Holmes Center for the Arts brings holiday magic home with “The Nutcracker”

Holmes Center for the Arts announced its presentation of the timeless ballet, “The Nutcracker,” bringing holiday magic and world-class artistry to Holmes County this December.

Under the direction of Abi Besse, dance director, this spectacular production promises to be a cherished experience for the whole family, featuring beautiful costumes, stunning choreography and the unforgettable music of Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky.

“I’m very excited to see everything coming together, and I’m proud of everyone who has played a role in getting this production ready for the Christmas season,” said Shannon Olsen, HCA executive director, who is seeing this from the executive director role for the first time. “This is the big one that everyone looks forward to each Christmas.”

The presentations will take place at The Center Stage at Holmes Center for the Arts, 5200 state Route 39, just west of Berlin, Thursday, Dec. 4 at 6 p.m.; Friday, Dec. 5 at 6 p.m.; Saturday, Dec. 6 at 2 p.m.; Sunday, Dec. 7 at 2 p.m.; and Monday, Dec. 8 at 6 p.m.

“The Nutcracker” has become a time-honored tradition at HCA, with performances enchanting audiences for several years as local talent combines with professionals to present a Christmas classic.

Olsen said this year all the participants are Holmes County performers who are either students now or are former students, some of whom have gone on to perform professionally.

She said that is exciting because it shows the growth in the HCA and the important role it has played in developing talent in the area.

“They’ve all taken classes here and trained here,” Olsen said. “Our teachers here have done an amazing job of preparing our students for these types of moments.”

She said the teachers at the center are all playing key roles in developing all the main dance sequences, each taking on a distinct portion of the recital.

“All of our teachers have a big hand in crafting ‘The Nutcracker,’ and they’ve done an incredible job,” Olsen said. “They’ve all taken on a lot of responsibility in working closely with Abi.”

“The Nutcracker” is a classic ballet, first performed in 1892 with music by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky. It tells the story of a young girl, Clara, who receives a wooden nutcracker as a Christmas gift. After a festive holiday party, she falls asleep, and as the clock strikes midnight, Clara’s dream world comes to life, leading her Nutcracker Prince and an army of toy soldiers in a fierce battle against the Mouse King.

With Clara’s help the Nutcracker wins the fight and transforms into a prince. The fantasy world springs to life around her, filled with magic, courage and wonder.

The prince then guides Clara on a journey to the Land of Snow and the Land of Sweets, where they are welcomed by the Sugar Plum Fairy. A series of colorful dances from around the world are performed in their honor, each celebrating different cultures and flavors.

The ballet culminates in a grand finale before Clara awakens, unsure whether the adventure was real or a dream. With its enchanting score, imaginative choreography and timeless holiday atmosphere, “The Nutcracker” remains one of the most beloved ballets in the world.

What makes this year’s performance even more important is it is the first time performing the classic in HCA’s own new theater after years of performing at Ohio Star Theater.

“That alone is very exciting,” Olsen said. “There were questions as to whether we could perform here, and we decided to try, and it is working well. It isn’t the same space we had at the Ohio Star Theater, mainly with the backstage area, but everyone has adjusted and we are honored to perform in our own center.”

She said in preparing for the performances, the troupe performed earlier this fall at Berlin Elementary for the kids, presenting several of the dance numbers and then speaking to the students about everything the HCA offers.

Olsen said not only was that a great experience for the performers, but also it helped generate excitement about the show while introducing kids to the center.

“The Nutcracker” is a story of adventure, dreams and the true wonder of the season, and the public is invited to join Clara, The Nutcracker, King Mouse and the entire cast for a wonderful start to the holiday season.

Tickets for this holiday favorite are expected to sell quickly. Tickets to shows are $18 for adults and $15 for all students. To purchase tickets, visit www.holmescenterforthearts.org.