Ballet Co.Laboratory To Present NUTCRACKER IN WONDERLAND

This holiday season, Ballet Co.Laboratory is redefining the classic Nutcracker tale with a bold, empowering twist. Forget the Nutcracker Prince – Clara is settling into her own power, and she's not alone.

In Ballet Co.Laboratory's Nutcracker in Wonderland, audiences will be captivated by not one, but two holiday heroines – Clara and Alice – as they embark on a magical journey of self-discovery. Set to the Tchaikovsky Nutcracker score, this whimsical reimagining weaves together two iconic stories, creating a captivating narrative of adventure, resilience, and love.

From December 20 – 22, 2024 at The O'Shaughnessy at St. Catherine University, this production will invite audiences to experience the magic of the season through a fresh lens as Clara and Alice band together to confront villains, explore enchanting realms, and ultimately find the strength to define their own paths.

While the blending of The Nutcracker and Alice in Wonderland might seem like an unlikely pairing, the connection between the two stories runs deeper than one would expect. At their core, both Clara and Alice's stories are about young women navigating worlds turned upside down. They learn to embrace change, confront challenges, and discover who they truly are. “This year, I think audiences will find even more resonance in Clara and Alice's journey. Nutcracker in Wonderland's story is both timeless and timely,” says Managing Director Rachel Koep.

In traditional versions of The Nutcracker, the female characters often lack autonomy, relying on men to rescue or define them. But in Nutcracker in Wonderland, Clara's story takes on new depth. Professional dancer Sage Engle-Laird, who performs the role of Clara, finds Ballet Co.Laboratory's version of the character refreshing. “Typically, Clara and her storyline is rather simple – but in Nutcracker in Wonderland, I get to create a dynamic character who is discovering who she is and finds that her strength comes from within. It's been exciting to see how much people connect with her.”

In a world where it often feels like everything is topsy-turvy, Nutcracker in Wonderland offers an enchanting escape that overflows with magic and wonder. Audiences will journey with Clara and Alice as they join forces to battle the Rat Queen, whirl through the Land of Snowflakes, and encounter Wonderland residents like the Mad Hatter, mischievous Cheshire Cat, perpetually tardy White Rabbit, and spiteful Queen of Hearts.

This season, like many of us, Clara isn't waiting to be saved. She is rewriting her own story, proving that true heroism is about believing in yourself and the power you hold within.

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