‘The Magic of The Nutcracker’ Comes to Kent This Weekend

The cast belts out a number during Sunday’s rehearsal. ERIC GROSS Puppets will turn life-size this weekend and magic will be everywhere when Bart Cook and Maria Calegari present the Arts on the Lake production of the “Magic of the Nutcracker Tale.”

The couple were former New York City Ballet principal dancers who performed “The Nutcracker” for many holiday seasons at Lincoln Center.

During a dress rehearsal at the Arts on the Lake headquarters on Route 52, Cook explained the new rendition of the holiday favorite was a “ ‘green’ show, because we only use salvaged and recycled materials for puppets, bottle caps for soldiers’ buttons, and spray-can caps for hats.”

“We have gathered actors, dancers, puppeteers, costume and set designers and others who enjoy being a part of a theater project,” he explained. “Now, it’s an Arts on the Lake production.”

Performances are Saturday at 3 pm and 7:30pm and Sunday at 1pm and 4pm. A special dessert reception with Bart and Maria follows the Saturday evening performance.

Tickets from $6 to $15 can be purchased on line at www.artsonthelake. org or by calling 228-2685.