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Spectacular ‘Nutcracker' returns to kick off upcoming holiday season |
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Local Content -
Local News
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Written by Terry A. Fye
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Tuesday, 10 November 2009 |
Among the Mahoning Valley Ballet dancers preparing for this year's presentation of "The Nutcracker" are (front, from left) Danielle Mallory, Lauren McKee, Erin Achille; (back) Savannah Jacoby, Taylor Hopkins and Samantha Osikowicz. (Photo by Tom Chapin/The Punxsutawney Spirit)
PUNXSUTAWNEY — The 2009 holiday season officially gets underway in this area at 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 27, and at 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 28, when VanDyke & Company and the Mahoning Valley Ballet present the perennial favorite, "The Nutcracker," at Punxsutawney Area High School.
Directed by Joan E. VanDyke, the elaborate production features more than 80 dancers performing to the music of Tchaikovsky.
The performers, ranging from pre-schoolers to senior citizens, come from Punxsy, Clearfield, DuBois, Clarion, Brookville, Indiana and the surrounding area.
Commenting on the show, VanDyke, artistic director and choreographer, said, "‘The Nutcracker' has become a holiday tradition around the world, especially in America and Canada. Tchaikovsky's unforgettable music and the story itself combine all the elements of beauty and fantasy.
"When you add the gracefulness of the dancers and the impact of special effects and lighting, there are so many things to please the audience," she said. "People can see the show several times and still pick up details they had never noticed before."
Brimming over with familiar characters, the ballet revolves around Clara, a young girl who received the gift of an enchanted nutcracker. Soon, the stage is filled with mechanical dolls, marching toy soldiers, battling mice led by King Phillipe, the Sugar Plum Fairy, and Mother Ginger and all her youngsters.
Adding to the spectacle and the fun are angels, parrots, a Christmas tree that magically grows, the Snow Queen and the colorfully-clad residents of the Land of Sweets.
Principal characters and dancers include Lauren McKee; Taylor Hopkins; Samantha Osikowicz; Erin Achille; Danielle Mallory; Elizabeth Keller; Shaina Reddinger; Kallie Crawford; Savannah Jacoby; Töve Johnson; Melanie Lowrie; Haylee Peace; Marisa Stockdale; Alicia Switlick; Dustin Jewell; Bill Depp-Hutchinson; Debi Tate; Holly Boda-Sutton; Trevor Runco; and Michael Depp-Hutchinson.
"‘The Nutcracker' involves a great deal of work on the part of many, many dedicated people, both on stage and behind the scenes," VanDyke said. "Yet, when the performers hear the audience's reaction and see the sparkle in the eyes of the children who attend, all the time and effort are worth it."
Ticket information is available by calling 938-8434. Proceeds benefit the James Merritt VanDyke Scholarship Award.
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Last Updated ( Wednesday, 11 November 2009 )
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