'A Steamed Nutcracker' will be presented by Citadel Dance & Music Center this holiday

Cheryl Morey, South Bend Tribune
·1 min read
Artemisia Johnson and TJ Nichols perform as Sansa and Lawton in Citadel Dance & Music Center's 2018 production of “A Steamed Nutcracker.” Citadel presents the steampunk version of the holiday classic Dec. 16, 2023, at Lake Michigan College's Mendel Center in Benton Harbor.
Artemisia Johnson and TJ Nichols perform as Sansa and Lawton in Citadel Dance & Music Center's 2018 production of “A Steamed Nutcracker.” Citadel presents the steampunk version of the holiday classic Dec. 16, 2023, at Lake Michigan College's Mendel Center in Benton Harbor.

BENTON HARBOR — Citadel Dance & Music Center presents “A Steamed Nutcracker” at 2 and 7 p.m. Dec. 16 at Lake Michigan College’s Mendel Center, 2755 E. Napier Ave.

A steampunk twist on “The Nutcracker,” the production features story and choreography by dance director Lari Lawrence-Gist with score by Peter Tchaikovsky performed by a professional orchestra directed by Steven Reed.

The story begins with a holiday ball held by the heroine, Sansa, inside her zeppelin. The party is attended by many of her friends, including her best friend, Cora, and a handsome soldier, Lawton, who, despite Cora’s best attempts to beguile him, falls in love with Sansa.

The Seer and her Three-Eyed Ravens fruitlessly try to warn Sansa of impending doom, but Sansa refuses to listen.

Paige Mulick performs as Timekeeper Bunny in Citadel Dance & Music Center's 2015 production of “A Steamed Nutcracker.” Citadel presents the steampunk version of the holiday classic Dec. 16, 2023, at Lake Michigan College's Mendel Center in Benton Harbor.
Paige Mulick performs as Timekeeper Bunny in Citadel Dance & Music Center's 2015 production of “A Steamed Nutcracker.” Citadel presents the steampunk version of the holiday classic Dec. 16, 2023, at Lake Michigan College's Mendel Center in Benton Harbor.

Guests depart and Sansa falls asleep with the events of the evening haunting her dreams, which include characters such as a flock of Three-Eyed Ravens, Timekeeping White Rabbits and Father Thyme.

Blinded by jealousy, Cora returns to attack Sansa, and The Seer’s prophesy is fulfilled.

“A Steamed Nutcracker” will be danced by Citadel students and faculty and includes many different genres of dance.

“Sansa’s Tea Party” takes place at 12:30 Dec. 16 in the Mendel’s lobby. Attendees will have tea and treats with the cast, receive a backstage tour, have photos taken with the cast, and have their fortune told by the Seer. Admission is free with the purchase of a matinee ticket.

Tickets for the performances are $30-$15.

For more information, visit citadeldancemusic.ludus.com.

This article originally appeared on South Bend Tribune: Citadel presents steampunk twist on 'The Nutcracker'