The Rep’s Imaginary Theatre Company Presents The Nutcracker 12/18-21

The Imaginary Theatre Company, the young audiences touring ensemble of The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis, will present its own original version of The Nutcracker this holiday season. The Nutcracker is based on the original story by E.T.A. Hoffman and was adapted by playwright Sarah Brandt and composer NeAl Richardson. The performance is a musical, incorporating elements of the well-known ballet and beloved Tchaikovsky score into a 50-minute performance suitable for all ages.

The Rep's Imaginary Theatre Company, supported by a $25,000 grant from the Monsanto Fund, will present The Nutcracker on Dec. 18, 20 and 21, at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. at the Heagney Theatre on the campus of Nerinx Hall High School. Tickets are $6.

"The Rep is honored to team up with the Monsanto Fund," said Steve Woolf, artistic director of The Rep. "We are thrilled that we can share our production of The Nutcracker with more audiences because of receiving this funding."

The Rep's Imaginary Theatre Company series includes three productions performed at schools, libraries and community centers throughout the St. Louis area October through April. The series introduces live theatre to children through the use of literature, folk tales, fairy tales and new adaptations of classic works and also includes special public performances.

"The Monsanto Fund is proud to support The Rep's Imaginary Theatre Company and its pursuit to expose young people in our community to live theatre," said Deborah Patterson, president, the Monsanto Fund. "Experiencing these high-quality live performances, like The Nutcracker, inspires children to expand and apply their own creativity."

The cast of The Nutcracker is Ann Ashby as Marie, Lakeetha Blakeney as Mother, Mouse, Fairy and Townsperson, Jordan Reinwald as Godfather, Mouse King, Fairy and Mayor, and Christian Vieira as Father, Nutcracker and Fritz.

The creative staff also includes Scott Loebl, scenic designer; Dorothy Marshall Englis, costume designer; Ellen Isom, choreographer; and Danny Maly, stage manager.

For more information about The Rep's production of The Nutcracker, including a guide introducing the characters, plot and background on the play; photos related to the production; and to purchase tickets, visit The Rep's comprehensive public website at http://www.repstl.org or call the Box Office at (314) 968-4925.