This year marks the 18th season of The Mystery of Christmas.
This high-tech production has inspired audiences for almost two decades–15 years at The Youthfront Auditorium in Kansas City, and two years at the Liberty Performing Arts Center in Liberty Mo. This year the Mystery is coming back to Kansas City and establishing a new home in the beautiful Goppert Theater at Avila University.
This new version of the Christmas classic The Nutcracker will be performed by Dramatic Truth Ballet Theatre and the Dramatic Truth School of the Arts (See video below). This production’s birth was in Nashville in 1987. Artistic Director Liz Dimmel was driving to the Tennessee Performing Arts Theater to see her daughter perform in The Nutcracker. Liz casually mentioned to her husband Doug, “Wouldn’t it be great if there was a version of The Nutcracker that actually told the Christmas story?” By the time they arrived home that evening vision for The Mystery of Christmas became a reality.
As in The Nutcracker, the MOC production includes the classical music of Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker and central figure Clara has a magical dream. However she doesn’t dream about Sugarplum Fairies or snowflakes, but rather she travels back in time to Bethlehem. She witnesses angels, shepherds, and kings converging on a humble stable where she discovers The Mystery of Christmas.
As television and cinema continue to push traditional family boundaries, it’s more difficult to find productions/events that will be appropriate and enjoyable for parents and children. The Mystery of Christmas was created to appeal to families looking for spiritually significant events during the holidays.
Coming to Avila, The Mystery of Christmas brings several exciting new changes for audiences to enjoy! New costumes, new choreography, and the experience of this beautiful and moving ballet in the round are just a few. The layout of this unique theater offers limitless creative opportunities! Imagine the thrill as dancers fly by audience members only a couple of feet from their seats!
Dramatic Truth School of the Arts is a not-for-profit organization that is dedicated to excellence in training and excellence in character. For more information visit Dramatic Truth School of the Arts.
