Holiday sleigh ride show returns to Caravan Farm Theatre

Nov 12, 2023 | 9:30 AM

A spectacular theatrical journey that has become a beloved winter holiday tradition is making a return to the Caravan Farm Theatre.

The Nutcracker Winter Sleigh Ride show combines the winter landscape with circus elements and a fleet of heavy horses at the theatre’s site in Spallumcheen.

The show will run from Dec. 5 to Jan. 7.

It’s been three years since this production was first staged at Caravan Farm Theatre, and artistic director Estelle Shook says the creative team has been making improvements.

“As with all revivals, it’s an opportunity to tweak what didn’t work and finesse what did. There will be a new final scene, a new song, and a brand-new set,” Shook explained. “We are aiming to build on our 2019 production to make it a little bit more spectacular, a little more magical.”

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Now in its 35th year, the sleigh ride show has become a beloved Okanagan tradition. By weaving the dazzling wintry landscape with Caravan’s rural theatre experience, the winter performance brings magnificence and new life to classic holiday tales.

““The Nutcracker is about the power of dreams, creativity and imagination,” Shook said. “As we know, children are very connected to these things but adults, not so much. This is a story that explores the importance of maintaining our connection to the world of the imagination.”

Cirque du Soleil artist Manon Beaudoin returns to direct a stellar team of performers. Lili Beaudoin, Colin Heath and Ruaridh MacDonald reprise the respective the roles of Marie, Drosselmeyer/Mouse King and The Nutcracker.

New cast members Jayke Mayne, Krystle Pederson and Elinor Holt step into the shoes of the Sugarplum Fairy, Mother and Pantaloon.

Molly March’s immersive set design, and Jillian White’s lighting will transform the rolling fields into a spectacular vison of Candyland, all set to Cody Cyburn’s playful revamping of Tchaikovsky’s lush score.

And, in classic Caravan fashion, the adventure begins and ends as people gather around the fire. Shook encourages people to arrive early to unplug and connect as the stars come out and the teamsters prepare horses and sleighs.

“The winter sleigh ride show is a popular event to do with others,” Shook stated. “It’s such a great way to connect with your family and with your friends in a way that’s enriching for those relationships. It can be easier to bond with others when we are engaged in parallel activity—such as walking, watching a play, or enjoying a sleigh ride—something side by side.”

As a non-profit, charitable arts organization, Caravan Farm Theatre is dedicated to bringing people together. With inflation and the rising cost of living, Shook says their team decided to maintain last year’s prices as long as possible and increase the number of pay-what-you-can performances.

“Everyone’s dollars are stretched, and we know that things like entertainment and outings can be the first to go,” Shook said. “We’re here to serve our community with this event, and we want to do everything we can to help everyone experience the magic of The Nutcracker.”

Tickets to The Nutcracker are now on sale and start at $60 for adults and $45 for youth 16 and under. Pay-what-you-can nights are scheduled for the start and end of the show run. Limited tickets remain.

For more information or to purchase tickets before they sell out, visit the farm online at caravanfarmtheatre.com or call the box office at 1-866-546-8533.

by Vernon Matters Staff

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