ASHLAND — For over a century audiences have delighted in the music, dance, and drama that is The Nutcracker.
This year marks the 30th annual presentation of the beloved ballet by Ashland Regional Ballet (ARB).
“The Nutcracker has become a tradition for our dancers, as well as for many families in our area,” Founder and Executive Director Hellie Schussler noted. “We look forward to seeing new faces in the time-honored and familiar roles, as well as the joy of watching our artists grow from year to year in roles they have come to love.”
The company will take the stage at Ashland’s Archer Auditorium on the campus of Ashland High School on Friday, Dec. 17 at 7:30 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 18 at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.; and Sunday, Dec. 19 at 2:30 p.m.
“This production of The Nutcracker feels like coming home for Christmas,” Schussler said. “We invite you to come home to the Ashland Regional Ballet Nutcracker.”
Tickets are available at ashlandregionalballet.com/ticket-information or on Eventbrite.com by searching Ashland Regional Ballet.
The full cast boasts 102 dancers from the Ashland/Mansfield area and surrounding counties.
Principal roles will be danced by members of Ashland Regional Ballet with the role of Clara being danced by Audrey Rosby of Ashland. She will be partnered by professional dancer, Brian Murphy who will dance the role as Nutcracker Prince and Cavalier from Cleveland. They will join with the Sugar Plum Fairy, Ashland Reginal Ballet Alumns and current University of Cincinnati – College Conservatory of Ballet student Gabrielle Savka . Ashland Regional Ballet Members in other principal roles are Senior Anna Slade- Snow Queen and Arabian; Allie Wentworth- Flower Queen; Megan Harrigan – Chocolate; Julia Brauner, Eva Early, Samantha Metz, and Valerie Raubenolt-Peppermint Quartet; Mira Bechtol-Tea; Mikayla Jarvis – Jester; Gisella Blake-Marzipan; Tara Tavalaee- Trepak; and Flower Attendants Addilyn Bryant and Katrin Parker.
Other ARB company members appearing prominently are Timora Barnett, Haylee Cromer, Skylynn Heichel, Adra Herod, Teagan Kime, Lilly Lehman, Lyla Metzger, Emma Schaefer, Audrey Smith, and Elise Sabourin,
Ryan Shreve, of Mansfield, has returned to reprise his role of Herr Drosselmeyer. He brings an extensive background to the production having an impressive career as a professional in theatre.
Also, appearing in principal roles are Mansfielder Dr. Bruce Sliney as Dr. Stahlbaum, with ARB alumni Jackie Zorich of Akron as Mrs. Stahlbaum, Leo Mancha of Ashland as The Shepherd and Fritz.
Opus II Dance Studio Director Ann Marie Benshoff-Todd will portray Nanny and Artistic Director Sarah Cyders will appear as Grandma Stahlbaum. Dr. John Moser of Ashland will be The Narrator, and ARB Alumnus Mark Koehler will be The Rat King; Sydney Box and Alyssa Obertanek as adults.
In addition to the wonderful dancing by ARB company members, our audiences will be treated to an exceptionally strong supporting cast of area dance students who bring excitement and great energy to this historic favorite.
The production boasts original choreography by ARB Founder/Executive Director Hellie Schussler, staged by Sarah Cyders and Ann Marie Benshoff-Todd. Professional Coaching by Christina Lindhout. Lighting design is by Don Pontious and set design is by Robbie Keplar, with properties designed and implemented by both Pontious & Keplar. Costuming by Margaret Minick-Blake, Kepler, Loree Ronk, and Donna Benshoff.
There will also be a special 30th anniversary reception at 5 p.m. between the shows for all alumni – dancers, parents, and crew. Tickets are also at ashlandregionalballet.com/ticket-information.
Organizers wish to thank Annie Rose Events for coordinating this reception.
“Each Nutcracker season brings new joys and challenges,” Schussler said. “In 1992, on the 100th anniversary of Tchaikovsky’s holiday favorite, ARB presented its first production of the full-length ballet and has performed it annually ever since.”
