ASHLAND — For over a century, audiences have delighted in the music, dance, and drama that is The Nutcracker.
This year marks the 31st annual presentation of the beloved ballet by Ashland Regional Ballet (ARB). The company will take the stage at Ashland’s Archer Auditorium on the campus of Ashland High School on Saturday, Dec. 17 at 2 and 7:30 p.m.; and Sunday, Dec. 18 at 2 p.m.
“Each Nutcracker season brings new joys and challenges,” Founder and Executive Director Hellie 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.”
Tickets are available at ashlandregionalballet.com/ticket-information. The full cast boasts 104 dancers from the Ashland/Mansfield area and surrounding counties.
“It seems impossible that we are now celebrating our 31st Nutcracker season,” Schussler said. “The Nutcracker has become a tradition for our dancers, as well as for many families in our area.
“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.”
Principal roles will be danced by members of Ashland Regional Ballet with the role of Clara being danced by Allie Wentworth of Ashland. She will be partnered by guest dancer, Lex Zorich, son of ARB Alumna Jackie Zorich, who will dance the role as Nutcracker Prince.
Brian Murphy, a professional dancer will reprise his role as the Cavalier. They will join with the Sugar Plum Fairy, Ashland Regional Ballet Alumna and professional dancer, Christina Lindhout.
Ashland Regional Ballet Members in other principal roles are Senior Gisella Blake, as part of the Flute trio; Senior Emma Schaefer-Tea; Senior Mikayla Jarvis- Trepak; Along with Tara Tavallaee – Snow Queen and Arabian; Megan Harrigan- Flower Queen; Lyla Metzger and Valerie Raubenolt- Candy Cane Principals; Lilly Lehman – Jester; Mira Bechtol and Audrey Smith-Flute trio; Addilyn Bryant and Katrin Parker – Spanish Duo; and Adley Grabowski and Samantha Metz – Flower Attendants Other ARB company members appearing prominently are, Haylee Cromer, Skylynn Heichel, Teagan Kime, Elise Sabourin, Sami Crist, Mary Hamilton, Jordyn Honaker, Jackie Metz, Lucy Ronk, and Madelyn Shenberger.
Theater professional Seth Jerabek will join the cast this year to play Herr Drosselmeyer. Also, appearing in principal roles are Mansfielder Dr. Bruce Sliney as Dr. Stahlbaum, with ARB alumni Jackie Zorich of Akron as Mrs. Stahlbaum, Milo McDonald of Ashland as 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 Alumni 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. 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.
Tickets are also at ashlandregionalballet.com/ticket-information.
This production of The Nutcracker feels like coming home for Christmas. We invite you to come home to the Ashland Regional Ballet Nutcracker.”
