The Nutcracker Celebrates 33 years
Joe Lyons •
December 13, 2024
The Nutcracker Celebrates 33 years
For over a century, audiences have delighted in the music, dance, and drama that is The Nutcracker. This year marks the 33rd annual presentation of the beloved holiday tradition performed by Ashland Regional Ballet (ARB). The dancers will take the stage at Ashland’s Archer Auditorium, on the campus of Ashland High School, on Saturday, December 14th at 2:00pm & 7:30pm; and Sunday, December 15th at 2:00pm. Tickets are available at ashlandregionalballet.com/ticket-information.
The full cast boasts 104 dancers from the Ashland/Mansfield area and surrounding counties. Principal roles will be danced by members of Ashland Regional Ballet with the role of Clara being portrayed by Tara Tavallaee of Ashland. Guest dancer, Larry White, will dance the role of Clara’s Nutcracker Prince. Megan Harrigan of Ashland will appear as the Sugar Plum Fairy.
Ashland Regional Ballet members in other principal roles are Lyla Metzger as Snow Queen, Audrey Smith as Trepak, Sam Metz as Shepherdess, and Asher Robbins and Lyla Metzger as Tea duet. Valerie Raubenolt will perform the role of Flower Queen with Teagan Kime and Audrey Smith as her Flower Attendants. Lucy Ronk will take on the role of Arabian, Teagan Kime and Adra Herod will dance a Spanish duet, Milo McDonald will dance as the Jester, and Mary Hamilton, Madelyn Shenberger and Sami Crist will portray the Candy Cane Principles.
Other ARB company members to appear include Jordyn Thomas, Dylan MQuate, Gianna Sinchock, Alysia Benedek, Kinsley Kline and Emersyn Metheney.
Theatre professional, Jeff Haffner will rejoin the cast this year as Herr Drosselmeyer while Dr. Bruce Sliney and ARB alumna, Jackie Zorich, will return to their roles as Dr. and Mrs. Stahlbaum, with Abbigale Crist of Ashland as Fritz. Opus II Dance Studio Director, Ann Marie Benshoff-Todd, will portray Nanny and Artistic Director, Sarah Cyders, will appear as Grandma Stahlbaum. Dr. John Moser of Ashland will narrate the beloved ballet and ARB Alumni Mark Koehler will portray The Rat King. Sydney Box and Alyssa Obertanec will reprise their roles as adults in the Party scene.
In addition to the wonderful dancing by Ashland Regional Ballet company members, the production is supported by an exceptionally strong cast comprised of Opus II Dance Studio students who bring excitement and energy to this timeless classic.
The production features original choreography by ARB Founder/Executive Director Hellie Schussler, staged by Sarah Cyders and Ann Marie Benshoff-Todd. Lighting design is by Don Pontious and set design by Robbie Keplar, and Costumes by Margaret Minick-Blake, Kepler, Loree Ronk, and Donna Benshoff.
Founder and Executive Director, Hellie Schussler notes, “Each Nutcracker season brings new joys and challenges. In 1992, on the 100th anniversary of Tchaikovsky’s holiday favorite, ARB presented its first production of the full-length ballet and has performed it annually ever since. It seems impossible that we are now celebrating our 33rd Nutcracker season. The Nutcracker has become a tradition for our dancers, as well as for many families in our area. We look forward to seeing new faces in the time-honored and familiar roles, as well as the joy of watching our artists grow from year to year in roles they have come to love. This production of The Nutcracker feels like coming home for Christmas. We invite you to come home to the Ashland Regional Ballet Nutcracker.”
Tickets can be purchased at ashlandregionalballet.com/ticket-information.
