Raptors’ Scottie Barnes, Jamal Shead to Debut as Cannon Dolls in National Ballet’s Nutcracker on Dec. 19

Overview

• The Raptors duo is slated to appear as the comic Cannon Dolls during Act I on Dec. 19, according to the National Ballet.
• Opening night on Dec. 5 featured a return by Rex Harrington, the original 1995 Nutcracker, in a celebratory cameo.
• This season’s guests include CBC host Tom Power, Arkells frontman Max Kerman, Olympic ice dancers Piper Gilles and Paul Poirier, and rugby players Brittany Kassil and Taylor McKnight.
• Additional appearances are planned from local sports figures and journalists, with Global TV’s Susan Hay marking her 23rd year in the role.
• Community groups including DanceWorks, Hart Dance, dance immersion, Surrey Place, York South Family Network and West Neighbourhood House will participate, extending a tradition that has welcomed 1,378 Cannon Doll guests and more than 1.3 million attendees since 1995.