Photo Courtesy of Rebecca Wise Photography
Performers put on a show for the audience at the Magic City Nutcracker in 2017.
Every year since 2013, the Magic City Nutcracker has entertained area residents, drawing cast members from the community and from various age groups.
“We pride ourselves on being a true community production,” Artistic Director Stephanie Rangel said.
People from ages 5 to adult take part in the production, Rangel said, and the production uses a few professional dancers and actors, as well. The event is produced by Vestavia Dance, and a portion of proceeds are donated to charities through Vestavia Hills United Methodist Church.
For the young dancers that are part of the play, it often helps them develop a love for professional dance that continues throughout their life, Rangel said.
“It’s really special to see some girls develop a love for [dance],” Rangel said.
Rangel called the weekend the “most special weekend” of her year.
Two principal dancers join the production: Morgan McEwen, dancer with the Metropolitan Opera, and Simon Wexler, former dancer with American Ballet Theatre and principal with Texas Ballet Theater.
This year’s rendition will be at Virginia Samford Theatre, located at 1116 26th St. S. in Birmingham, on 7 p.m. Nov. 30; 2 and 7 p.m. Dec. 1; and 2 p.m. Dec. 2.
Rangel said the performance is a “collaborative effort.”
“We wouldn’t be able to do this without everyone playing their part,” Rangel said. “It’s really exciting.”
To purchase tickets, visit magiccitynutcracker.org.
