Timeless traditions are often an exaggeration, but with 75 years under their belt (or perhaps under their ballet slippers) the Toledo Ballet’s annual performance of The Nutcracker is well on its way to becoming timeless.
75 years of delight
Since the first performance of The Nutcracker in 1941, Toledo’s annual tradition is now the longest running production in the country. According to Executive Director Mari Davies, “I think what keeps this tradition going is that it is a universal tale of the magic of childhood. It’s the nostalgia for that favorite toy received as a child, the first ‘crush’, the absolute lushness of the music, the glitter of the costumes and the power of gorgeous choreography.”
The Nutcracker was first brought to the community by Toledo Ballet Founder, Emerita Marie Vogt, who was deeply moved by the score and wanted to share it with the Toledo community. However, at the time, the United States was fighting in WWII creating great difficulty in obtaining the score from the Soviet Union, “but [Vogt] managed to wrangle a portion of the score, hand it to the Toledo Symphony, set it on her dancers, and the rest is history.”
Keeping it fresh
After running for 75 years, the Toledo Ballet adds elements yearly to keep the show feeling new for the audience. Davies stated, “One of the major components of keeping a 75 year old tradition fresh, is a whole new Nutcracker set. Act II made its stage debut in 2010, and Act 1… was unveiled in 2013. Each year, new props replace older ones. There is always something new and exciting to see!”
Along with the new set and props, are the new costumes for the Flowers, use of the vintage pajama costumes for the “Prologue”, and “homage to our Nutcrackers gone by with the return of ‘Sweets’ which will debut a stunning new tutu.”
Also new this year, and in honor of the show’s 75th anniversary, the Toledo Museum of Art’s Degas and the Dance exhibit includes a wonderful exhibit of the Toledo Ballet, to which Davies exclaimed, “We are deeply humbled by their generosity.”
Community classic
The story is that of young Clara who takes a liking for a little nutcracker toy, which her brother then purposely breaks. Clara is entranced by the toy and goes downstairs at midnight to check on the nutcracker, which to her surprise, begins to grow to life size. The stage is transformed into a battle between mice, lead by the evil Mouse King, and the nutcracker accompanied by toy soldiers. After Clara helps defeat the Mouse King, she celebrates with sweets and dancing.
This year’s coveted role of Clara will be performed by two local young dancers: Lauren Woodward, daughter of Carolyn and Steven Woodward, will perform the two matinees, while Madyson Quinn Starner, daughter of Tamie Starner and Jim Miller, will perform Saturday evening.
Also joining the cast this year are the recruited community leaders; Keith Burwell (Saturday at 2pm), Paul Causman (Saturday at 7pm) and Larry Nichols (Sunday at 2pm), taking on the role of Mother Ginger.
The splendor of this timeless classic is best described by Davies when she stated, “What great fun it is to get dressed up in one’s holiday best, enjoy the hustle and bustle of a crowded, busy Stranahan lobby, while waiting for the house doors to open— immerse yourself in the beauty of live music by the Toledo Symphony, and hold your breath with every leap and twirl on the stage!”
2pm & 7pm Saturday, December 12 and 2pm Sunday, December 13 | $25-$55 | Stranahan Theater, 4645 Heatherdowns Blvd. | 419-381-8851. | toledoballet.org
