THE SPIRIT 0F CHRISTMAS PULLOUT SECTION rrThe Nutcracker" Now A Holiday Tradition WHITBY FREE PRESS, WEDNESDAY, Then be yç,,glad, good people,. This night of ail the year, DECEMBER 21, 1977 PAGE B3 And iight up your candies, For lus star it shineth CO1ear.ý -Old English carol One of the most charm- ing traditions during the holiday season is the pre- sentation of the famous ballet, The Nutcrackei. Written by the Russian composer Peter Ilyich Tchailcovsky, this ballet about a little girl and her nutcrackçer has won the hearts of millions of chil- dren and aduits since it was first performed during the Christr-nas season of 1892 in St. Petersburg, Russia. Based on a story by E.T.A. Hoffman, the ballet opens xith a party at the home of a littie girl, Clara. Among the gifts under the tree is a nutcracker, shaped like a soldier. Clara is de- lighted with the unusual gif t but unfortunately, her brother breaks it and that night Clara dreams about the nutcracker. In her dream, the nut- cracker cornes to life and leads the toy soldiers against the Mouse King and his. army. Clara kilis the Mouse King with her slipper to prevent his vie- tory and Io, and behold, the nutcracker becomes a handsorne prince! Together they journey to his kingdom, where the Sugar Pium Fairy and her court. of toys and sweet- meats entertain' the young prince and Clara. Thle two young people watchi snowflakes dance, flutes dance, and the beau- tiful <'Waltz of the Flow- ers," among other delight- fui dances. The fantasy of the story and the beautiful music of Tchaikovsky combine to make The Ntitcracker a vis- ual and musical delight for both young and old. In cities across the na- tion, Christmas perform- ances of the now-classic ballet are becoming a tra- custo mers. Thanks for makng ths a great year and a happy season. M.B.M. Publishing & Photography Ic. (Whitby Free Press) 1I _r EW~i pr,(t]Ltn VW4L4v The age-old tradition of Christmnas reinncs us of ciii the beauty and loy in if e. Have a happy and blessed holiday season! Butt Radio & T.V. (Just south of the 4 Corners) 668-3703 We think Chistmas is a jolly opportunity t o tell you IQw much we value your f 'endship. Visit us often inthe coming year! /THE NEARL Y NEW SIIOP 131 Brock St. S., Whitby, Ontario 668-4100 OlkLy Warmest wishes for a bright -and happy holiday season. May the peace and joy of Christmas be yours today and every day ofthe yeux. PLUM HOLLOW BOOKS 135 Brock Street South, Whitby, Ont. 668-1221 Fm-ffl-ý- euw.m. (pýlrflh