Nov. 17, 2006 -- The University of Wyoming Department of Theatre and Dance will celebrate
the holiday season with the perennial family favorite, “The Nutcracker.”
The production can be seen Nov. 30-Dec. 2 at 7:30 p.m., and Dec. 3 at 2 p.m. in the
College of Arts and Sciences auditorium. Tickets cost $16 for the public, $13 for
senior citizens, and $8 for students. For tickets and information call (307) 766-6666
or go online at www.uwyo.edu/finearts.
Based on the early 19th century German fairytale by E.T.A Hoffman with music by Tchaikovsky,
the classic ballet is about a young girl who receives a nutcracker for Christmas that
spurs on her fantastical dreams. The UW ballet also features performances by local
children and community members.
After the 2002 performance of “The Nutcracker” (UW presents the classic every four
years), it became clear that many of the aging costumes and set pieces were falling
apart and would have to be replaced. But rather than view this as an obstacle, Lee
Hodgson, professor of theatre and dance, created a unique “Nutcracker,” one that suits
the spirit of Wyoming and the West.
“Lee suggested quite literally placing Clara's story in her Laramie home, and determined
that she be an ‘Ivinson’ of Laramie rather than a ‘Strahlbaum’ of Germany or Russia,"
says Marsha Knight, professor of theatre and dance.
With the support of Department Head Rebecca Hilliker and the artistic team, Hodgson
began researching the project with Joney Wilmot, the curator of the Laramie Plains
Museum, and Mary Mountain, its administrator. Original photographs from the museum
formed the basis of Hodgson's costume designs, while the mansion inspired the set
designs, which are being created by Ron Steger, scenic artist and professor emeritus
in the department.
Many scenes in the ballet are set in Laramie's historic Ivinson Mansion circa 1890,
with the setting, costumes, and characters re-imagined as being part of Laramie's
early days. For example, folk heroes such as the "Hole-in-the-Wall Gang" and Cattle
Kate are the romantic models for the mice in Clara's dream.
“‘The Nutcracker’ has been produced with many different looks, updates, and variations,
but this production will have a genuine home in this community,” Knight says. “The
depth of research, efforts by all artists to look respectfully to our past, to render
those images with both awe and humor have made this a moving experience."
Posted on Friday, November 17, 2006
