Sue Ann Lorenz-Wallace, Artistic Director and Linda Lorenz LaDue, Consultant of TheOld Forge Ballet Company have announced the cast for the company’s annual “Nutcracker” ballet which will be performed at the Strand Theatre in Old Forge on Saturday, December 1.
A few new faces will be seen among ballet company members who have been performing in the local production for the past nineteen years.
The cast includes over 30 individuals representing the com munities of Eagle Bay, Inlet,Indian Lake, Old Forge, Thendara, Woodgate and Forestport.
Laurie Waranis, an instructor at the Old Forge Ballet Company and Clint Otto, a newcomer, are cast respectively as Frau and Herr Stahlbaum, hosts of the 1800’s Christmas party in Germany where the ballet is set.
Cast as their children Clara and Fritz, are Renee Smith andDawson Dunn.
Herr Drosselmeyer, their mysterious magical uncle, will again be portrayed by Norman Rannels, who will be accompanied by David Beck as his nephew Christian. Jeff Dickinson will return as the comical butler with Betty Rannels cast as the parlour maid. Dancing as the mechanical dolls in Act 1 are Alison Russell as Columbine, Betty Rannels as the Geisha and Dawson Dunn as the Soldier.
The Act 1 party guests include: Bella Beck, Sarah Beck, Lisa Bennet, Chelsea Clark, Chloe Clark, Kirsten Croniser, Kerissa Dunn, Jennifer Dunn, Reagan Ehrensbeck, Addison Hitchcock, Courtney Hitchcock, Heidi Hitchock, Natalie Hitchcock, Alivia Hopsicker, Miriam Kashiwa, Mary Jane Lasher, Douglas Masters, Savannah Pashley, Eileen Ponsot, Betty Rannels, Alison Russell, Caitlin Russell, Karen Russell, and Brooke Schweinsberg. Dancers highlighted in additional roles in Act 1 are David Beck as the Nutcracker and Alison Russell as the Giant Mouse in the Battle.
Playing Snowflakes in the Snow scene are Company dancers, Mary Jane Lasher, Jennifer Dunn, Kerissa Dunn, Renee Smith, Sarah Beck, Caitlin Russell, Alison Russell, Reagan Ehrensbeck, and Brooke Schweinsberg.
Act 2 is cast by Company dancers and Act 1 children in the traditional divertissement of character dances. Mother Ginger will be portrayed again this year by Betty Rannels. The Sugar Plum Fairy will be danced by Sarah Beck and her Cavalier David Beck.
Two performances are set for December 1: a 2 p.m. narrated matinee and a 7 p.m. evening performance.
Tickets are currently on sale for $10 for adults, seniors and teens. Children under the age of 12 will be admitted free. Tickets can be purchased at The Naked Moose and The TOW Bar in Old Forge and Dan’s Big M in Eagle Bay.
Tickets can be purchased by email or by mail before November 24. Call (315) 369-8721 or 369- 6273 or oldforgeballet@roadrunner. com or linda_ladue@hotmail. com for more information.
