By Karen Wolitzer
Accompanying them will be the 75-piece South Shore Symphony Orchestra."We've really got the cream of the crop," says Joan proudly. "We've got dancers from the American Ballet Theater, The Bolshoi Ballet, Dance Theatre of Harlem, Alvin Ailey, MOMIX and more."Joan held auditions in July, August and September, advertising in all the trade publications. "We have dancers from all over," she says. "and a lot of my students are in it, but they had to be able to dance the choreography, like everyone else. There's no guarantee that just because you go to school here you'll be in
The Nutcracker."The students, who did make the cut, are loving every minute of it. "They're awestruck by the professional dancers," Joan notes. "It's an experience that they'll never forget."And neither will you...because it's not your typical Nutcracker that's hard to follow. "While it's a classical production, ours is unique because we make it more fun. Our party scene is a little friskier than most productions. We add a little more humor," declares Joan. "A lot of people say they never understood
The Nutcracker, but the way we interpret it, people actually understand the story. When we do it, I make sure it's very clear."For those of you who don't know the story, it's about Clara (played by seventh grader Lauren Dawsey), a little girl, and what happens to her one cold and snowy Christmas Eve. It starts off in the home of Dr. Stahlbaum. He's about to host an elaborate party. His children Clara and Fritz are very excited.Clara's godfather, Herr Drosselmeyer arrives with a black patch over one eye and presents the children with presents...a ballerina doll and her partner, a soldier doll, and an enchanting Nutcracker for Clara. Jealous of Clara's Nutcracker doll, Fritz takes it from her and breaks it. Herr Drosselmeyer bandages the doll, as Clara cries. The party ends and the guests go home. Later Clara sneaks down to the tree to see the Nutcracker. Her Drosselmeyer weaves a spell and Clara falls asleep.When she awakens from her dream, the room fills with mice, toy soldiers and the Nutcracker (played by Sam Carrell), who is now life-size. A fierce battle ensues between the mice, their menacing Mouse King, the Nutcracker and his soldiers. Clara throws her slipper at the Mouse King and the Nutcracker slays him. Then with his soldiers, he defeats the rest of the mice. Then the Nutcracker, with the help of Herr Drosselmeyer is transformed into a real Nutcracker Prince.The Prince takes Clara into an enchanted forest where they are greeted by the Snow Queen and King. As snowflakes gently whirr around them, Clara and her Prince leave for the Kingdom of Sweets.Angels guide them into the presence of the beautiful Sugar Plum Fairy and her Cavalier. Soon an elaborate ceremony is held in Clara's honor. As she feasts on all kinds of exotic sweets, Mother Ginger, all her children and the flowers entertain her with their lovely Waltz of the Flowers.The story ends with the Grand Pas de Deux danced by the Sugar Plum Fairy and her Cavalier, followed by everyone in the Land of Sweets saying goodbye. Then Clara awakens in the parlor, clutching her Nutcracker. Was it a dream?Over 125 cast members will make this a night to remember. "People come back year after year," says Joan with a smile. One of those people is Marianne Minasi of Rockville Centre. "I've been to it twice. I used to go to Lincoln Centre, but I find this a more enjoyable experience," she vows. "My children like it and they enjoy having the symphony right there...it's a magical thing to watch."
The Nutcracker
December 6, 7, 8
South Side High School, Rockville Centre
Tickets: $20, adults; $16, children and seniors
For more info and showtimes
call 766-7171
