With a New Mexico twist: 'Nutcracker in the Land of Enchantment' brings a different viewpoint to holiday classic

Mr. Coyote.

Ms. Roadrunner.

Zozobra.

These are a few of the characters that appear in the “Nutcracker in the Land of Enchantment.”

The production is staged by Festival Ballet Albuquerque and gives a New Mexico twist to the beloved holiday classic.

In the production, the audience is transported to territorial New Mexico in the late 1800s, with added elements of the state’s heritage and traditions including Spanish dancers, southwestern snakes, sheep and shepherdesses, a lively fandango, a storyteller doll with children and lavish western Victorian-era costumes.

“The production is showcasing New Mexico heritage and traditions while maintaining the classical grace and family appeal of its origins,” says Patricia Dickinson Wells, choreographer and director. “With the last few years of international controversy surrounding the stereotypical depiction of the Chinese variation in the second act, I have reimagined this section in terms of New Mexico traditions in keeping with the theme of our beloved regional culture bringing into this scene Zozobra, Día de los Muertos and jackalopes.”

With a New Mexico twist: 'Nutcracker in the Land of Enchantment' brings different viewpoint to holiday classic

“Nutcracker in the Land of Enchantment” will be staged at the Albuquerque Journal Theatre at the National Hispanic Cultural Center. There will be five performances which take place at 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 15, 2 and 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 16, and Sunday, Dec. 17.

This year, there are more than 100 dancers – many who have come back to perform with the production.

Dickinson Wells always wanted to showcase New Mexico’s beautiful traditions.

“We have jackalopes, coyotes, a roadrunner and a Rat King with a cholla crown,” she says. “The classical pieces, such as sugar plum fairies, are still very much classical. The Zozobra character will be on stilts and we have a professional stilt walker for that role.”

In addition, there is a live orchestra that brings the production to life. The orchestra is helmed by maestro Guillermo Figueroa, who is the former music director of the New Mexico Symphony Orchestra, an internationally renowned conductor and violinist, and 2012 Latin Grammy nominee.

“We’re the only production to have a live orchestra,” she says. “It’s been a long journey to get to this point.”

Rehearsals began in September and Dickinson Wells says the production is ready for five performances.

“It does take time to plan and make the necessary changes needed for a new cast,” she says. “Having dancers return makes it easier. We have all types of dancers. There are some learning and a group of great professionals. It’s a tradition for us to put on the most dynamic show of the year. We added Zozobra a few years ago. I’m working on a way to incorporate a hot air balloon in the future.”