SPAC's 'Nutcracker Tea' set for Nov. 19

PHOTOGRAPHER: Photo Provided

The cast takes a bow at a past "Nutcracker Tea."

The “Nutcracker Tea,” a Capital Region holiday tradition sponsored each year by the Saratoga Performing Arts Center, will be held Nov. 19 at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. at the Hall of Springs in Saratoga State Park.

Performed by the Northeast Ballet Company, the two performances will include a traditional English Christmas Tea, American Girl activities, giveaways, gift bags and more.

“The Nutcracker Tea has become one of the most highly anticipated events of the year and is an exhilarating way to kick off the holiday season in Saratoga,” said SPAC CEO and President Elizabeth Sobol. “We are grateful to American Girl Place for their partnership and our Action Council members whose efforts and imagination create a magical experience for our guests.”

At both performances, American Girl Place of New York City will host a raffle for a Gabriela doll and her accompanying storybook. Gabriela is the American Girl Doll of the Year, a limited edition doll who has a passion for dance and art. American Girl Place will also provide a fashion and arts activity for young guests, and additional activities will include Nutcracker Raffle and Nutcracker Store.

“In the past, tickets to our Nutcracker Tea have sold out in less than an hour,” said Sobol. “Anyone who is interested in attending this event should secure their tickets as soon as possible.”

“The Nutcracker,” composed in Tchaikovsky, is a fairy tale ballet that tells the story of a little girl’s journey through a fantasy world of fairies, princes and toy soldiers. It was first performed in 1892 in St. Petersburg, Russia, and became an American classic in 1954 when it was produced by George Balanchine in New York City.

Tickets are $75 for adults and $35 for children 15 and under. They can be purchased by calling (518) 584-9330, ext. 164, or online at spac.org. All proceeds benefit SPAC’s education program.