From TOLEDO BALLET
Toledo Ballet will stage its 81st production of “The Nutcracker,” the longest-running, annual production in the nation to be held in December. This year’s production, presented by Fifth Third Bank, will span across five public performances on Friday, Dec. 10, at 11 a.m. for a special school show and 7 p.m. for the first performance, Saturday, Dec. 11, at 2 P.M. and 7 p.m., and Sunday, Dec. 12 at 2 p.m. Last year’s performances were virtual only. This year, Toledo Ballet returns to the Stranahan Theater and is offering both in-person and livestreaming tickets.
“All of us at the Toledo Ballet are eagerly awaiting the 81st annual Nutcracker,” says Lisa Mayer-Lang, Artistic Director for Toledo Ballet. “The excitement and buzz in the air is always palpable once Nutcracker auditions begin and lasts until the weekend of performances. We’re hoping for a ‘regular’ Nutcracker year with full audiences so that we are able to reach as many people as possible in person.”
Toledo Ballet’s Nutcracker is a long-standing holiday tradition that tells the magical story of a young girl, her Nutcracker Prince, and their adventures with toy soldiers, mice, dancing snowflakes, and a Sugar Plum Fairy in the dazzling Land of Sweets. To honor the life and work of the late Marie Bollinger-Vogt, Founder and Artistic Director Emerita of Toledo Ballet, the lead role will be Marie rather than the traditional Clara in the production.
“I am so excited for this year’s ‘Nutcracker!’” says Zak Vassar, President & CEO of the Toledo Alliance for the Performing Arts. “We were so proud to perform it last December and continue our streak as the longest-running Nutcracker production in the nation. However, the pandemic forced us to dance for cameras only, and our audiences were left cheering in front of their screens. This year is different. We can welcome audiences back to the Stranahan once again to delight in the wonder of this holiday classic. I think this will make Christmas feel a little more ‘normal’ and connect us with the customs of previous holiday seasons.”
Guest appearances in this year’s production include Cincinnati Ballet Principal dancers Melissa Gelfin De-Poli as the Snow Queen and Sugar Plum Fairy and Rafael Quenedit Castro as the Snow King and Cavalier.
“I am filled with happiness that this season I will be returning to dance with Toledo Ballet in ‘The Nutcracker,’” says Melissa Gelfin De-Poli, guest artist in this year’s production of “The Nutcracker.”
“In 2019 when I first shared the stage with Toledo Ballet, I immediately felt so connected to the entire team! Lisa Mayer-Lang and Michael Lang have created an incredibly special environment that radiates through the dancers and the performances. I was gutted to have missed out on last year’s production due to COVID protocols that I needed to adhere to. This year will be a very happy return and I can hardly wait for December to arrive!”
Each year, Toledo Ballet selects two students to perform the role of Marie (formerly known as Clara) in its annual production. Toledo Ballet is proud to announce that Hayden Graham and Charlotte Sexton will perform the role of Marie in this year’s performances.
“I’m very excited to be performing the role of Marie this year in Toledo Ballet’s 81st annual ‘Nutcracker,’” says Hayden Graham, Toledo Ballet dancer. “My favorite scene of Marie’s has to be the party scene! It is so fun to perform together with all of my friends. I’m so thankful for this opportunity. Ever since I was little, I have dreamed of being Marie one day, hoping that I could help inspire others to start dancing as well.”
“From the first time I saw ‘The Nutcracker’ at 3 years old, I knew my dream was to perform on stage as Marie,” says Charlotte Sexton, Toledo Ballet dancer. “I feel so honored and proud to be able to bring that same magic to this year’s performance. I’m most looking forward to dancing in the Party Scene. I am speechless and beyond excited to be a part of this year’s 81st ‘Nutcracker’ with the Toledo Ballet.”
HOW TO ATTEND:
What: Toledo Ballet’s 81st “The Nutcracker”
When: Friday, Dec. 10, 7 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 11, 2 p.m. & 7 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 12, 2 p.m.
Where: Stranahan Theater
Cost: $22-$54
More info: Visit toledoballet.com, stop by the TAPA Box Office located at 1838 Parkwood Avenue, or call 419.246.8000, Monday-Friday, 9-5 p.m.
HOW TO ATTEND:
What: Toledo Ballet’s 81st “The Nutcracker” School Performance
When: Friday, Dec. 10, 11 a.m.
Where: Stranahan Theater
Cost: $7.50 per student
More info: Visit toledoballet.com/nutcracker-student-performanceor call the TAPA Box Office at 419.246.8000, Monday-Friday, 9-5 p.m.
HOW TO WATCH ONLINE:
What: Toledo Ballet’s 81st “The Nutcracker”
When: Saturday, Dec. 11, 7 p.m. and Sunday, Dec., 11, 2 p.m.
Where: TAPA Streaming
Cost: $19.99
More info: Visit toledoballet.com or stream.artstoledo.com
“I want to thank Alex Gerken and his team at Fifth Third Bank for coming onboard as our title sponsor for this year’s Nutcracker,” says Vassar. “They are the first title sponsor in recent history, and we could not be more proud of Fifth Third’s investment in the beautiful music and movement of our Nutcracker. It’s a great way to celebrate our history and the importance of Toledo Ballet to this community. We wish Fifth Third an entire season of sugar plums!”
