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In this special holiday episode, we sit down with Brent McNulty and Annika Wooten of Ballet Wichita to explore the magic, tradition, and behind-the-scenes wonder of their beloved annual production of The Nutcracker presented by Casper Family Foundation — running December 19–21 at Century II.
We dive into everything from:
🎄 Why The Nutcracker is a timeless holiday tradition
🎻 The power of Wichita’s live orchestra
🩰 What 120+ dancers (ages 5–75!) bring to the stage
🎭 Last-minute pivots, costume miracles, and backstage chaos
🌟 How ballet creates community, belonging, and unforgettable memories
Plus: inside details on upcoming productions, the story behind Annika’s growing-stage tears, Brent’s leadership magic, and Wichita’s need for ongoing arts support.
Use BW10 for 10% off Nutcracker tickets at balletwichita.com.
Cheers to holiday magic — we’ll see you at the ballet!
Notable Shoutouts
- Ballet Wichita Academy — where dancers of all ages (yes, even adults!) can train in ballet, tap, jazz, and more. Find them on Instagram at @balletwichita and @balletwichitaacademy
- Logan Pachciarz, Artistic Director & choreographer with deep industry connections
- Katie Cohn, Company Director supporting dancer safety and artistic excellence
- Jan, Ballet Wichita’s powerhouse costume creator
- McPherson Opera House, home of the beautifully slanted 26-degree stage
- Century II Performing Arts Center, the beloved home of The Nutcracker
- Oliver’s — hosting Ballet Wichita’s glamorous Opening Night After Party
- Douglas Event Solutions / Douglas Production Group — Brent’s day job and the reason the studio we recorded in looks iconic. Find them on Instagram at @wichitaeventrentals
- Jesse Wooten, official hype husband and honorary So THIS Happened family member
- Nathan, Jen’s son and theater kid who proves student matinees spark lifelong creativity
- All Wichita arts supporters who show up, cheer loudly, and believe in the magic
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