It’s a seasonal tradition nearly as mighty as The Nutcracker itself: the cannon dolls. Every night, two guest performers — including artists, politicians, athletes and media personalities — are invited to make their debut in front of a live audience watching the National Ballet of Canada’s popular annual show. Since 1964, more than 1,000 prominent Canadians have had the honour of suiting up in colourful cannon doll outfits for two bewildering minutes of stage time. On Friday night, that honour went to the Toronto Star’s publisher (and company CEO) John Boynton, and John Honderich, chair of Torstar Corp. They briefly rehearsed before showtime — stepping out on stage accompanying a cannon, to be fired during the climax of the first act.

Source: thestar December 19, 2017 00:11 UTC