Friday, November 7, 2008

‘The Nutcracker’ holiday tradition continues

By Katelyn Wadewitz
Distribution Manager

For over a century audiences have been enjoying “The Nutcracker,” and the Dance Repertory Company of Saint Mary’s University will partake in this tradition Dec. 4-7, at the Page Theatre, for its fifth biennial year.
Read more...


Every-other holiday season individuals of all ages, including students from SMU and Winona State University, as well as community members from the Winona area present this full-length ballet.

SMU freshman Bryan Moore, who plays the Nutcracker in the ballet, enjoys the challenge ballet offers. Despite his background in several different dancing styles, he said, “Doing ballet for a long period of time is the most challenging thing that I have experienced in this play.” Christine Martin, production manager and one of the choreographers for the ballet, has helped with training the crew.

Martin has been involved in presenting “The Nutcracker” since the first SMU production in 2000. “Our Artistic Director, Tammy Schmidt, and I put this first production together back in 2000, and it is wonderful to be working with her again for the 2008 production,” Martin said. Martin enjoys working with all the cast members, especially the young children who are experiencing “The Nutcracker” for the first time.

One cast member’s first experience with the play is SMU freshman Jarod Boltjes, who has never seen the ballet. Boltjes, who plays Drosselmeyer and a Russian, decided that being a part of “The Nutcracker” would be a “great way to meet all of the people” in the theater department. Boltjes said, “It’s a great way to be introduced to “The Nutcracker” by hands-on experience.”

The greater Winona community can be a part of this holiday tradition by watching and supporting the crew of “The Nutcracker,” Moore said. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for students and senior citizens. To reserve tickets, call the SMU Box Office at 508-457-1715, or tickets are available online until Dec. 1 at www.pagetheatre.org.

No comments: