“The Nutcracker” 2025
Step into the enchanting world of The Nutcracker, a timeless ballet that weaves a tale of
magical dreams and holiday wonder. Set to Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s iconic score, this beloved
production follows the journey of the young Clara as her Nutcracker doll comes to life and
whisks her away to a whimsical realm.
Amidst swirling snowflakes and twirling flowers, Clara meets the Sugar Plum Fairy, the dashing
Cavalier, and a cast of enchanting characters in the Land of Sweets. From the enchanting
Snowflakes to the lovely Sugar Plum Fairy, each dance of The Nutcracker captures the essence
of the season and celebrates the joy of imagination.
FRIDAY, November 29, 7 P.M.
SATURDAY, November 30, 2 P.M.
SATURDAY, November 30, 7 P.M.
SUNDAY, December 1, 2 P.M.
SATURDAY, December 7, 2 P.M.
SATURDAY, December 7, 7 P.M.
SUNDAY, December 8, 2 P.M.
SATURDAY, December 14, 2 P.M.
SATURDAY, December 7, 7 P.M.
SUNDAY, December 15, 2 P.M.
Venue: Main Street Theatre in the Charming and Historic Rivertown of Conway
335 Main Street, Conway, SC 29526
Tickets will be available for purchase in mid-October.
“The Nutcracker” is presented in collaboration with Coastal Dance Centre, the official training school of Coastal Youth Ballet Theatre.
Coastal Youth Ballet Theatre, in collaboration with its training school, Coastal Dance Centre, is presenting the annual production of the beloved holiday production of “THE NUTCRACKER.”
The Nutcracker: A Classic Holiday Tradition
The libretto is adapted from E.T. A. Hoffmann’s classic story of The Nutcracker and the Mouse King. The whole ballet is danced to the iconic music of Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky, with choreography and staging led by CYBT Artistic Directors Liza Mata and Karen Mata after that of Marius Petipa’s and Lev Ivanov’s ballet.
“The Nutcracker” tells the story of young Clara who is given a magical nutcracker doll on Christmas Eve by her eccentric uncle and godfather, Herr Drosselmeyer. Adventure awaits as she and her transformed Nutcracker Prince battle the frightful Mouse King before embarking on a journey through the Land of the Snow. With the help of the Snow Queen, Herr Drosselmeyer, Clara, and her Prince travel to the Land of the Sweets where they are entertained by the Sugar Plum Fairy, her Cavalier, and her Entourage of Sweets.
The Nutcracker performances are brought to life by a cast of eighty talented young artists, which includes the Coastal Youth Ballet Theatre company members, together with students from Coastal Dance Centre, CYBT’s training school, professional guest artist and volunteer community members. It is a labor of love for us in CYBT to put on these performances every year. Our dancers, dance families and volunteers work tirelessly to bring these performances to life and to bring smiles and joy to their audiences.
“The Nutcracker” has long been seen as a popular ballet production during the holiday season, and we are so blessed to be able to bring such a beloved family tradition to the Myrtle Beach Area for 17 years now.
“The Nutcracker” 2024
“The Nutcracker” 2023
“The Nutcracker” 2022
“The Nutcracker” 2021
“The Nutcracker” 2020
“The Nutcracker” 2019
“The Nutcracker” 2018
“The Nutcracker” 2017
“The Nutcracker” 2016
Nutcracker Trivia:
- The Nutcracker has become an annual holiday tradition in many American cities and even around the world. It is so popular that holidays are not complete without seeing The Nutcracker live.
- The Nutcracker’s origin can be traced back to Russia in the late 1800’s where choreographer Marius Petipa and composer Peter Ilyitch Tchaikovsky created the ballet based on ETA Hoffman’s story of The Nutcracker and the Mouse King.
- In the 1900’s, touring Russian ballet companies brought the Nutcracker to the United States.
- Four years later, The Nutcracker was born as a full-length ballet for the San Francisco Ballet. In 1954, George Balanchine created his Nutcracker for the New York City Ballet which CBS televised in 1958, making ballet and specifically The Nutcracker, more accessible to American audiences.
- Following suit of New York City Ballet and the San Francisco Ballet, professional ballet companies and ballet schools across the United States created their own versions of The Nutcracker.
- Every year, people troop to the theaters to relive the ballet’s Christmas magic, and every year, dance students, new and old cast members alike, come together to practice and perfect the ballet. Most versions of The Nutcracker share elements of ETA Hoffman’s original story and the use of Tchaikovsky’s music and many versions include roles for professional dancers and dance students.
- American audiences love The Nutcracker because of the fact that it has the participation of children in major roles such as, in the idealized Christmas Eve Party Scene. The ballet depicts the tradition of having a family reunion, observing the holidays, all idealizing a close-knit family environment.
CYBT’s “MOTHER GINGER”
WHO’S THAT UNDER THE GIANT SKIRT? The Story Behind CYBT’s Beloved “Mother Ginger” Tradition
If you’ve ever seen The Nutcracker, you know the moment: the music swells, a gigantic, candy-colored skirt rolls onto the stage, and from beneath it tumbles a dozen giggling children. At the center of it all—towering wig, rosy cheeks, and infectious laughter—is Mother Ginger. What many don’t realize is that Mother Ginger isn’t just a whimsical character; she’s a symbol of generosity, joy, and community spirit. And at Coastal Youth Ballet Theatre, she’s been portrayed for over a decade by some of our area’s most recognizable faces—teachers, journalists, professors, city leaders, and everyday heroes who’ve stepped out of their professional shoes and into something delightfully outrageous.
“People love Mother Ginger because it’s pure fun,” says Liza Mata, CYBT’s Artistic Director. “It’s a moment when the audience sees someone they recognize—someone they might have watched on TV or met at school board meetings—and they realize that art is for everyone. That’s what makes this role so special.”
A Theatrical Tradition with a Twist
In classical ballet history, Mother Ginger—or Mère Gigogne, as she was called in 19th-century France—was traditionally performed by a man in comedic disguise, much like the “Dame” in British theatre. The oversized costume, towering wig, and playful antics are all part of the charm. The tradition was never about gender—it has always been about joy, humor, and shared celebration. At CYBT, that same spirit lives on. By inviting local figures to take the stage, the company bridges the gap between art and audience—reminding everyone that ballet isn’t distant or exclusive, but something vibrant, local, and alive.
Mother Ginger Celebrities and Hometown Heroes are part of our CYBT Nutcracker tradition.
Who Qualifies as a “MOTHER GINGER” Local Celebrity?
Personalities who are the most respected, adored, influential, caring and generous community leaders or hometown heroes are nominated by community members and are featured as the “Mother Ginger” character.
Since 2012, Coastal Youth Ballet Theatre has been honored to have local celebrities, hometown heroes, community leaders and local VIPs in this colorful role.
Our past Mother Gingers have included among others…
• Barbara Jo Blain – Bellamy – Conway City Mayor
• Johnny Vaught – Horry County Councilman
• Randal Wallace – Myrtle Beach City Council Member
• Paul Richardson – Coastal Carolina University Chemistry Professor
• Alvin Payne – Myrtle Beach Fire Chief
• Gene Ho – Celebrity Photographer
• Van Pennel – St. James High School Principal
• James LaPier – Former Principal of Lakewood Elementary School
• Tim Carnahan – Waccamaw Intermediate School Principal
• Karen Shepard – Loris Chief of Police
• Andrew Wright – former Captain of the St. James High School Football Team
• Ed Piotrowski, Bob Juback, Libba Holland, Cecil Chandler, Frank Johnson, Nicole
Boone, Amanda Kinseth, BJ Kinard, Jamie Arnold, Jeff Benton, Adam Dellinger –
TV and Radio Personalities: Meteorologists, News Anchors, Radio DJs