MANSFIELD – Celebrate the magic of the season as Richland Academy of the Arts presents The Nutcracker Ballet at the Renaissance Theatre on Saturday, Dec. 6 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 7 at 2:30 p.m. as part of Christmas at the Ren presented by Brightspeed.
Each year, this cherished community production brings Tchaikovsky’s beloved score to life with breathtaking choreography, vibrant costumes, and a cast of talented local dancers whose artistry captures the wonder and warmth of the holidays.
Directed and Choreographed by Sarah Horrigan-Ramos and Marden Ramos.
“The Nutcracker ballet truly is a family event, onstage and off. Families have watched their dancer start as a young angel or Bon Bon and, year after year, learn different roles as their dance training progresses!” Sarah said. “This year, we will proudly watch seven high school seniors who have grown up in our studios perform in their final RAA Nutcracker & also, see many new dancers in this production for their very first time.
“We are always so thankful for the family, friends and community who have made attending this performance part of their yearly tradition and know they will enjoy the beauty each dancer brings to the stage again this year.”
From the dazzling Waltz of the Flowers to the battle between the Nutcracker and the Mouse King, audiences of all ages will be swept away by the story of Clara’s magical Christmas Eve adventure.
“This year, we have dancers sharing various roles, including Mansfield Christian senior Ava Irwin and Ontario senior Eva Rietschlin as co -Sugar Plum Fairy Princesses. Trevor Grimes, a Wooster senior, Olyve Isch from Lexington Junior High, will be dancing the roles of The Nutcracker Prince and Older Clara on Sunday afternoon.
“Milo McDonald, of Ashland High School and Sylvia Burns, of Ontario Junior High School, will dance The Nutcracker Prince and Older Clara on Saturday evening.
“Olivia Laux, a St. Peter’s senior, will dance the Dew Drop fairy solo while Madison senior Esther Stanfield joins the exuberant Snowflakes dance for the first time. Clear Fork senior Mia Wilson and Goal Digital Academy senior Angelina Blankenship will be dancing various roles in the production.
“Homeschooler Kennedy Newman, as younger Clara, will dance her way through the party scene protecting her beloved Nutcracker from her feisty brother Fritz, played by Toby Lux from Eastern Elementary.”
When Kennedy Newman found out she will be playing the role of younger Clara, she was overjoyed.
“Like every young ballerina, I have always had the dream of one day dancing the part of Clara in The Nutcracker,” Newman said. “I’m so thankful to my amazing instructors for their guidance and belief in me to fulfill the role of Younger Clara in this year’s production.
“Most of all, I’m deeply grateful to my parents for their endless support in helping me achieve my dreams.”
Guest performer from the Cleveland Ballet, Johan Mancebo, returns in the role of the Cavalier with his fiancée Gabriella Checo as the Sugar Plum Fairy Queen, adding their professional artistry to this year’s dazzling production.
The Nutcracker continues to be one of Mansfield’s most beloved holiday traditions, uniting generations of families, friends, and young performers in a shared celebration of creativity and community spirit.
Tickets are available through the Renaissance Theatre Box Office at 419-522-2726 or online at rentickets.org.
For more information about Richland Academy of the Arts’ programs, call 419-522-8224 or visit www.richlandacademy.com. Located at the corner of 4th and Walnut Streets, Richland Academy — founded in 1991 — continues to provide a place “where anyone can explore the artist within,” with support from the Ohio Arts Council.
Those interested in supporting community arts events like The Nutcracker are encouraged to contact Maddie Penwell, Renaissance Director of Development, for information on sponsorship opportunities.