts, meet Clara and other characters from The Nutcracker, have keepsake photos taken, join Clara on the stage, peruse the unique Tea with Clara Nutcracker boutique and more.

Tea with Clara has limited seating. Two Teas will be offered: 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Tickets are $75 per person. Reserve at www.montanaballet.org.