The true meaning of Christmas should never be a mystery. While the Christmas season is one time of year when culture acknowledges Christianity in the form of buildings decked with lights and scenery, music trumpeting from every store, and Christmas productions of all kinds spring from the corners of Kansas City, the message can still get lost.
Sometimes the connection to Jesus can be tenuous. Amid these wonderful trappings and frivolities, where do we go to find a reminder of the real purpose of the season in the festive display?
We find one of these opportunities in Dramatic Truth’s annual ballet production, The Mystery of Christmas, a Christ centered adaptation of the Nutcracker ballet.
The performance schedule begins with a Student Show Friday, Dec. 13 at 9:30am, in addition to the Gala Dinner (6pm) and General Audience Show at 7:30 on Friday. General Audience Performances on Saturday, December 14, are 1pm and 6pm. Tickets available HERE.
Here are all the beautiful scenes of Clara at the window, waiting for the party-comers, the huge tree and the bright, shiny presentation of the Nutcracker. However, just after curtain the story takes a different turn, as Clara is soon swept off by the Holy Spirit to the war of angels and demons as they battle before the birth of Jesus, and then the adoration of the nations before the Christ child, all these experiences leading her to understand the true meaning of Christmas.
Chichester, England’s Carys Applebee, guest artist with Dramatic Truth’s professional company, says of her upcoming role as the Holy Spirit, “Growing up I have always loved the glitz and elegance of the traditional Nutcracker ballet, but to be dancing a version that tells the most important story of all time, the story of Christ, is very exciting. I cannot wait for opening night!”
Beautiful scenery melds with the precise pointe technique Dramatic Truth is known for in a ballet sure to engage audiences of all ages. Delightful new characters and storylines premiering this year will surprise even those already well-acquainted with the ballet, a presentation of Dramatic Truth’s professional company with support from the school. Caitlin Gregorczyk, a company member from Virginia, is looking forward to her 9th production of Mystery tells us, “As a dancer, “Angels” is my favorite piece, with many leaps and pirouettes showcasing the awe and power of God. I look forward to this dance every year!”
We invite you for a unique celebration of the holiday as Grandfather, with the help of the Angelic Host and the Waltz of the Flowers, gives your family a new tradition of joy and faith for the holidays, The Mystery of Christmas!
The Mystery of Christmas is taking place at the White Theater in the Jewish Community Center, 5801 W. 115th St., Overland Park, Kansas. For tickets and information please visit www.dramatictruth.org or call 816-767-9222.
–Staff