The Norman Ballet Company’s 11th Annual Oklahoma Nutcracker will take place on Sunday November 25, 2012 at 3:00 PM at the Nancy O’Brian Center for the Performing Arts (1809 Stubbeman in Norman).

Special guest dancers this year are Madalina Stoica & Ovidiu Ianco, both Senior Soloists with the Tulsa Ballet. Miss Stoica will dance the role of the Sand Plum Fairy with Mr. Ianco partnering as her Prince.

The popular Sand Plum Fairy Tea Party will take place in the Studio Theater at 1:00 PM preceding the performance! Tickets for both events are now on sale at www.ticketstorm.com! 1-866 -966-1777

The Oklahoma Nutcracker is the Norman Ballet company’s unique version of the traditional “Nutcracker” ballet that everyone knows & loves! The Party Scene is set in Oklahoma City’s Overholser Mansion and the little girl (Clara) is the Overholser daughter, Henry Ione. The decor of Act I Party Scene is a replica of the drawing room of the Overholser Mansion. The storyline and the beautiful Tchaikovsky score remain the same as the traditional version of the ballet. The battle scene, complete with the Mouse King and Nutcracker leading their “troops” of mice and toy soldiers stay true to the original story also. A beautiful red cardinal leads Henry Ione & her prince through the snowy winterscape as they make their way to see the Sand Plum Fairy & her kingdom.

Act II is set in the kingdom of the Sand Plum Fairy – where Henry Ione & her Nutcracker Prince sit on the Rose Rock throne to watch the beautiful natural treasures of Oklahoma ( scissortail flycatcher, the king snake, chili pepper, prairie tall grass, & topped with Mama Armadillo & her babies) perform under the prairie sunset.

Marjorie Kovich, Artistic Director of the Norman Ballet Company says of the ballet production and tea party: “The Oklahoma Nutcracker is a huge favorite for families & will hold the attention of young children as well as an older audience. The concept of an Oklahoma Nutcracker is a tribute to our state – its natural beauty and its history. The Sand Plum Fairy Tea Party (this takes place in the Studio Theater right next to the main auditorium) which precedes the performance has become a hugely popular annual event for parents & grandparents to take their young children to meet the Sand Plum Fairy in person. Grandparents especially enjoy attending the party with the youngsters – everyone is all decked out in their holiday attire for this special event. This year, the children will also get to meet the Nutcracker character from the performance. There are crafts to make, a storyteller & a wonderful selection of tea party goodies! Seating is limited so don’t wait to purchase your tickets!”

Cast members for the 2012 Oklahoma Nutcracker, consisting of dancers and actors from Norman, Moore, Chickasha, Newalla, Oklahoma City, and Purcell, were selected in an open audition in August. Courtney Dibello will serve as Stage Manager, Steve Estes as Light & Technical Director and Susan Petzel as costumer.

All tickets for the performance are reserved & cost $20. The Sand Plum Fairy Tea Party is $18 per ticket (all attendees must purchase a ticket & children must be accompanied by an adult). Contact www.ticketstorm.com for both events. 1-866-966-1777