Weekend picks: ‘The Nutcracker’ at the Saroyan and ‘Black Nativity’ at Fresno Pacific
Two productions opening this weekend will most definitely ease you into the holiday mood.
‘The Nutcracker’
The Lively Arts Foundation offers two performances of the beloved Tchaikovsky ballet. As Valley dance fans have come to recognize, this version is slightly different than other “Nutcrackers” across the land. Frank Mosier’s distinctive libretto resurrects of the character of the vengeful Mouse Queen from E.T.A. Hoffman’s original Nutcracker fairy tale.
Here’s a rundown:
Steven Montalvo
When and where: 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 9; and 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 10, at the Saroyan Theatre.
The co-directors: Veteran Diane K. Mosier is joined for the first time by Steven Montalvo, who directs the Party and Battle scenes. He also dances in the show. (For an expansive 2018 interview I conducted with Montalvo, click here.)
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The Cavalier: Luis Eduardo Gonzalez dances the role of the Cavalier. Gonzalez has danced principal roles with the Sarasota Ballet and Orlando Ballet.
The Sugar Plum Fairy: Olivia Powell dances the role of the Sugar Plum Fairy. She received her training from the Boston Ballet School. She attended New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts dance department and received her BFA with first class honors at the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts in Hong Kong.
The special event: A Sugar Plum Party after the Sunday matinee will give girls and boys of all ages a chance to meet the dancers and enjoy light refreshments.
Tickets: Available at Ticketmaster, Selland Arena Box Office, and the Lively Arts Foundation at 559-270-3212.
‘Black Nativity’
Fresno Pacific University and Shine! Theatre present “Black Nativity,” a musical celebration of the Christmas story written by Langston Hughes with lyrics and music from traditional Christmas carols sung in gospel style.
Here’s a rundown:
When and where: 2 and 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 9; 2 pm. Sunday, Dec. 10; 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 14; 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 15; 2 and 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 16; and 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 17; at the Warkentine Culture and Arts Center, 4838 E. Butler Ave., on the main FPU campus.
The director: tony sanders (who doesn’t capitalize his name) is the artistic director of Shine! Theatre. He directs a cast featuring players from a variety of ethnic backgrounds.
The author: Hughes (1901-1967) was an American poet, social activist, novelist, playwright and columnist and one of the earliest innovators of jazz poetry.
Tickets: available at the door and in advance.Â
Show info
Title of show linked here, a Good Company Players production at Roger Rocka’s Dinner Theatre. Continues through Sept. 16. Tickets (some including dessert or dinner) are $32-$60.
