38 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY DECEMBER 5-11, 2024 www.montereycountynow.com ON STAGE 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. 2612981, montereycountydancetheatre.com. MIGUEL SERRANO Ballet High The Nutcracker returns to King City for its 65th year of celebrating the holiday season. By Sloan Campi When young Clara can’t sleep on Christmas Eve, she follows a magical, larger-than-life Nutcracker through adventures, including a battle with the Mouse King. Landscape • Hardscape • Irrigation 831-624-4991 insideout1design@outlook.com f InsideOut Landscape Design CA LIC# 960809 w Landscape Design From An Interior Perspective Eliza DeCiantis believes that your landscape should be an extension of your interior space. Having received her Master Gardener’s Certification over 28 years ago, Eliza combines her 22 year career in television set design with her life-long passion for gardening to create beautiful custom landscape. Eliza is conscientious of our water management issues while creating a drought tolerant, deer resistant environment custom to your personal taste and budget. With a keen sense of attention to detail, Eliza will spruce up your existing landscape for a special event or create a new landscape to enjoy for years to come. InsideOut Landscape Design, Inc. can increase the value of your home, while enhancing the natural potential and beauty of your exterior space for your home or business. FRESH. LOCAL. TASTY. Fisherman’s Wharf FRESHEST SEAFOOD with PANORAMIC VIEWS Open Daily at 11:30am • At the end of Fisherman’s Wharf #1 www.rockfishmonterey.com • 831.324.4375 Local Farm Fresh Produce. Prepared Food To-Go. Home Delivery Available. 242 Forest Avenue, Pacific Grove ✦ 831-375-9581 Season’s Greetings from Our Family to Yours! Order your Christmas prime rib and roasts or New Year’s steaks and filet mignon today! We have everything you need for your holiday menu. BEST NEIGHBORHOOD MARKET 10x BEST BUTCHER SHOP ’10–’17, ’21, ’23 ’09– ’20 ’24
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