Davis Children’s Nutcracker opens its 37th year

By Hanah Wyman,
Bluedevilhub.com Staff–

The Davis Children’s Nutcracker opened its annual show on Wednesday, Dec. 17 at the Veterans Memorial Center Theater.

The shows runs six times over the course of five days, ending Sunday, Dec 21. It features many of the roles from the original Nutcracker, including Clara and the Sugar Plum Fairy, but also introduces new roles, such as Hawaiian dancers and Bakers.

Each year, the show includes around 250 participants, ages six to twelve. They practice with the supervision of volunteers over the course of three weeks.

This year, there are just short of 240 participants, according to Hilary Shontz, senior leader and assistant costume designer.

Many of the volunteer leaders were in the show when they were younger. “Being a volunteer is great because even though you’re too old to be in the show you can still be a part of it,” junior Abby McIntyre said.

Planning for the show begins in September when participants sign up. There are only 250 slots open for the show and many more kids who want to participate, so participants are chosen by lottery.

The Nutcracker has been a popular activity for children during the holidays for many years.

“The Nutcracker is a wonderful holiday tradition for the whole family,” said Margaret Fix, mother of a Hawaiian dancer.