WCA 'Nutcracker,' Christkindl Market Dec. 6-8
Dancer Vivian Haughn will play the Sugarplum Fairy when the Wayne Center for the Arts Dance Department brings “The Nutcracker” to life Dec. 6-8 at Fisher Auditorium in Wooster.
It's never truly holiday season until the first time one hears an excerpt from “The Nutcracker Suite” by Tchaikovsky. Everyone will have that opportunity when the Wayne Center for the Arts Dance Department brings “The Nutcracker” to life Dec. 6-8 at Fisher Auditorium in Wooster.
The ballet production will feature about 80 Wayne Center for the Arts dancers age 3-14. Wayne Center Dance Company dancers will perform in the principal and corps roles. Other dance students will participate as well.
“For the first time, dancers in all genres and all WCA dance classes are included in the production,” said Brittany Eckstrom, WCA dance coordinator and artistic director.
Area high school students are involved in the backstage aspects of the production.
“We have been working with many teachers across Wayne County schools to involve local high school students in Drama Club and National Honor Society to earn volunteer hours while assisting our production,” Eckstrom said.
More help is still needed, and any Wayne County high school students interested in being involved are invited to email Eckstrom at brittany@wayneartscenter.org.
In addition to the usual concessions with food and gift items, this year's “Nutcracker” will feature a Christkindl Market. The market will showcase local artisan vendors and be open to the public in the theater lobby.
Performances are scheduled Friday, Dec. 6 at 6 p.m.; Saturday, Dec. 7 at 2 and 6 p.m.; and Sunday, Dec. 8 at 6 p.m. at Fisher Auditorium, located on the Ohio State Wooster campus at 1680 Madison Ave. Ticket prices for adults are $15, and seniors/children are $10. All tickets are unreserved general admission and may be purchased online at www.wayneartscenter.org/nutcracker, at the door or by calling Wayne Center for the Arts at 330-264-2787.
Christkindl Market hours will be Dec. 6 from 5-8 p.m., Dec. 7 from 1-8 p.m. and Dec. 8 from 1-4 p.m. Vendor information for the market will be available online at www.wayneartscenter.org/nutcracker.
Flowers for dancers will be available for purchase at the show.
“Wayne Center for the Arts' 'Nutcracker' is of course a wonderful holiday tradition in itself,” Eckstrom said. “However, the spirit of the season is truly in the joy of the dancers on the stage. Watching our youngest pre-K dancers alongside their teenage role models is a heartwarming display of the beauty of community and the impact of the arts.”
Donations can be made online at www.wayneartscenter.org/donate/. Corporate sponsorships are available at www.wayneartscenter.org/donate/. For more information regarding sponsorship, email tiffany@wayneartscenter.org.