Lone Star Ballet to present 52nd annual production of 'The Nutcracker'
The Lone Star Ballet (LSB) will continue its annual tradition and usher in the Christmas season for many local families with its production of "The Nutcracker," to be performed live Dec. 8-10 at the Amarillo Civic Center Auditorium.
For the ballet company, now performing its 52 annual production of the timeless tale, the production has become not only a tale of magic and wonder, but a story that families and individuals across the Texas Panhandle and surrounding states have created an annual tradition around to bring in the Christmas season.
"I think it's become an annual tradition for many, and that is why they keep coming back each year. It is a symbol of bringing in the holidays for a lot of people. We also have our gift shop, which a lot of people look forward to in purchasing gifts or memorabilia for themselves each year. ... It's just a magical piece of art that the community has come to love," said LSB Ballet Mistress Roxann Seaton.
The story is a one-of-a-kind reiteration of the original written piece by E.T.A. Hoffman's "The Nutcracker and the Mouse King" with its own local flair, including the addition of a character named "Jeune," a mischievous and playful doll who follows Clara through her journey in the magical land.
Carmen Brown and Jacey Gitchell spoke about their experience this year in co-portraying Jeune and how the character allows them to portray their true selves on stage.
"Jeune is a doll that Drosselmeyer brings to life, so throughout the performance, she sort of follows Clara around. She is very curious and playful and a little mischievous. She has her own personality, so I find her easy to portray because you kind of get to be yourself and show a more playful side," Brown said.
According to Gitchell, both of the dancers have "grown up" both physically and professionally within the company portraying a character in the "Nutcracker" production each year for more than 10 years. Beginning with Snow Angels and Gumdrops and now portraying Jeune, Gitchell says she can recall watching those portraying her now-character each year and aspiring to one day have her chance at the role.
"Jeune has been a dream role for me since my very first 'Nutcracker.' I remember each year, especially when I was younger watching the Jeunes and on stage and being inspired. ... I think Jeune is extra special because she is one of the things that makes our 'Nutcracker' unique and adds another layer to the story," Gitchell said.
"As much as it is a tradition for those watching, it is a tradition for us, too. It's my favorite part, and I look forward to it every year," Brown said.
Over the years, Seaton said, she has seen the performance itself become a gift for some viewers furthering the holiday magic.
"I have also seen the performance itself become a gift: people buying tickets for their own family to come see the show, or tickets for friends to experience something that they maybe have never experienced before," Seaton said. "It's something that I think everyone can enjoy, and that's why so many come back each year."
Showtimes include:
Friday, Dec. 8 at 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, Dec 9 at 2:30 and 7:30 p.m., and
Sunday Dec. 10 at 2 and 6 p.m.
Tickets for the Lone Star Ballet's "The Nutcracker" can be purchased in person, by phone by calling the Panhandle Tickets box office at 806-378-3096, or going online to the website at https://www.panhandletickets.com/Home/Components/Calendar/Event/28707/1279?selcat=23 .
For more information about LSB, visit them online at https://lonestarballet.org/ .
This article originally appeared on Amarillo Globe-News: Lone Star Ballet to present timeless classic 'The Nutcracker'
