Three dance troupes presenting their versions of 'The Nutcracker' in Springfield
When Disney’s “The Nutcracker and the Four Realms” premiered in 2018, audiences saw a new twist on this traditional holiday story. This year Springfield audiences will in effect experience three realms of the Christmas story ballet with three local dance troupes each doing a different spin on this dance classic.
Copper Coin Ballet Company leads off with performances at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum as part of Downtown Springfield Inc.’s Old Capitol Holiday Walks. Each Wednesday and Saturday evening through Dec. 17. Copper Coin’s dancers and dancers from other central Illinois communities take the stage in the ALPLM’s Union Theater for a free performance of the classical ballet.
“Community and collaboration are vital parts of Copper Coin’s mission,” stated Julie Ratz, CCBC’s artistic director in a press release. “Partnering with DSI and the ALPLM to provide this free performance as part of DSI’s Old Capitol Holiday Walks will help make this holiday tradition more accessible to our community.”
Next up is the Springfield Youth Performance Group on Dec. 10-11 with “The Nutcracker: Land of the Sweets” at Sacred Heart-Griffin Auditorium with lobby activities in the Nutcracker Workshop 30 minutes prior to the show. The one hour, no intermission, narrated version of the beloved holiday classic will be performed by 77 performers ages 5-69 with dancers from SYPG Studio Company, SYPG Preparatory Program, SYPG Academy, community dancers, and Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Illinois. Tiffany Mathis and Dr. Wendi Wills El-Amin will narrate. Other community guests will be part of the production for the afternoon and early evening performances.
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“Though the creation of a new production has pushed our dancers beyond all boundaries, the journey has been a joyous reward,” said Taryn Grant, SYPG director of community outreach. “We are thrilled to add ‘The Nutcracker’ to 18 years of Central Illinois performances and community partnerships. Our community's youth is our pride, on and off the stage, and we are excited to share young talent with our audiences.”
According to Grant, the dancers lead the magical holiday story through movement, and live narrators provide an additional foundation for the dancers’ storytelling. “Our show has been designed for all audience members from the child or adult who has never before seen a ‘Nutcracker’ to those audience members of all ages who have seen the classic tale many times. Our production is a delight to many senses with colorful costumes, lively music, scents of the season, enchanting characters and beautiful classic ballet. … With the all the hustle and bustle of the season, this is the perfect fit to create a new holiday tradition for your family. This show is unique with the inclusion of many community partners that represent the spirit of sharing during this holiday season.“
Springfield Ballet Company jumps in with performances later those same evenings at the University of Illinois Performing Arts Center. This year’s production of “The Nutcracker” will be the first full-length, professional production of this holiday classic performed in Springfield as the troupe has transitioned from a student organization to a group comprised solely of paid, professional dancers.
“This will bring the quality of the production to a level not seen before in Springfield,” said SBC Ballet Mistress Caitlin Helton Sherer, “Additionally, we have renamed all of the Act II variations after various sweets and moved away from the traditional country names entirely. The Kingdom of the Sweets will be filled with all sorts of candies, from Saltwater Taffy to Gum Drops to the famed Sugar Plum fairy and her Cavalier.
“I would encourage audience members looking for the full, immersive holiday experience to attend Springfield Ballet's ‘The Nutcracker,’ ” Helton Sherer continued, “Nothing is more magical than attending a live, professional performance and being transported away from all of life's troubles for a few hours. The house lights darken, the curtain comes up, and the beauty and virtuosity of the artists will sweep audiences away as they follow along on Clara's beloved journey.”
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In a final twist to this epic ballet sequence, CCBC presents “Nutty Nutcracker” on Dec. 22 for one performance only at the University of Illinois Springfield Performing Arts Center. In an effort to stay true to its mission of making the arts accessible to the entire community, general admission seats will be pay-what-you-can, starting at $5. Patrons will be able to visit the UIS Performing Arts Center ticket page and select their ticket price. Between both of CCBC’s performances, the productions include more than 100 dancers from around central Illinois aged 8 and up. Ratz said “Preparing two casts for two venues has been quite a feat,” but the most enjoyable aspect has been “listening to the beautiful score and working with these talented and dedicated local dancers.”
“The Nutcracker” has become the most frequently performed of all ballets of all time and certainly may be the most performed ballet at holiday time in the Springfield area this season.
More Information
Copper Coin Balley Company - 'The Nutcracker Holiday Walks'Through-Dec. 17 Wednesdays and Saturdays at 5:30 p.m.Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum’s Union TheaterTickets: Free but tickets required for entry available at 4p.m. outside the theaterVisit: https://coppercoinballet.org
Springfield Youth Performance Group – 'The Nutcracker: Land of the Sweets'2 and 6 p.m. Dec. 10-11Sacred Heart-Griffin Auditorium, 1200 W. Washington St., SpringfieldTickets: Adults $25, Children 13 and younger $15 plus fees; Streaming option Dec. 11 at 2 p.m. $35 plus fees, https://www.showtix4u.com/events/sypgVisit: https://sypgfoundation.org
Springfield Ballet Company – 'The Nutcracker'2 and 7 p.m. Dec. 10, 2 p.m. Dec. 11University of Illinois Springfield Performing Arts CenterTickets: Adults $42, Seniors (65+) $32, Children (12 and under) $22 - plus feesUIS PAC box office 217-206-6160 or online at uispac.comVisit www.springfieldballetco.com
Copper Coin Ballet Company – 'Nutty Nutcracker'7 p.m. Dec. 22University of Illinois Springfield Performing Arts CenterTickets: $5+UIS PAC box office 217-206-6160 or online at uispac.comVisit: https://coppercoinballet.org
This article originally appeared on State Journal-Register: 3 groups presenting their spins on 'The Nutcracker' in Springfield
