New look for Modesto’s ‘Nutcracker’ this year, along with return of jazzy performance
“The Nutcracker” is getting a face lift this holiday season in Modesto.
Central West Ballet’s annual production has new backdrops and sets for the company’s 35th anniversary season, according to a press release.
The ballet will be held Dec. 9-18 at the Gallo Center for the Arts.
Artistic Director René Daveluy said the production was “ready for a much-needed change.”
Among the updates is a entirely new Act 1 party scene, with new borders, side legs, backdrops and physical set pieces.
“We felt it was time to create a new look for the family mansion in the first act,” Daveluy said in the release.
The Land of the Sugar Plum Fairy also will have a new look, and the snow scene has a new three-piece matching portal.
The updates cost about $104,000, CWB’s Executive Director Karin Reenstierna said in an email. A Shuttered Venue Operators Grant from the U.S. Small Business Administration covered 75% of the costs.
She said in the release that bringing a new look for the show was worth the investment. “’The Nutcracker’ is the company’s main source of revenue and we always want our patrons to have a beautiful experience each time they attend.”
There will be Sugar Plum Fairy Parties on stage after select matinee performances with a chance for families to meet the cast, take pictures and enjoy holiday treats.
The parties will be held Dec. 10-11 and Dec. 17 with tickets at $6. Call 209-576-8957 to purchase.
Also, CWB again will offer its one-night-only “The Nutcracker in Jazz” performance Dec. 16.
Another addition this year will be a live performance by the Ripon High School choir, according to the release. “The Nutcracker” includes more than 120 community children, sharing the stage with CWB dancers.
Central West Ballet has been offering the holiday classic since 1987. “This year is a fantastic opportunity to witness some special heights in the company’s history,” Ballet Mistress Leslie Ann Larson said in the release.
“We are seeing the fruits of our labors after all these years,” she said. “Our veteran headliners are coming into the apex of their artistry and the next generation of lead dancers are outstanding, building on decades of dedication to quality training.”
Getting jazzy for performance
“The Nutcracker in Jazz” show returns after a hiatus due the pandemic, according to the release. It’s an opportunity to give patrons something different for the holidays.
“’Nutcracker in Jazz’ has it all, thrilling scenes, exciting tap dancing, romance and amazing jazz versions (of) the famous numbers from the Nutcracker,” Daveluy said.
The show also features additional choreography by veteran principal dancer Nicole Firpo Felver.
“Central West Ballet has maintained a tradition of the great American style of dance particular to the golden age of Hollywood musicals,” Daveluy said of the jazz performance.
The event includes a post-performance champagne reception in the Gallo Center lobby. “’Nutcracker in Jazz’ is an opportunity to celebrate the holidays early and to relax and enjoy a different take on the perennial classic,” Reenstierna said in the release. “After the show, everyone is treated to a beautiful reception, a wonderful way to meet the dancers and to celebrate together.”
“The Nutcracker in Jazz” will be held 7:30 p.m. Dec. 16 at the Gallo Center for the Arts, 1000 I St., Modesto. Tickets are $43-$70, available at galloarts.org.
“The Nutcracker” will be held at the Gallo Center at 9 p.m. Dec. 9-10 and Dec. 17, 2 p.m. Dec. 10-11 and Dec. 17-18. Tickets are $25-$70, also available at galloarts.org.
