By Kathy L. Collins
The Brandon Ballet will perform the Tchaikovsky’s holiday classic, The Nutcracker, featuring stunning new choreography by Artistic Director, Octavio Martin, fantastic sets and wonderful costumes this December. There will be four performances at Riverview High School, located at 11311 Boyette Rd. in Riverview. On Saturday, December 10 performances will be held at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. On Sunday, December 11 performances will be held at 2 p.m. and 5:30 p.m.
The Nutcracker tells the story of a little girl named Clara who is given the gift of a wooden toy nutcracker by her Uncle Drosselmeyer. The magic happens when the toy soldier comes to life and takes Clara on a magical journey through an enchanted winter wonderland where she encounters dancing snowflakes, an elegant Snow Queen and the majestic Sugar Plum Fairy.
This year Martin adds a new twist to The Nutcracker story. Martin said, “In this year’s version, all of the toys, dolls and decorations under the tree come to life to dance for Clara’s delight. Uncle Drosselmeyer uses his magic to make Clara the same size as the toys and dolls. All of Act Two is under the Christmas Tree.”
All of the scenery in Brandon Ballet’s performances is state of the art. There are hand-painted backdrops and custom built props. The costumes are professionally designed and made specifically for this performance.
This year, Sugar Plum Fairy and Snow Queen will be alternated between Brandon Ballet’s own professional ballerinas, Chloe Freytag and Sarah Metzler. The Nutcracker Prince will be danced by Brandon Ballet’s professional dancer, Reid Ginoza. According to Martin, “The role of Clara this year is danced by a student of Brandon Ballet, Hailey Cheren, to accurately portray the age of the character.”
Many of the roles in the Brandon Ballet’s version of The Nutcracker, will be by two casts to give the audiences the chance to view different artists’ interpretation of the characters. In addition, the majority of the cast are Brandon residents. Martin said, “Come see and enjoy what we believe to be the best Nutcracker production in the area. With more than seven backdrops, state of the art scenery and props, in the newly updated Riverview Auditorium, this year’s new storyline will surely entertain and delight audience members of all ages.”
For tickets, www.brandonballet.org or www.tututix.com or call 684-4282.
