ASHLAND – For over a century audiences have delighted in the music, dance, and drama that is “The Nutcracker.” This year marks the 26th annual presentation of the beloved ballet by Ashland Regional Ballet (ARB).
The company will take the stage at Ashland’s Hugo Young Theatre on the campus of Ashland University on Saturday, Dec. 16 at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 17 at 2 p.m. Tickets are available at Ashland University Box Office 419-289-5125 or online at ashland.edu/tickets.
The full cast boasts 65 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 Avery Gingrich, of Ashland. She will be partnered by former Ashlander, Ryan Shreve who will reprise his role as Nutcracker Prince.
Ashland Regional Ballet Members in other principal roles are Katie Harrigan-Snow Queen; Ashley Reed-Peppermint Queen, Lucia Mancha-Tea, partnered by Landon Hyatt; Gabrielle Savka-Flower Queen; Erin Ekin-Trepak; Emma Blake & Madelyn Reed-Chocolate.
Other ARB company members appearing prominently are Rebecca Brown, Megan Abel, Abigail Hout, Mikayla Jarvis and Melanie Irvine-Selby.
Special guests this year are former Ashland Regional Ballet members Christina Lindhout who will dance the role of Sugarplum Fairy partnered by Michael Hinton, of Cleveland, and Sabrina Lindhout as Coffee. They appear courtesy of Verb Ballets of Cleveland.
Erich Yetter, of Akron, will once again portray Herr Drosselmeyer. He brings an extensive background to the production having an impressive career as a professional dancer/choreographer/teacher.
Also, appearing in principal roles are Mansfielders Kristin Kaufman as Soldier Doll/Battle Nutcracker, and Dr. Bruce Sliney as Dr. Stahlbaum, with ARB alumni Jackie Zorich of Akron as Mrs. Stahlbaum, Jacob Slade of Ashland as Fritz & Jester, and Megan Harrigan of Nova also appearing as a Jester.
ARB staff member Ann Marie Benshoff-Todd will portray Nanny & Rat Queen (for a new twist this year) and Artistic Director Sarah Cyders will appear as Grandma Stahlbaum.
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.
“Each Nutcracker season brings new joys and challenges,” said founder and executive director Hellie Schussler. “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. It seems impossible that we are now celebrating our 26th Nutcracker season.
“The Nutcracker has become a tradition for our dancers, as well as for many families in our area,” Schussler continued. “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. This production of The Nutcracker feels like coming home for Christmas. We invite you to come home to the Ashland Regional Ballet Nutcracker.”
