Tulsa Ballet Performs The Nutcracker With Updated Twist

By Tara Vreeland, The News On 6

TULSA, OK -- One of the most beloved Christmas tales this holiday season is a fight between good and evil. The Tulsa Ballet is performing the classic Christmas tale of the Nutcracker at the Tulsa Performing Arts Center. 

But the interpretation isn't entirely traditional and the audience may be surprised. The timeless tradition of the Nutcracker was given an updated twist.

"It's more of a love story than just the original Nutcracker. There's not a candy land, but it's more magical," said Calley Skalnik, "Marie."

In its seventh season, Tulsa Ballet's artistic director Marcello Angelini's version is from the classic Hoffman novel.

"For me that captures the essence of Christmas, the essence of the holiday season really," said Marcello Angelini, Tulsa Ballet Artistic Director.

The ballet beings with a Christmas party at the Paris Opera House. Calley Skalnik plays Marie.

"When you get on stage, it's like a whole other world. There's no audience. You just really fall in love with the Nutcracker and the story," said Calley Skalnik.

Angelini says some people are turned off by the ballet, which is why he decided to update the ballet.

"What I want them to get out of The Nutcracker is a mix of dance, ballet and a Broadway show," said Marcello Angelini.

The ballet is set in the 1920's. A Rolls Royce and the paparazzi are part of the plot.

"It is very different than any other Nutcracker and I'm so proud that here in Tulsa, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, we have one of the most forward looking Nutcrackers in the United States of America," said Marcello Angelini.

The dancers perform to Tchaikovsky's music, but Angelini also inserted music that wasn't from the Nutcracker.

"Shorten the second act, pack it with action, make the first act again packed with action and fast moving vignettes and hopefully the ballet works," said Marcello Angelini.

The final performance was at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, December 20 at the Tulsa Performing Arts Center.