News

Sold-out performances, an impressed community of 1200 patrons, a kaleidoscope of colours and beauty - Moscow Ballet's Great Russian Nutcracker turned out to be a smashingly successful event for Keyano Theatre, raising over $55,000 for the second annual fundraiser.

Funds raised will assist the Theatre in areas of programming and technical upgrades.

Sponsored by FT Services, Nutcracker featured two performances, beginning with a free morning breakfast for matinee ticket holders. Called the Land of the Sugar Plum Fairies, the pancake breakfast sponsored by Eagle Ridge hosted over 250 community members with face-painting, crafts and cookies for children.

"I really liked the face-painting and the candy-canes," said six-year-old Will Fisher, who was looking forward to watching the Mouse King onstage.

Lois Lockwood, spokesperson for Centron which is overseeing the development of Eagle Ridge dubbed the event a good fit for what the company aims in the region.

"As we build a master plan community in Fort McMurray, we want to give back," explains Lockwood.

"Keyano Theatre is an integral part of the community, which is why we wanted to be a part of the event," Lockwood added.

Moscow Ballet's Great Russian Nutcracker is proof that not only music but dance too transcends international boundaries.

The ballet company consisted of 40 dancers, each one an emblem of grace and agility. As the second half opened the audience was transported to the mesmerizing Land of Peace and Harmony, where the snowflakes come to life. What follows is a memorable piece, with the white-clad ballerinas moving in perfect unison.

Jon-Paul Walden, General Manager, Keyano Theatre, said "it is a delightful show for either dance enthusiasts or first timers. We are thrilled that we are able to bring such programming to Keyano stage and at the same time continue to build our audience for dance and theatre."

Penny Cooper, an avid Keyano Theatre patron and a tap dance student at the College was touched by the performance. She attended the matinee with her eight-year-old daughter Emma-Leigh, who also takes dance lessons at Keyano College and best friend Denise Bowdridge.

"There are no words to describe the performance. It is the best one I've seen at Keyano" shared Cooper.

"I get goose-bumps just talking about it," added Bowdridge, who also takes tap at the College. "Nutcracker certainly inspired me, I want to be a ballerina now," she smiled.