SALINAS VALLEY — Monterey County Dance Theatre (MCDT) is set to raise the curtain on its 65th anniversary production of “The Nutcracker Ballet” this weekend at the historic Robert Stanton Theater.
Directed and choreographed by Janette Harkness, the daughter of MCDT founder Pauline Hall, the performance carries forward a legacy that began in 1959 when Hall staged the ballet’s first rendition in King City. The local ballet is one of the oldest performed in the United States, after George Balanchine New York City Ballet, San Francisco Ballet and Ballet West.
Harkness, who has led the company for decades, reflected on the milestone.
“I was in the first baby steps of the ballet, surrounded by fellow little dancers and my sisters, Paula and JeNell. I hear my mother’s voice now so clearly, encouraging us forward,” she remembered. “And now, look at where her vision has allowed so many to know all things are possible — even to dance in a ballet in a small rural area.”
Monterey County Dance Foundation, the nonprofit organization supporting the production, echoed this sentiment.
“This is a milestone production, and it is truly an honor to be a part of it,” said Ginnie Guidotti, Foundation president. “To give our South Monterey County communities such an enchanting experience for 65 years is quite an accomplishment, and it all started with the creative vision of Mrs. Pauline Hall.”
The production features a cast of 125 student dancers, volunteer actors and a dedicated tech crew of 20, most of whom are volunteers. Months of preparation have culminated in this magical performance, which includes the iconic Mouse War cannon scene, a snowfall during the Land of Snow sequence and the beloved Sugar Plum Fairy’s banquet in the Land of Sweets.
The principal roles highlight young talent from across South Monterey County.
Clara is played by King City’s Jenavieve Storelli, with her mischievous brother Fritz portrayed by Allison Ochoa, also of King City. The Nutcracker Prince, Zeke Brown, hails from Lockwood. All three are students at King City High School.
Soledad’s Kali Jimenez, a senior at Soledad High School, brings the Sugar Plum Fairy to life. The Snow Queen, Sheccid Salas, is a student at Palma High School in Salinas and resides in Soledad.
The Arabian Pas de Deux is performed by King City’s Fatima Silva, a senior at King City High School, and Shad Brown, who lives in Lockwood and works at Fort Hunter Liggett.
The Foundation has also made efforts to make the ballet accessible, providing 100 complimentary tickets to local schoolchildren.
“We are overjoyed that all of our dancers have the opportunity to shine on stage during this momentous occasion,” Guidotti said.
Harkness expressed her gratitude to the community for its unwavering support.
“Teaching for 47 years has been a result of my mother’s love and her vision,” she said. “Dance and the arts can flourish anywhere if students and their communities are provided an opportunity to see, to learn and to experience all it has to offer.”
Performances are scheduled for 7 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 13, and Saturday, Dec. 14, with a matinee at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 15. The Robert Stanton Theater is located on the King City High School campus, 720 Broadway St. in King City.
Tickets are available online through Eventbrite and at the door. The show is open to children ages 4 and up, promising an unforgettable holiday tradition for the entire family.
