Owensboro Dance Theatre (ODT) will celebrate the holiday season with its 31st annual production of The German American Bank Nutcracker.
Performances for school audiences are set for Friday at 9:15 a.m. and 11:30 a.m., with public showings on Saturday at 7 p.m. and Sunday at 3 p.m. in Cannon Hall at the RiverPark Center.
A release from ODT said the production features dynamic choreography, digital backdrops, and new costumes and set pieces designed to immerse audiences in the magical world of Marie’s adventure. This year’s cast includes 174 local participants, 45 Company and Apprentice Company dancers, and four professional guest artists.
Guest artists include George Brous and Eduardo Zambrana of Giordano Dance Chicago, as well as Jorge Emilio and Alisha Hill of Kentucky Ballet Theatre.
Joey Burshears will play Mother Ginger. He said his involvement is a way to celebrate his daughters’ participation in ODT’s programs and create lasting memories during his eldest daughter’s senior year.
“I chose to compete in the role of Mother Ginger this year because I have three daughters who are in ODT’s Company and Apprentice Company,” Burshears said. “Watching them perform in ‘The Nutcracker’ has been a joy every year, and since it’s my oldest daughter’s senior year, I wanted to create a special, memorable experience for us all by joining the performance. It feels like the perfect way to bond with them and celebrate this tradition together.”
In addition to the performances, ODT will host its annual Snowball Daddy Daughter Dance on Friday from 6-8 p.m. at the RiverPark Center. Sponsored by The Way Agency, the event has already sold out. Attendees can enjoy dancing, food, and holiday festivities, including a visit from Santa and appearances by “Nutcracker” characters.
“For more than three decades, ODT has blended tradition with innovation, bringing the community together through performances and programs that inspire and connect,” spokesperson Jaysie Royal said.
For tickets to “The Nutcracker” and additional information, visit owensborodancetheatre.org/.
