River Region Ballet brings magic to Montgomery with 'The Nutcracker'

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·6 min read
Erin Waggoner as the Sugar Plum Fairy in Alabama River Region Ballet's "The Nutcracker".
Erin Waggoner as the Sugar Plum Fairy in Alabama River Region Ballet's "The Nutcracker".

The Alabama River Region Ballet once again captivated full houses with their breathtaking production of "The Nutcracker" the first weekend of December. Staged at the historic Davis Theater in downtown Montgomery, this was the Alabama River Region Ballet's eighth annual performance of the revered holiday classic.

The show remains an unsurpassed spectacle under the expert direction of Artistic Director Priscilla Crommelin Ball, her daughter Youth Company Director Priscilla Crommelin-McMullan, and Alabama River Region Ballet’s School Director Kyana Goodyear. River Region Ballet did an exceptional job at bringing Tchaikovsky's beloved score to life through dazzling costumes, beautifully hand-painted backdrops, and world-class dancing. The Alabama River Region Ballet’s "The Nutcracker" is truly spectacular on every level.

Liam McMullan as Drosselmeyer and Charley Austin as the Nutcracker in the Battle Scene of Alabama River Region Ballet's "The Nutcracker".
Liam McMullan as Drosselmeyer and Charley Austin as the Nutcracker in the Battle Scene of Alabama River Region Ballet's "The Nutcracker".

The party scene introduces the main character Clara, expertly executed by Maddie Jacobs, and her mysterious Uncle Drosselmeyer, performed with flair by Liam McMullan. Drosselmeyer bestows magical gifts upon the children, including the most magical gift of all-the Nutcracker doll, which he gives to Clara. When the clock strikes midnight, a full blown battle ensues between the Mice, lead by the Mouse Queen, and the Toy Soldier Army, lead by the Nutcracker Prince. The battle builds up into an exciting sword fight between the Nutcracker Prince and the Mouse Queen, danced by guest artist Charley Austin and River Region Ballet's Youth Company dancer Piper Bonner, respectively.

The first act's highlight comes when young soloist Maddie Jacobs as Clara travels to an enchanting Snow Kingdom with her Nutcracker Prince. Maddie's technical prowess and stage presence are astonishing for her 14 years. The dancing Snowflakes did a phenomenal job dancing in sync with great skill and energy. The last visual of Act 1 ecompasses a beautiful snow fall amongst the dancers, bringing the viewer right into a magical Winter Wonderland.

Charley Austin as Cavalier and Erin Waggoner as the Sugar Plum Fairy in Alabama River Region Ballet's "The Nutcracker".
Charley Austin as Cavalier and Erin Waggoner as the Sugar Plum Fairy in Alabama River Region Ballet's "The Nutcracker".

The curtain opens on Act 2 with the Sugar Plum Fairy and Angels welcoming Clara and the audience into the magical Land of Sweets. This is when the show becomes really fascinating, making it hard to look away, even for a second. The audience is treated with talented dancers from the Youth Company performing the Land of Sweets "divertissements" from around the world, each divertissement representing a different country. Senior Company member Erin Waggoner captivated the audience as the Sugar Plum Fairy, moving with technical expertise and elegant artistry. In the Grand Pas de Deux, both Waggoner and her Cavalier, Charley Austin, blend strength and grace in a mix of intricate lifts, turns, and leaps that suspend time and space.

Charley Austin as Cavalier in Alabama River Region Ballet's "The Nutcracker"
Charley Austin as Cavalier in Alabama River Region Ballet's "The Nutcracker"

Charley Austin, hailing from Scotland, was especially impressive as the Nutcracker Prince and Cavalier. Austin has extraordinary technical strength and captivating energy. He is a joy to watch and an inspiration for future male ballet dancers. He currently dances professionally with the Ballet du Capitole de Toulouse in Toulouse, France and flew all the way to Montgomery, Alabama after being asked by Priscilla Crommelin-McMullan to dance with the Alabama River Region Ballet's "The Nutcracker'' at the Davis. With his long, muscular lines and fearless attack, Austin is sure to quickly rise up as one of the top male ballet dancers of the world.

Piper Bonner as Lead Spanish, Ellie Miller and Harper Thomas in Spanish in Alabama River Region Ballet's "The Nutcracker".
Piper Bonner as Lead Spanish, Ellie Miller and Harper Thomas in Spanish in Alabama River Region Ballet's "The Nutcracker".
JaLayah Samples as Arabian in Alabama River Region Ballet's "The Nutcracker"
JaLayah Samples as Arabian in Alabama River Region Ballet's "The Nutcracker"

The divertissements were awe-inspiring. Piper Bonner was fiery and energetic, bringing much Spanish flare as the Lead Spanish dancer. JaLayah Samples was alluring in the Arabian solo. She has beautiful quality and musicality as a dancer. One of the crowd favorites is the humorous scene featuring Mother Ginger and her Polichinelles, the audience clapping in sync with the music as the many little girls in matching pink run out from under Mother Ginger's oversized dress. The younger dancers' skill and talent was displayed here as they stayed in line and on the music with each other. They also showed off their acting and acrobatics. Another standout included the Waltz of the Flowers corps de ballet led by Sophia Link as the Dew Drop Fairy. Link's dancing is heroically courageous as she throws herself into multiple turns, quick footwork, and high leaps.

In all, the talent on display at Alabama River Region Ballet rivals professional companies around the world. Not only were the dancers superbly skilled, but Stevan Grebel's choreography flowed perfectly, the costumes were exquisite, and the scenery was the most beautiful it has ever been. This organization and production are outstanding and they deserve every bit of support from the local community.

Priscilla Crommelin-McMullan, Priscilla Crommelin Ball, Kyana Goodyear, Sarah Paterson, and the Full Cast of Act II in Alabama River Region Ballet's "The Nutcracker".
Priscilla Crommelin-McMullan, Priscilla Crommelin Ball, Kyana Goodyear, Sarah Paterson, and the Full Cast of Act II in Alabama River Region Ballet's "The Nutcracker".

The Directors are especially proud of this year's production. "I actually cried and got chills, even after seeing this ballet thousands of times. These girls are rising stars in Alabama and I am always impressed by their commitment and professionalism," said Youth Company Director, Priscilla Crommelin-McMullan. "With a cast of over 100 dancers, putting on a big production like this takes a lot of hard work, dedication, drive, and love for the art of ballet. It's extremely rewarding to see that hard work pay off," said Crommelin-McMullan. Kyana Goodyear echoed the pride in The River Region Ballet’s young dancers. “These girls know how important the Nutcracker ballet is to so many people and girls at the River Region Ballet from the ages of 3 to 18 years old train rigorously for months to hone their individual roles. Seeing them all come together is always so fulfilling.”

Maddie Jacobs as Clara and dancers in Act 2 of Alabama River Region Ballet's "The Nutcracker".
Maddie Jacobs as Clara and dancers in Act 2 of Alabama River Region Ballet's "The Nutcracker".

"There really is nothing like a production like this. I'm so proud of my daughter, Priscilla, as well as Kyana for stepping in and handling as much as they did. I'm also so grateful to have such responsible and professional dancers in our School and Youth Company. Lastly, we're very fortunate to have such caring and kind parent volunteers that help us so much each year," remarked Priscilla Crommelin Ball, Artistic Director.

Land of the Sweets in Alabama River Region Ballet's "The Nutcracker"
Land of the Sweets in Alabama River Region Ballet's "The Nutcracker"

The dancers' hard work certainly pays off when they take the stage. Their dedication creates a production on par with the world's best. After watching this year's performance, it is no wonder many audience members return annually to see Alabama River Region Ballet’s "The Nutcracker", becoming a beloved holiday tradition for people all across Alabama. This year's performance raised the bar once more, transporting children and adults alike into a magical dreamland just in time for Christmas.

Charley Austin and Maddie Jacobs in the Snow Kingdom in Alabama River Region Ballet's "The Nutcracker"
Charley Austin and Maddie Jacobs in the Snow Kingdom in Alabama River Region Ballet's "The Nutcracker"

If you would like to stay up to date with the Alabama River Region Ballet or you have a child interested in learning ballet, check out www.alabamariverregionballet.com, email them at riverregionballet@gmail.com, or call (334) 356-5460. You can also follow them on Instagram @alabamariverregionballet or facebook at Alabama River Region Ballet.

Sophia Link as Dew Drop Fairy and Youth Company dancers in Alabama River Region Ballet's "The Nutcracker".
Sophia Link as Dew Drop Fairy and Youth Company dancers in Alabama River Region Ballet's "The Nutcracker".

This article originally appeared on Montgomery Advertiser: River Region Ballet brings magic to Montgomery with 'The Nutcracker'