Festival Dance & Performing Arts is excited to continue holiday traditions and bring back the
exceptional artistry of Ballet Fantastique with Babes in Toyland on Wednesday, November 30th, with
two showings, 5:30 & 7:30 PM at the Jones Theatre in Daggy Hall, on the WSU campus. Danced to the
music of Duke Ellington’s Nutcracker, this jazzy rendition, set in Christmas Candyland, loosely weaves
together characters from Mother Goose nursery rhymes creating a holiday-themed pageant while
holding to the storyline of Victor Herbert’s madcap fairytale.
Choreographed by the mother-daughter artistic team of Donna Marisa and Hannah Bontrager, this
reimagining of Babes in Toyland is filled with larger-than-life sets reminiscent of the technicolor
television era. Glitzy costumes, large set-pieces, and Candyland backdrop set the stage for
exceptional ballet infused with theatrical humor intended to entertain audiences of all ages and
tastes. “We’re bringing ballet out of the box, reimagining a lost classic with new dance theater and
great music,” said Hannah Bontrager, Co-Choreographer Producer.
Festival Dance & Performing Arts (FDPAA) continues its first full season since 2019 and celebrates its
50th Jubilee by bringing back this young company that received great praise from attendees following
last spring’s performances of Beauty & the Beast. “Bringing a touring Nutcracker to the Palouse is not
yet an option,” said, Deanna Bren, Executive Director of Festival Dance. “But we hope this extravagant
program will equally draw and captivate audience members and continue our mission of helping to
create life-long holiday memories!” The show will also continue the holiday tradition of having local
students perform character roles alongside seasoned professionals. For more information, ticket links,
and to view footage of the show, visit the FDPA’s website: www.festivaldance.org
Tickets are $37 for Adults, $32 for Seniors (62+), and $25 for youth and students.
More information is available at www.festivaldance.org or tickets can be purchased directly at Babes in Toyland Tickets Link
