DALA News:
It has been reported that during the Trinity Test in July 1945, strains of the Nutcracker Suite mysteriously crackled through the radio.
Seventy years later, Tchaikovsky will, once again, meet the Manhattan Project in Dance Arts Los Alamos’ (DALA) world premiere of Nutcracker on “The Hill”. The audience will travel back to the era of the Manhattan Project as the show opens with a Christmas Party hosted by General Leslie Groves.
Set Designer Robi Mulford’s talent in re-creating the Fuller Lodge set will be immediately apparent as the historical figures dance the night away to the big band music of Glen Miller.
As the party draws to a close, J. Robert Oppenheimer will lead the General’s daughter, Gwen, on a magical journey.
DALA Artistic Director Jonathan Guise worked in close collaboration with the Los Alamos Historical Society to create an imaginative story line for the ballet while maintaining historical accuracy. Heather McClenahan, executive director of the Los Alamos Historical Society, provided invaluable assistance in the creation of this new ballet.
Guise says of the ballet, “Creating this Nutcracker has been the most fun I’ve had in creating a new production. This show has everything from swing dancing to espionage.”
The cast includes more than 100 dancers and community members. All new choreography has been created by Guise as well as DALA faculty members Tina Anderson, Gina Fisk and Valerie Silks, who also serves as the costume designer.
Featured dancers include DALA seniors Corinne D’Andrea as the Snow Queen, Annie Smith as the Rose Queen, Kaelan Prime as the Arabian Queen and Camille Rousculp as the Rat Queen. LAHS junior Melina Burnside will perform as the Sugar Plum Fairy.
Ellie Oldham will dance the role of Gwen Groves and DALA instructor Patrick MacDonald will play her father, General Leslie Groves. Jeff Favorite brings his magical charm to the role of J. Robert Oppenheimer. Connor Hoch will perform as the Nutcracker Prince.
Professional dancer Bryan Jenkins will once again grace the stage as the Cavalier. A Florida native, Jenkins trained at Douglas Anderson School of the Arts and later at the Harid Conservatory. He joined Ballet Met where he performed many featured roles. Jenkins is currently with Florida Ballet.
The ever-popular role of Mother Ginger will be played by three prominent members of the Los Alamos Community. Dr. Kurt Steinhaus, Los Alamos Public Schools superintendent, performs Friday evening. Father Christopher Adams, Rector of Trinity on the Hill Episcopal Church, performs Saturday afternoon. Dr. Ben Neal, Los Alamos Children’s Clinic, will reprise his role Sunday afternoon.
Nutcracker on “The Hill” will be performed at 7 p.m., Friday Dec. 4, and again at 2 p.m., Saturday and Sunday Dec. 5-6, at the Duane Smith Auditorium during Winterfest Weekend.
Tickets are available at CB FOX, The Los Alamos Historical Society and at the door. Tickets prices are $15/Adults and $10/Students and Seniors. For further information contact the DALA office at 505.672.9462 or www.danceartslosalamos.org.
