A unique version of the holiday-inspired ballet The Nutcracker set in nineteenth century San Luis Obispo returns to the Harold J. Miossi Cultural and Performing Arts Center at Cuesta College for three performances on December 20 and 21.
The Nutcracker: A San Luis Obispo Story, created by Ryan Lawrence and Maartje Hermans-Lawrence and presented by the San Luis Obispo Movement Arts Center, follows Clara, a young girl who lives on Buchon Street, through her magical journey that transforms Tchaikovsky’s classic into a celebration of San Luis Obispo history.
Set in 1894, Clara’s dream takes her from a party at her home to an adventure where her Nutcracker prince conquers terrifying tarantulas to reach the Land of Sweet Things: SLO’s historic Chinatown.
The production features cherished local elements including Ah Louis and Mr. Chong’s candy store, mercury mine workers, sheep and a shepherdess from the coastal dairy industry, wildflowers from the Carrizo Plain, and even a rattlesnake.
“After seeing how deeply audiences connected with our local interpretation last year, we’re excited to bring this magical story home once again,” according to Hermans-Lawrence. “There’s something truly special about watching families see their own community’s history come alive through dance.”