Heading into historic downtown Fuquay-Varina during the winter season, there are many holiday-time sights, sounds, and smells to behold and admire. Strolling among the shops and past the street lamp posts all decked out with colorful lights, sparkly ornaments, charming wreaths and festive evergreens is a simple pleasure one can have while breathing in the crisp air outdoors.
While on a walk-about, one might catch the delightful scents of hot chocolate, freshly ground coffee or fruity tea, sweet ginger and so many other holiday-time treats. The music one hears in the welcoming stores may conjure up images of dancing candy canes, bouncing marzipan, and delicate sugar plums. That’s because it’s Nutcracker season!
Loosely based on the E.T.A. Hoffmann fantasy story entitled The Nutcracker and the Mouse King, this traditional tale features a girl who befriends a nutcracker that comes to life on Christmas Eve and fights a battle against an evil Mouse King. The story was set to music by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky and was first performed in March 1892. It has become one of the most famous ballets of all time.
The Town of Fuquay-Varina will host its third annual Nutcracker production this year inside the Arts Center on the stage, as was done in the inaugural year. As one of this year’s Snowflake dancers, Riley, said, “I think it’s so fun to dance a ballet that was first performed over 100 years ago!” The Nutcracker has quickly become a beloved town tradition.
Last year, because of the pandemic, all dancing was held outdoors to minimize hazards while keeping the dancers creatively engaged. “It’s the nature of a creative business to find out what fits the situation of the day,” said Maureen Daly, Arts Center Director. “New ways were found to activate and energize those involved. Challenges were approached as new opportunities and we worked with a foundation of abundance and a servant’s heart. Our community kids needed something to do and we were there for them.”
In passing by the famous mineral spring last year, you would have seen a graceful Waltz of the Snowflakes and, in the nearby Shoppes on Main, a pair of live dancing dolls. There were mice and soldiers near The Mill and bearded Russian dancers at the fire station. The whole town came alive as the Land of the Sweets and the dancing was captured as a Nutcracker movie, which was seen online by audiences around the world! It was a beautiful sight and a great way to celebrate the season.
“I am thankful that we have been able to keep the show going, despite the challenges we’ve faced along the way,” said Tami Starr, the show’s artistic director. She added that making the movie made the production more a part of the community. “But we are looking forward to being back on the Arts Center stage this year and to bringing the taste of live theater to our hometown.”
This year’s auditions were held in August with over 80 students trying out. They come from a variety of local dance schools and are skilled in diverse dance styles, from ballet and character to hip hop and contemporary. As Elizabeth Hite, the mother of Lillian (a young Reed Flute Dancer), said: “This is a great way to bring the community back together and my daughter is enjoying the dance she’s learning. It is good for her to learn new choreography, work with different teachers, and interact with students from a variety of backgrounds. It’s nice watching her grow.”
Brittany Frazier (mother of Brynn, a Chinese dancer) mentioned that her daughter “is really excited and we are so happy to be participating in the town’s Nutcracker show.” Jamie Criswell (mother of Savannah and Kate) noted that her family has “really been enjoying being a part of this for the last three years.” Her daughter Savannah was pleasantly surprised to be cast as Clara—a starring role—while younger sister Kate likes that she is “getting to be a mouse.” Although next year, she is hoping to dance as a Snowflake!
The show’s music is fun and upbeat, with a mix of the traditional Tchaikovsky pieces and some more modern versions, and there are actors and a new script involved as well. The production includes many thoughtful details, such as a working sleigh and a dancing dragon. Rumor is that magic may be used to make some dolls come to life and that a Christmas tree might be made to grow large, too! (Note that the ornaments painted on the tree feature the Arts Center staff.)
Arabian dancer, Adrianna, said she loves “the environment, the teachers and her dance.” She said rehearsal is going well and that it is a good challenge. She added that her “costume fits perfectly.”
The costumes are gorgeous! Some were purchased, while others are being handcrafted by the Arts Center’s very own costume designers, Linda Hodges and Barbara Condit, with volunteer assistance. Barbara said they “have had great support from the Arts Center and the parents and other people who are willing to be involved. The kids are so courteous and excited about their costumes, too!” Linda added, “Barb and I make a good team. We have a tried-and-true system for costume fittings and for making new outfits. We try things out and brainstorm with each other, and somehow it works out. We love the kids—they are so cute and fun to work with. I wouldn’t miss it for the world.”
It takes a large community effort to make this magical event happen! Take it from the kids involved—this is going to be a good show. As Joey, who is playing Clara’s brother Fritz, noted: “It’s super fun! This is my third and it’s the best one yet.” Young Snowflake dancer Izabelle agreed that “dance is so fun,” while Bryson, who is starring as the Nutcracker Prince, said he likes “a lot of the choreography and all of the dances. All of the cast is great.” They highly suggest that you attend the show and don’t think you’ll be disappointed with the spectacle of live theater that will be presented before you.
The performances will be held at the Fuquay-Varina Arts Center located at 123 E. Vance Street on Friday, December 10, at 7:00 p.m. and there are three shows on Saturday, December 11, at 11:00 a.m., 2:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. Tickets for this event are for sale to the general public beginning November 8 and may be purchased through the Arts Center’s box office at www.fuquay-varina.org/1111/Arts-Center.
