What: “The Nutcracker”
When: 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 3-6 and 11-14; 2:30 p.m. on Dec. 7
Where: University Theatre
Cost: General public, $18; faculty/Staff, $17; senior citizens, $15; and students, $13
In a modern rendition of the classic, the Department of Theatre and Dance presents “The Nutcracker” for the second time in school history.
The show made its first appearance in 2010 at Ball State to the applause of sold-out houses nearly every night.
“Everyone loves a good Nutcracker,” said Audra Sokol, artistic director and assistant professor of dance. “It’s a part of American culture of the holidays.”
This year’s production will be similar to the one four years ago, but Sokol said that the show will have improved along with the department.
“We are stronger as a dance program, and the show will be more technically challenging to reflect that,” she said.
Usually this production is designed in a traditional ballet format, but this production will feature several different types of dance. From musical theater and ethnic dance to modern and jazz, this performance focuses on featuring the talent of its choreographers and dancers.
“We are trying to celebrate the differences within dance and within our faculty," Sokol said. “We are also trying to highlight the uniqueness and creativity of each individual dancer and what they can offer to the performance.”
Associate professor of dance Christie Zimmerman choreographed the party scene, which Sokol described as having a very “saucy” feel to it. Senior dance major Tyler Hartman, who plays Clara’s father the Snow King, an Arabian dancer and a Dew Drop partner, said the Bob Fosse style jazz dance is one of the reasons why this scene is memorable.
“The Fosse style is incredibly intricate, and the attention to detail is paramount,” Hartman said. “It was fun being able to act out these characters and to wear the ridiculously lavish costumes.”
Another scene in the show, the Grand Pas de Deux, is one of the more recognizable from “The Nutcracker.” Junior dance major Tyler Ring plays the Prince in this year’s production, and he said this was one of the most challenging roles.
“It requires a lot of classical ballet training,” Ring said. “Clara [played by Lisa Curatolo] dances this scene with me on pointe, and it entails a lot of intricate partnering.”
One aspect of this show, which makes it especially different, is its nontraditional visual nature. This production will rely on a steam-punk feel for the costumes and set.
“Even if it feels like you’ve seen it a hundred times, you’ve never seen it like this,” Sokol said.
Sokol said one of their goals is to amuse the audience and to make them laugh.
“It’s a very comedic and entertaining show. It’s captivating, and it will capture one’s attention from beginning to end,” she said. “This is an original take on what people have seen in past experiences with ‘The Nutcracker.’ It’s exciting, unique and funny.”
The show has been long in the making, and Hartman said it has been a rewarding process.
“We have worked on this show from August to now, and it has been one of the most entertaining and enjoyable experiences I've had in my four years at Ball State,” Hartman said. “It is truly a family friendly show and is the perfect way to usher in the holiday season.”
In addition to presenting audiences with an enjoyable experience, the cast and crew of this production also want to give back to the Muncie community.
“As a cast we decided to open up donations for Toys for Tots,” Ring said. “At each show we will have boxes in the lobby where the public can bring in toys for donations. We felt this is a great way to give back to the community within the holiday spirit.”
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