Events Performing Arts

The Nutcracker and the Mouse King

Asheville Contemporary Dance Theatre’s Nutcracker

Asheville Contemporary Dance Theatre’s Nutcracker Set for December 2–3

It’s nearing time to put out holiday decorations, which for some of us includes our favorite nutcracker. The Nutcracker and the Mouse King will be performed Friday, December 2, at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, December 3, at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. at the Diana Wortham Theatre in Asheville. This lively show will be produced by Asheville Contemporary Dance Theatre (ACDT), one of the oldest nonprofit professional dance companies in the state.

In sharp contrast to Tchaikovsky’s classic ballet, this is a nontraditional modern-dance portrayal of E.T.A. Hoffman’s original story. In this colorful Christmas story of love and betrayal, a rich cast of characters and handmade sets will provide a festive experience for children and adults alike.

“The show is fun and crazy,” says Susan Collard, artistic director and founder of ACDT. “We make all of our own costumes and props, making it more of a community project that helps to create an awareness of the art of dance theatre.” Volunteers are recruited by Susan and her husband, Giles, who creates and designs the sets.

ACDT works to encourage every person to find harmony in themselves and their surroundings through dance. “Dance is important for the health of our community, both physical and mental,” says Collard. “It provides a nonviolent means of self-expression as well as bringing groups of people together through the arts. Dance is joy and is for everyone.”

This show is based on The Nutcracker and the Mouse King, in which a young girl’s nutcracker comes to life, battles a mouse king, and takes her to the land of the dolls. The ACDT has been performing this show since 2010, and adds different set pieces and elements each year. The cast has many bright characters including the Mouse King and Queen, but rumor has it that Sharon Cooper’s portrayal of the Nutcracker character has stolen the show for the past five years. Don’t let anyone in the family miss this Christmas adventure dance spectacular.

Tickets are general admission (adults $28, seniors and students $23, children $20) and are available at the Diana Wortham Theatre box office, by phone at 828.257.4530, or online at dwtheatre.com. For more information visit acdt.org.

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