Father and son in ‘Nutcracker Fantasy’

Teddy Rockwell (10) and Sam Rockwell (41) of East Harriet are part of the cast of Loyce Houlton’s “Nutcracker Fantasy,” Minnesota’s beloved holiday tradition, which celebrates its 60th Anniversary this December at the State Theatre in downtown Minneapolis. On this historic occasion, the production will feature nearly 100 talented student performers from dance schools across the Twin Cities sharing the stage with a full cast of local and guest professional dancers. Steve Amundson and Philip Brunelle will lead the 44-piece Nutcracker Orchestra, bringing Tchaikovsky’s iconic score to life.

Teddy Rockwell, a 5th grader at Barton Elementary and a dance student at Minnesota Dance Theater and School, will perform the role of Fritz and of a young cousin in this year’s production. This marks Teddy’s third year dancing in Loyce Houlton’s Nutcracker Fantasy. Sam Rockwell, Teddy’s father, will perform the role of the Grandfather and dance in a second-act feature in this year’s production. This marks Sam’s fifth year dancing in Loyce Houlton’s Nutcracker Fantasy – he danced in the show in 2023, and before that for three years in the 1990s.