Tulsa Ballet's Nutcracker this weekend

Thousands of Oklahomans have made the annual production of Tulsa Ballet's "The Nutcracker" part of their holiday traditions. <br><br>But this weekend will be the last opportunity to see the version

Friday, December 20th 2002, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

Thousands of Oklahomans have made the annual production of Tulsa Ballet's "The Nutcracker" part of their holiday traditions.

But this weekend will be the last opportunity to see the version choreographed by Tulsa Ballet co-founders Moscelyne Larkin and her husband, the late Roman Jasinski.

The company will retire the production this year because the sets and costumes are worn and old after more than 20 years of use. Ticket sales have also declined steadily in recent years.

Artistic Director Marcello Angelini will choreograph a new "Nutcracker" he says will follow the original story closely. "But it's going to be a departure from what Tulsa audiences are used to seeing because it's going to take people on a magical voyage, a magical trip in a magical time, a time of the past century, but I can't tell you more than that right now."

Angelini says the new version will still feature Tulsa area children. Moscelyne Larkin says she also believes its time for a new production.

"The Nutcracker" will be performed through Monday night at the PAC. Call 749-6006 for tickets.