Thanks to First Security Bank continuing The Nutcracker sponsorship, Owensboro Dance Theatre will take this year’s Christmas tradition to new heights! You will see a suspended puppet, a levitating Arabian dancer, and a battle scene like never before.
Under the direction of Joy Johnson and Jaysie Beth Royal, Owensboro Dance Theatre’s unique version of Tchaikovsky’s classic includes several dance forms; ballet, jazz, tap, modern, and gymnastics.
The Nutcracker is based on the original E.F. Hoffman captivating tale of a young girl’s fantasy of beauty, magic, and sugarplums. Highlights from this celebrated performance include professional lighting, elaborate backdrops, over 100 striking costumes, an onstage snowstorm, flying character, unmatched talent, and one very special toy that bring the stage to life! The Christmas celebration, 24 years running, will be at the RiverPark Center on December 3rd, 2016 at 7pm with two school performances Friday, December 2nd at 9:15 and 11:30am.
ODT’s 34-member Company and Apprentice Company will be joined by new professional guest artists from around the country. New guest artist Meisy Garcia, former professional dancer with National Ballet of Cuba, Arts Ballet Theatre of Florida, and Kentucky Ballet Theatre, has joined us in the role of Sugarplum Fairy. Professional partner, Jorge Barani, will also be joining us for the first time as the Caviler. Jorge has performed and trained with National Ballet of Cuba, Royal Ballet of London, and various productions in both the United States and Cuba. David Reuille, Owensboro Dance Theatre’s Mouse King, Spanish Cavalier, and new character of the Shepard, is a dancer, master teacher, choreographer, guest artist, and serves as Artistic Director of Apex Dance in Denver, Colorado. Joshua Blake Carter, sponsored by Owensboro Grain Company LLC, is a company member of Giordano Dance Chicago and Director of Giordano II will again perform the role of Drosselmeyer’s nephew and the Nutcracker Prince. Also from Giordano Dance Chicago, Nathan Rommel will be joining us for the first time as the Pirate Doll, Snow King, and Arabian Cavalier. This year Thad Mayhugh will be playing the role of Drosselmeyer. He is the current Education Coordinator at Theatre Workshop of Owensboro, is a graduate of Roosevelt University in Chicago with a BFA in Musical Theatre, and previously portrayed Dr. Stahlbaum for 9 years! Also joining ODT for the famous role of Mother Ginger is Bob Meyer, senior HR for Dollar General Cooperation. ODT’s The Nutcracker is sure to be more spectacular than ever before, taking dancers to literal heights and inspiring heights as well. This 24th Nutcracker is at its greatest number of “extra” dancers and actors than ever before!
Owensboro Dance Theatre Company members include: Lily Andersen, Chase Bennett, Chenoa Bennett, Gracie Broughton, Riley Carter, Reese DeHaven, Ally Devine, Becca Devins, Lydea Dickens, Abby Hagan, Mamie Hale, Reese Hayden, Nicole Johnson, Katherine Logan, Madison Mattingly, Payton McCollam, Kate Mellon, Grace Millay, Savannah Morris, Emma North, Abby Palmiter, Molly Payne, Emma Silvert, Sophie Sorrells, Brendan Stewart, and Ellen Ward.
Apprentice Company members include: Ella Adams, Lauren Benningfield, Maegan Hale, Paige Neal, Lilly Silvert, Vivian Terry Emily Torrence, and Grace Zambrano.
Come experience the magic of Owensboro Dance Theatre’s The Nutcracker. Tickets are available by contacting the RiverPark Center box office at 270.687.ARTS (270.687.2787) or riverparkcenter.com.
Winter’s Waltz Character Brunch
The new and improved 35th Anniversary Winter’s Waltz will be held from 10-11:30am on RiverPark Center Cannon Hall Stage on December 3rd. Come for a light brunch, style show, dance to Nutcracker music, iArt Studios craft, and a parade of Nutcracker characters!
Also, included in this festivity is a style show of Owensboro’s local children’s boutiques including; Lil Bit Sassy, Kidstop, Kids Inspired, The Pink Poppy, Matilda Jane, and more! To conclude this magical waltz there will be a winter’s snow right in front of your eyes. The morning is sure to be fun and exciting beginning to end. You won’t want to miss this wonderful occasion.
Come experience The 35th Anniversary Winter’s Waltz with Owensboro Dance Theatre on Saturday, December 3rd, 2016, from 10-11:30am. It will be held on the RiverPark Center’s Cannon Hall stage. Tickets are $45 per couple and $15 for each additional guest. To reserve your seat on stage, please call 270-684-9580 or visit Johnson’s Dance Studio.
First Security’s Candy Land Sweet Shop at Holiday Stroll
In conjunction with their presenting sponsorship of the Nutcracker, First Security Bank’s Downtown Banking Center will host its second annual Nutcracker Sweet Stop. From 2-5 p.m., the lobby will be transformed into a festive Candy Land during the city’s annual Downtown Holiday Stroll. From 3-3:45 p.m., Owensboro Dance Theatre’s guest artists Jorge Barani and Meisy Garcia from Kentucky Ballet Theatre will be available for photos.
“We love being a part of the downtown Owensboro community, and welcome everyone to stop by for a great time at our 313 Frederica Street location. We’ll have hot chocolate, lots of candy and prizes, and a great photo op for you and the kids. The Nutcracker is a wonderful Owensboro tradition that we are honored to be a part of every year,” said Kevin Carrico, Chief Market Officer.
