MANSFIELD, Ohio — Neos Dance Theatre will present “A 1940s Nutcracker” at the Renaissance Theatre for two shows on Dec. 12.
This production blends classical ballet with contemporary dance to offer a new spin on a holiday classic, Neos officials said.
Set in 1940s Mansfield, the innovative retelling of the classic “Nutcracker” story dances through scenes that would have taken place in World War II-era Mansfield, featuring locations such as the Women’s Club, Kingwood Center, Malabar Farm, the Ohio (Renaissance) Theatre, and more. Producers say the show will maintain the integrity of the original plot line and Tchaikovsky score.
The show features professional and student dancers from eight counties: Richland, Ashland, Morrow, Lorain, Hancock, Summit, Stark, and Wood.
“This is much larger than just ‘The Nutcracker.’ This is about Mansfield, Richland County, and our entire region,” said Neos Artistic Director Bobby Wesner. “We’ve seen the value these annual productions bring to communities both culturally and economically and I feel wholeheartedly that Mansfield is deserving of its own unique retelling of this story.
“Entire families develop traditions surrounding ‘The Nutcracker,’ it’s a holiday favorite. It’s an honor to bring the first-ever professional production of ‘The Nutcracker’ to Mansfield and begin a new tradition where Neos Dance Theatre got its start.”
Cast members include Christine Boner (Mt. Gilead), Veda Boor (Mansfield), Gus Cleary (Findlay), Kitty Cleary (Findlay), Mary-Elizabeth Fenn (Akron), Juliana Freude (Akron), Justice Gardner (Mansfield), Logan Goldbach (Mansfield), Rebekah Gray (Akron), Rylie Hildebrand (Mansfield), Emilie Hoffer (Mansfield), Sara Hoffer (Mansfield), Theresa Holland (Akron), Kaylyn Kent (Mansfield), Ethan Michael Lee (Canton), Kassie Lee (Oberlin), Gary McCue (Bellville), Regina Pietraroia (Oberlin), Celia Romanoski (Oberlin), Laura Schalk (Tiffin), Caitlin Smith (Findlay), Rena Song (Findlay), Sharon Troha (Lexington), Anna Trumbo (Oberlin), Allyson Utz (Bowling Green), Arowyn Wesner (Ashland), Bobby Wesner (Ashland), Brooke Wesner (Ashland), Ella Wesner (Ashland), Genevieve Wesner (Ashland), Mekah Wesner (Ashland), Kiana Leigh West (Lexington), and Victoria Wurm (Tiffin).
“It is very important for us to connect the original story and the use of the original Tchaikovsky score to what was relevant in the 1940’s in the Mansfield area,” Wessner said. “Not only are we working to preserve the art form, but we’re making every effort to make it relevant to our community and create a broader audience for what we’re so passionate about: dance and theatre.
“Ballet plays a role in that because we’re all classically trained in ballet technique, but the most important aspect of this production is why we’re doing it – and that is to serve our community with a production that we are confident will spur growth and excitement about who we are as Mansfielders.”
The Renaissance Theatre lobby will feature actors and nostalgic memorabilia from the Mansfield Museum stationed throughout with “1940s Reflections,” which will include a vintage car, a flashbulb “selfie station,” and more. Additionally, a VIP reception will be held in the Renaissance Theatre Ballroom at 6:45 p.m. before the evening performance and is available to individuals purchasing a VIP ticket at $50. The VIP reception is sponsored by Charles Hahn, Cleveland Financial Group.
Neos Dance Theatre’s “A 1940s Nutcracker” will perform at the Renaissance Theatre on Saturday, Dec. 12, 2015 at 2:30 and 8 p.m. Tickets range from $19 to $30 and are on sale now at the Renaissance Box Office, by calling 419-522-2726, or at MansfieldTickets.com. Group rates are available for groups of 10 or more.
