By Tess Massey
For the Opelika
Observer
A Sugar Plum fairy, Arabian dancers, mice and a nutcracker are just a few characters that will come to life on stage during the East Alabama Community Ballet’s coming performances of “The Nutcracker.”
Multiple performances will be held Dec. 14-16 at Auburn University’s Telfair Peet Theatre. According to Allie Dyleski, EACB’s artistic director, a shortened version of the performance, “Clara’s Tea Party” will be offered for younger kids.
This year’s cast is comprised of nearly 90 dancers. Dyleski and Angie White are the artistic directors and choreographers are Trish Clark, Ellie Coop, Kasey Shepherd and Carol Smith.
“Courtney Dressner Walker and Francisco Aguilar of The Georgia Ballet will be joining us again as Sugar Plum Fairy and Sugar Plum Cavalier on December 14, 15, and 16,” Dyleski said. “EACB alumna and now corps de ballet member of The Georgia Ballet, Shelby Chaney, will be performing as the Sugar Plum Fairy for our school shows.”
In addition to the public performances, Dyleski added that there are four special performances for area third graders. The additional performances are free for the students and the schools. Excerpts from EACB’s “The Nutcracker” are also performed at community events and for local organizations.
“Our mission is to bring ballet to the community of East Alabama and create opportunities that otherwise wouldn’t exist,” Dyleski said. “The Nutcracker does this by providing performance opportunities for local dancers, and a chance for other members of the community to see a ballet.”
“The Nutcracker” isn’t just for children. [The Nutcracker] is a Christmas tradition that can be enjoyed by all ages,” Dyleski said.
Tickets for “The Nutcracker” are on sale now and can be purchased for $15 each at www.eacballet.com. Performance dates and times are: Dec. 14 at 7 p.m.; Dec. 15 at 2 p.m. and Dec. 16 at 2 p.m. “Clara’s Tea Party” will be Dec. 15 at 10 a.m.
Cast Listing:
The cast of this year’s Nutcracker includes: Madelyn Baker, Lauryn Benson, Virginia Grace Blake, Emma Blersch, Audrey Blersch, Dave Blersch, Elaine Brewer, Lily Kate Brewer, Emily Claire Brewer, Eva Lee Brewer, Olivia Brodbeck, Kendall Bryant, Marguerite Burns, Abigail Clemmons, Lily Cobine, Sierra Czarnecki, Jonathon Dickey, Zephyr Embers, Abby Farr, Melody Friedlander, Suzanna Friedlander, Malerie Goodman, Gracey Goolsby, Morgan Hale, Kenleigh Hall, Maggie Hardin, Melody Hays, Victoria Hiatt, Mary Grissom Hyde, Mollie Grace Ingram, Sarah Jackson, Jessica James, Nan Kelly, Melissa Kessler, Isabel Kessler, Rolley Len Kirk, Lauren Kraus, Lena Kruse, Landri Kruse, Emily Ludwig, Evie McBride, Mollye Gray McBride, Paige McDonald, Mimi McKelly, Patience Melius, Randy Melius, Suan Pak, Jillian Parker, Willow Grace Parrish, Kenna Pitcock, Mary Harper Poole, Grace Richardson, Avery Riley, Addison Shelton, Mercer Shirah, Jennifer Sikes, Jayden Sims, Marlie Sims, Izzy Smith, Carol Smith, Chaemin Son, Juhyun Son, Madelyn Stallworth-Ward, Christina Stark, Brett Stark, Kaitlyn Stewart, Sara Stewart, Clay Stewart, Julianna Stutts, Lauren Sweeney, Liya Temesgen. Hannah Thigpen, Richard Trammell, Rebecca Turochy, Lakyn Werner, Lucie Werner, Ella Wohleb, Addison Wood, Ellie Wood, Kayla Wyckoff.