No other ballet is as familiar to so many as The Nutcracker, no other music of Tchaikovsky so hummable; it’s performed all over the world and seen by millions. For the past four years, the ballet has been a Christmas tradition on the Sunshine Coast, thanks to Coasting Along Theatre Society and the thousands of hours of rehearsal by aspiring dancers, costume makers, set designers and backstage helpers.
At a Sunday rehearsal recently, this season’s Clara, the little girl who receives a wooden nutcracker for a gift, performed by Jasmyn Evered, was in the practice room early, warming up. So was the Sugar Plum Fairy, the character who takes Clara on a journey to a magical kingdom of candy canes and gingerbread, and who will be performed by professional dancer Erin McNeill.
“She’s a wonderful role model,” said The Nutcracker’s artistic director Kathleen Holmes, referring to the lithe, lively McNeill, who was coaching Evered with her arabesque.
The part of Sugar Plum must be technically precise, yet sugar sweet. “It’s hard trying to make it look so easy,” said McNeill. She has wanted the part ever since she saw it on TV from the Royal Ballet. “It’s one of my favourite roles.”
Because there are two casts for this year’s elaborate production, Jasmyn will be performing it three times and her counterpart, Roxy Drewitz, will also perform in three other shows. Drewitz commutes all the way from Calgary to be part of The Nutcracker, inspired to the role after studying with Holmes at her summer ballet intensives. She’s not alone in travelling to the show. The part of Herr Drosselmeyer is performed by Graham McMonagle, who flies in from Vancouver Island for rehearsal.
Most of the cast are local dancers who auditioned for their roles, but professionals will return this season. Miguel Nguyen takes on his fourth season as Cavalier, a challenging role that showcases his strength and finesse. He will also perform the Nutcracker Prince, and fight the fierce Mouse King this year.
Ana-Paula Oioli will reprise her roles as both the Snow Queen and Dew Drop Fairy, showing her dazzling leaps and exquisite execution. Diego Ramalho returns as the handsome Snow King and Mirliton. This season four local dancers will be partnering with Ramalho to renowned choreographer Petipa’s pas de trois. Holmes reports that there is much excitement during rehearsals as lifts never performed in front of a live audience are practised and refined.
Both casts have been rehearsing since September, every weekend.
“Technique – it’s so important. You have to dance until your body does it automatically,” Holmes said. Rehearsals are not easy since most of the young dancers have other commitments – half of them are part of school bands, choirs or other activities. “We organize around their schedules,” she said.
Tickets are now on sale in person at Scotiabank in Teredo Square, Sechelt, during banking hours until they are sold out. Or call the CATS box office at 604-989-6050 to place your order. The staff will mail your tickets to you.
The Nutcracker will once again be presented at Raven’s Cry Theatre in Sechelt. There are six performances: opening night Saturday, Dec. 19 at 8 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 20 at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., Monday, Dec. 21 at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., and Tuesday, Dec. 22, the final show, at 2 p.m.
