Metropolitan Ballet of Topeka
The Nutcracker
20th Anniversary Performance
Performances December 1 at 7:30 pm
December 2 at 3:00 pm
Topeka Performing Arts Center
Ticket Information (785)234-4545

Twenty years ago Metropolitan Ballet of Topeka introduced a delightful holiday theater experience to Topeka audiences.  MBT’s performances of The Nutcracker have alsways included a full orchestra, choir and international or recognized profesional artists in leading roles.

This holiday season will feature Topeka’s own two Sugar Plum Fairies.  Stephanie Heston, Seasman High graduate, who is currently a ballerina with Dance Alive in Jacksonville, Florida will return to her home company to perform Sugar Plum Fairy in the Saturday evening and Sunday performances.  She will be partnered by Alexander Smirnoff, a Russian trained dancer also performing with Dance Alive.  Morgan Tongish, a Washburn Rural High School graduate has returned to Topeka from her studies in New York City’s Academy of Musical and Dramatic Artists.  Morgan will perform Sugar Plum Fairy for the two student matinees on Friday, November 30 with her partner, Roman Nikiforov, also trained in Russia.

Ms. Tongish and Mr. Nikiforov will dance Snow Pas de Deux and Spanish Variation for the Saturday and Sunday performances.

Megan Siebert, junior at Topeka High, will perform Dew Drop Fairy Pas de Deux from Waltz of the Flowers with David Long of University of Missouri at Kansas City and Juliana Sollars, Washburn Rural High sophomore, will be partnered by Mr. Long in Mechanical Dolls.  Stephanie Weinbeck, Washburn Rural High sophomore, will dance Arabian Pas De Deuz with Sam Loop, also of UMKC.  Courtney Boman, WRHS junior, will dance Mirliton and seventh grader Cara Wedeking, at Jardine Middle School, will dance the coveted role of Clara.

Dr. Leon Burke, III, of St. Louis will return to Topeka to conduct MBT’s 20th annual orchestra of fine area musicians.  Adam White of Washburn Rural High will direct Ambiance singers in the beautiful Snow Scene.

All former dancers, Board members, and volunteers from past productions are asked to attend the Saturday evening performance and be recognized for their contributions to the development of true ballet entertainment in Topeka.

A special invitation will be issued to those alumna who call the studio with their current contact information.  Artistic Director, June Landrith, is planning a few choreographic and costuming memories from past productions as well as continuing to update and change the production from year to year to keep it fresh for audiences and dancers alike.

Tickets can be purchased from MBT dancers or TPAC ticket office at (785)234-4545 going on sale November 1. 

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