Timeless holiday tradition returns to the Geyer Performing Arts Center
In the photo above, the Snow Queen, Samantha Lauffer (standing), is surrounded by her snowflakes, Kait Nedrow, Jennifer Keeffer, Kylee Tkacs, Keri Kintigh, and Paige McLaughlin. At left, Drosselmeyer, played by Bill Dreucci, hands flowers to Clara, played by Gabi Omatick during a rehersal for The Nutcracker at the Geyer Performing Arts Center in Scottdale.
Holly Tonini
Holly Tonini
SCOTTDALE — A holiday tradition the whole family can enjoy returns to the Geyer Performing Arts Center.
For the second year in row, the Scottdale theater presents the beloved ballet “The Nutcracker,” directed by Darlene Trout and John Wagner on Dec. 14-16.
Though the production relies on the well-known story and original compositions from Pyotr Illyich Tchaikovsky, the directing duo brings their own flair to this classic tale.
“It’s a great story everyone is familiar with,” Wagner said. “We use the same standard Nutcracker story, but bring audiences our own production. My overall goal is to see this story told to its full potential.”
Co-directors Wagner and Trout have been working since October with a cast of more than 30 local adults and children.
“The cast has been working incredibly hard,” Wagner said. “This is a wonderful production.”
Starring Gabi Omatick as Clara, “The Nutcracker” transports audiences into the young girl’s Christmas dream filled with magic and thrills. After receiving a Nutcracker doll from her mysterious uncle, Clara has a vivid dream involved a fantastical land filled with rogue mice, sparkling snowflakes, graceful flowers and a bevy of sweets.
This is Wagner’s first year as director and Trout’s second. The duo hopes to give attendees something fresh to enjoy with this year’s production.
“Everything this year is new and different,” Trout said. “We’ve added one of my favorite numbers: Mother Ginger.” During the “Mother Ginger” number, gingersnap dancers tumble in and out of her skirts.
Wagner is also excited for audiences to see the “beautiful Pas de Deux number” presented in the second act.
Following the success of last year, Geyer theater manager Kristen Tunny expects another large turnout.
“The goal is to have this become an annual tradition,” Tunny said. “Last year, we had around 1,000 audience members walk through our doors. We’re looking to see numbers like that again this year.”
The production was made possible by support from the Chevron Foundation and the Community Foundation of Fayette County. Those involved in the ballet feel it’s important to get out and experience local arts.
“Come to see something that you normally would have to see in the city,” Trout said.
Tunney is excited to share “The Nutcracker,” a holiday tradition, with attendees each year.
“It’s a really great show for the whole family,” Tunney said. “It’s a really great holiday tradition.”
Show-times are 7:30 p.m. Friday through Saturday and 2:30 p.m. on Sunday. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased online at www.geyerpac.com or by calling the box office at 724-887-0887.
Tickets purchased at the door the night of shows are subject to best availability and reservations are recommended.
For more information on the cast and production visit www.geyerpac.com or call the box office.