Christmas with Hans Christian Andersen

Vista Grove Dance Troupe will present the holiday favorite, Christmas With Hans Christian Andersen, at the St. Pius High School Theater, Nov. 19 at 7:30 p.m. and Nov.20 at 3 p.m.  Tickets are $15 for adults, $12 for seniors, $10 for students and $8 for children 4 and under, and are available for purchase at the theater prior to the show or at Vista Grove Dance Centre.  There are also special discounts for groups like scout troops.

Christmas With Hans Christian Andersen is presented in three acts, with varying one-act ballets making up the second act.  The first act is danced to the Danny Kaye recording from the classic movie Hans Christian Andersen.  Children of all ages will enjoy seeing their favorite characters come to life on stage:  Thumbelina, the Ugly Duckling, the Emperor in his New Clothes, and Hans Andersen himself.  Act II tells the story of The Princess and the Pea, choreographed by Richardson.  Act III is a tableau of beloved figures of Andersen’s imagination:  The Little Mermaid, The Little Match Girl, The Shepherdess and the Chimney Sweep, Red Shoes and the Paper Doll Ballerina and the Steadfast Tin Soldier.  The haunting score includes music by Ravel, Stravinsky and others.  It all concludes with Hans and the children gathered together.