December 9, 2004

The dance of tradition and splendor

A luminous treat for children of all ages is about to be unveiled during this holiday season.

Ballet Rogue, in its 18th year, will once again perform "The Nutcracker" at the Craterian Ginger Rogers Theater in Medford's Performing Arts Center. Ever popular, this production has, over the years, become a traditional holiday event not to be missed.

"The Nutcracker" is a story about change. Clara Silverhaus, the heroine, is a girl poised on the edge of womanhood. She is embraced by a loving and privileged family, and her life is a happy one.

On Christmas Eve her godfather, Dr. Drosselmeyer, arrives at the family home bring gifts, one of which is a Nutcracker doll for Clara. During a Christmas Eve dream, Clara watches as her familiar surroundings change. At first the Christmas tree grows huge and evil rats appear. A fierce battle follows. Finally, Clara's home disappears and Clara's journey begins off to a strange, though beautiful land. The Nutcracker becomes Clara's prince and dreams of sugarplum fairies fill her sleep as the story is revealed.

"The Nutcracker" is based on a story by E.T.A. Hoffman and was first performed at the Maryinsky Theater, St. Petersburg, Russia, on Dec. 17, 1892. The classical music was originally composed by Peter I. Tchaikovsky and choreographed by Marius Petipa. This year's production by the Ballet Rogue, which was originally staged by Eric Hyrst, faithfully follows the original concept of Petipa, which allows restaging. It also continues the tradition of Nicholas Sergeyev who was responsible for mounting Nutcracker for Sadlers Wells Ballet Company in London (now known as the Royal Ballet) on Jan. 30, 1934.

Diane Gaumond Hyrst's version of the Nutcracker premiered at the Craterian Ginger Roger's Theater in 1998.

This year's Nutcracker will demand a very large cast of dancers, as well as elaborate scenery, and multiple props. The lighting production is custom-made by Robert Peterson of Oregon Stage and Lighting Production.

There will be more than 50 cast members, adults and children, and this year's professional guest is Brett Mills as the Sugar Plum Fairy. He comes to Ballet Rogue from the Eugene Ballet where he danced for 11 years. Kristen Bacon, formerly of the Huston Ballet, will return as the Snow Queen and Zach Carrol, formerly with Ballet West, joins the company once again to dance with her as the Queen's Snow Prince. Dr. Drosselmeyer will be danced again by Lane Hunter.

April Hicks, vice president for the board of directors for Ballet Rogue, and its chair for advertising and marketing, stated, "You will be awed by the beautiful costumes and the incredible transformation as Diane transforms these 'kids' into dancers and this production of Nutcracker into an unforgettable evening you won't soon forget."

Joining the Junior Company will be Emily Bowes, from Kansas City Ballet. Partnering this year with the Jr. Company's ballerinas in the snow scenes will be Lake North, Brandon Mouse-Peden, Eric Hines and Trevor Peden.

Several of the featured dancers in the second act are new. Company members in new roles are Sarah Avery in Spanish, Kayla Garrett in Arabian, Kendra Cole in Chinese, Karlie Bach as the Columbine Doll, and Laura Eledge as Clara.

The Nutcracker is a timeless production performed across the country by ballet companies large and small. It is in the same category as "Swan Lake" and "Sleeping Beauty."

Hyrst, Ballet Rogue's artistic director and production designer, stated, "There is no doubt in my mind that this year's production will be truly magical and will thrill and delight everyone in the audience."