Get ready to return to the Land of Sweets with Clara and her Nutcracker Prince for Fort Wayne Ballet’s annual performance of The Nutcracker. 

Whether you’re keeping up a tradition or looking to start a new one, this show, described as a “visual spectacle” and “must-see for the young at heart,” is perfect for the whole family.

Part of what makes this show a visual spectacle are the elaborate set and colorful costumes. 

In a recent interview with Fort Wayne’s Fox affiliate WFFT, corps de ballet dancer Anna Hess said, “When you put the costumes on you feel a difference. It helps you perform and convey the story.”

Company dancers Abby Zinsser and Talbot Rue will be reprising their roles as Clara and the Nutcracker Prince, and they also took part in the WFFT segment. 

“It’s such a magical ballet,” Zinsser said. “It actually snows on stage and in the audience. When else can you see that?”

The show will run Friday-Sunday, Dec. 1-3, and Thursday-Sunday, Dec. 7-10, at Arts United Center.

Philharmonic and Children’s Choir 

The magic of The Nutcracker will be brought to life not only by Fort Wayne Ballet dancers, but also by members of the Fort Wayne Children’s Choir and Fort Wayne Philharmonic. 

The Fort Wayne Philharmonic will be providing live music for the opening weekend, while the Children’s Choir will provide select vocal accompaniment. 

“The Fort Wayne Children’s Choir has joined us for many years,” said Karen Gibbons-Brown, artistic director for FWB. “They sing during the snow scene.” 

The snow scene is one of the favorites of Nutcracker audiences and performers alike. As the snow falls and the curtain comes down at the end of the scene, audience members are often left feeling they have truly gone on a journey to another land. 

Enjoyment beyond the stage

While the performances are the focal point, there will be plenty of other activities taking place during the show’s run.

“So, after the matinees on Saturdays and Sundays, we have the Land of the Sweets Party,” Gibbons-Brown said. “Audience members can go upstairs to the gallery, and there’s a party where you meet the characters from Act Two, and you get to take pictures and have refreshments and get autographs.”

This party will require an additional ticket, but it will be well worth it as a magical addition to seeing the show, especially for young audience members. 

“During COVID, we had to put that on hold, so it’s nice that we get to do it this year,” Gibbons-Brown said. “As a dancer, it’s really fun to meet all the children like that.”

The Fort Wayne community will also see the return of FWB’s Kris Kringle Village, which will feature food, entertainment, and vendors in a German Christmas Market setting. The village will be held 10 a.m.-7:30 p.m. Saturdays and noon-5 p.m. Sundays at the Arts Campus.

So, make sure to give yourself time to enjoy the market before, or after, the show! 

Involving the Community

FWB has a longstanding tradition of including dogs from local shelters in The Nutcracker. This year, adorable dogs will be coming from the DeKalb Humane Society.

In addition to the much-anticipated canine cast, there are also community members making their return to the stage. 

Fort Wayne’s Jim Schmidt will be reprising his role as Uncle Drosselmeyer for his 26th year: “He is Mr. Drosselmeyer. That’s how the community knows him,” Gibbons-Brown said.

FWB will also be receiving support from local organizations with Anthony Wayne Services and Aunt Millie’s hosting a Family Night on Thursday, Dec. 7.

“The sensory-friendly performance is a through a generous gift from Anthony Wayne Services,” Gibbons-Brown said.

Gibbons-Brown recalls that last year on Aunt Millie’s Family Night there was such an extravagant array of baked goods laid out that the dancers were walking home with loaves of bread in hand. 

Bittersweet show for young dancers

FWB also has a longstanding tradition of including students from their Auer Academy in The Nutcracker. 

Because of this unique partnership between the academy and the professional company, students may begin appearing in The Nutcracker as young children and earn more advanced roles as their training progresses. 

One student, high school senior Grace Gephart, has appeared in numerous Nutcracker performances and will be dancing the role of Clara this year in a separate cast. 

“Being a senior in The Nutcracker this year is very bittersweet,” she said. “I am so excited to dance my dream role. However, it’s extremely sad to think about leaving the company I’ve grown up with.”

Another high school senior, Alexis Andrews, shares a similar sentiment. 

“I feel like I have grown up getting to be part of FWB’s Nutcracker, and I am finally the ‘older girl’ I used to look up to,” she said. “I started performing in The Nutcracker in kindergarten. Growing up in the academy, I have gotten to dance in new roles each year, and this will be my 12th year in the production.” 

Andrews will be taking on multiple roles, including a demi-soloist role, Snow Crystal, and a corps de ballet role in the snow scene. 

“I am especially excited for my roles in the snow scene because I love everything about it. It is very hard and requires a lot of stamina,” Andrews said. “The costumes, the lights, the backdrops, and, of course, the snow make it very magical for both the audience and the dancers. I love getting to hear the reaction from the audience when it starts to snow onstage, and then it even starts to snow in the audience.”

The chance to perform with a professional company of FWB’s caliber is a special opportunity for the young dancers in the Fort Wayne community. 

“My favorite thing about performing alongside the company is the sense of community.” Gephart said. “Everyone is so fun to work with and the best times are the rehearsals when we’re all in the room together.”