Part of San Francisco’s and New York City’s holiday spirit is fueled each year by the production of Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker. These cities boast what is believed to be the first – and second-longest running productions of the classic holiday ballet. But they also have something in common with King City.
According to director for the Monterey County Dance Foundation, Teri Storelli, King City boasts the third-longest continuously running production of the holiday staple in the country. The original production began in 1959 at the El Camino Hotel Ballroom. The show was eventually moved to its current location at the Robert Stanton Theater. But its legacy is cemented through the performers, who are raised through the different roles each year.
“As a parent, it’s amazing to watch your children grow through this,” Storelli says. “It is almost like a yearbook kind of moment.”
Participants in King City’s production start when they are about 3 to 4 years old. Every year they graduate into a different role. This year, Storelli’s daughter Jenavieve plays Clara – the main character across from the titular protagonist.
Two organizations, Monterey County Dance Theatre and Monterey County Dance Foundation, make the play possible. The latter is a student company, made up of dancers who are learning the performance. With the continuous legacy of King City’s staging comes a high production value, as well. Fortunately for the dancers, Monterey County Dance Foundation covers all of the costs of production.
“King City is considered an arts desert,” Storelli says. The production of the ballet is an oasis. Special effects like snow adorning the stage add to the magic of the performance.
And the tale naturally embodies the wonder of the holiday season, Storelli adds. “The story about a girl’s pure heart to break a curse is everything about what makes the holidays wonderful,” she says. “It all harkens back to this classic tale, and all the hallmark movies come back to this theme.
“The whole town really comes out,” Storelli adds, remarking on the impact The Nutcracker has on the community – not to mention the story has had on all of us.
THE NUTCRACKER is performed at 7pm Friday-Saturday, Dec. 13-Dec. 14 and 2pm Sunday, Dec. 15 at the Robert Stanton Theater, 720 Broadway St., King City. $17.85. 261-2981, montereycountydancetheatre.com
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