12/08/11 jb

HAYS, Kan. -- Dancers from ages 7 to 19 years old will perform at the "Prairie Nutcracker" at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 17, and at 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 18, both in the Beach/Schmidt Performing Arts Center in Sheridan Hall on the Fort Hays State University campus.

Based out of Hutchinson, the Prairie Nutcracker dancers perform every year a breath-taking show about historic Fort Hays the way it was in 1869.

"We are excited that we can bring the show to Hays. Usually its not on the road," said Edie McCracken, assistant director of the Memorial Union. "It will be a good holiday show for the whole family to enjoy."

The FHSU Special Events Committee needs host families for the dancers. They will stay Saturday night after the performance. The dancers will bring their own sleeping bags or bedding, the committee just asks that host families provide breakfast on Sunday morning.

The committee's preference is for families that have a child around the same age as the dancer so the dancer can have someone to relate to. However, McCracken said, these are not requirements.

Reserved seating tickets are, $30 for the public, $28 for seniors and children under the age of 18, and $21 for FHSU students with valid student ID. Unreserved seating is $26, $28, and $17, respectively.

To be a host family or for more information about the "Prairie Nutcracker", contact McCracken at esmccracken@fhsu.edu or 785-628-5801.