“Nutcracker Sweets” is a suite treat!

No holiday memory would be complete without piles of blankets, hot chocolate, and a cast of pointy-toed ballerinas pirouetting their way through the dance of the Sugarplum Fairy.

“Nutcracker Sweets,” is Maui’s cunningly punning take on Tchaikovsky’s classic Nutcracker Suite. This adaptation of the musical ballet will be performed by more than 100 youth from Maui’s Academy of Performing Arts.

Aimed at families and kids, the ballet is a more whimsical, playful bent on the (somewhat frightening and dramatic) original score and choreography.

There will only be two performances of the show, so be sure to reserve tickets for your whole family ahead of time.

Principle dancer, Derek Sakakura, is well known for his starring role in local productions of Ulalena, (a mythical musical/ballet rendition of native Hawaiian tradition and culture). Sakakura also teaches many of the young aspiring ballerinas who will be performing.

Mr. Sakakura trains children and adults, imparting his belief that dance offers us both a wonderful form of exercise and an expression of creativity and joy. He works closely with the Maui Academy of Performing Arts.

Founded in 1974, MAPA is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization dedicated to bringing educational and performing arts programs to the people of Hawaii. From its humble beginning as an after school drama program, it has since grown and expanded, being incorporated as a non-profit.

MAPA always maintains its purpose of providing quality theatre productions for the youth, by the youth. This presentation of “Nutcracker Sweets” will feature youth of all ages expressing the joy of dance.

There will be performances of “Nutcracker Sweets” this Sunday, December 5th, at 3 and 7 p.m. at the Maui Theatre at 878 Front St., in Lahaina.

Seating is reserved. Tickets are $20 for adults and $17 for children 12 and under. Call 244-8760 for tickets.

* This article has been merrily brought to you by Maesyn, a local musician and fan of the arts. www.myspace.com/maesyn

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Aloha!