Celebrating 52 years of ‘The Nutcracker’

Once upon a time, years ago on snowy Christmas Eve, the Stahlbaum family, which included Dr. Carl, his wife Frau and children Clara and Fritz, were holding their annual holiday party at their beautiful home. This mysticism begins with the arrival of the mysterious magician Drosselmeyer, the godfather of Clara, captivates with magic and toys, specifically a wooden nutcracker that young Clara is totally intrigued with.

After everyone goes to bed, Clara returns to the Christmas tree to view her favorite toy once again. Drosselmeyer brings the nutcracker to life at the stroke of midnight that takes Clara on an unforgettable journey through the Land of Snow, the Kingdom of Sweets, with soldiers, dolls, and the Mouse King along with his army of mice.

Whether you’ve seen a version of “The Nutcracker” or not, no other dance company does it like the Beaumont Civic Ballet. Young and old alike will see 100s of performers on stage as well as witness special effects, a growing Christmas tree, firing of a canon and falling snow during the company’s 52nd annual production of “The Nutcracker” on Saturday, Dec. 9, and Sunday, Dec. 10, both at 2 p.m. inside the Julie Rogers Theatre.

Ticket prices are $15-$30 and are available online at beaumontcivicballet. net or by calling (409) 838-4397.

“I’m always excited every season,” said Artistic Director Monique Zummo Steinhagen. “It’s the ballet of ballets and I think Beaumont Civic Ballet does a phenomenal job. The music alone brings you into the festivities of the ballet and the Christmas season.”

Audiences will be amazed at this year’s talent that features multiple Claras – Anna Stepan, Tenley Jaynes and Olivia Terry; Sienna Peterson and Olivia de la Madrid as the Sugar Plum Fairy; Haley Weatherford, Elise Rogers and Gabriela de la Madrid as the Snow Queen; Eveyln Buckner and Haley Weatherford as the Dew Drop Fairy; and Bryan Brassard as Drosselmeyer.

An assistant principal at Vidor High School, Brassard joined Beaumont Civic Ballet at a young age and has become a symbol of the studio, expressed Steinhagen.

Megan Forgas Anderson, co-director, also started at the company with Brassard.

“A huge part of my personal 33 years of Nutcracker are the friendships made throughout the years,” said Anderson. “Bryan is truly one of my oldest friends and has been with me from the beginning of my dance journey. He has been a gift to Beaumont Civic Ballet performing as Fritz, Soldier, Rat King, Parent, Mother Ginger, Grandfather, and now Drosselmeyer. He is always there when you need him. Bryan is humble, an amazing example to our youth, and is known for his humor and wit. Beaumont Civic Ballet is incredibly blessed that he shares his God’s gift with us and I feel honored to call him friend.”

Anderson was a soldier in her first time in the Nutcracker production and holds a very special place in her heart. “I immediately think tradition and Ms. Marsha Woody,” said Anderson. “The Nutcracker has been a part of our community for more than 50 years and I can’t think of Nutcracker without thinking of our beloved founder.”

According to Anderson, her favorite party has always been the Pas de Deux – the duet of the Sugar Plum Fairy and the Prince.

“I can remember very vividly sitting in the wings watching Mrs. Janet Spears (owner of Dance Solutions, who was also the Sugar Plum Fairy) and John Selya (professional dancer from American Ballet Theater) performing the Grand Pas. I fell in love with the art and beauty of ballet. It is exquisite and the music is so moving.”

Also wowing audiences during the performance as the Prince will be soloist Aaron Sharratt from Houston Ballet. Sharratt polished to shine at the Houston Ballet Academy and his dance journey is one of dedication and passion. A Prix de Lausanne finalist and a cherished member of Houston Ballet since 2010, he’s graced the stage in roles that resonate and inspire including Twyla Tharp’s “The Brahms-Haydn Variations,” the Prince in Ben Stevenson’s “The Nutcracker,” and Sir Kenneth MacMillan’s “Song of the Earth.”

“Aaron is amazing,” said Steinhagen. “He is a phenomenal partner.”

Audiences will too be impressed by the sets, the stunning costumes, the music and how well trained the dancers are. “I really enjoy Act II,” said Steinhagen. “It shows off our dancers, plus I love the snow and scenery. It truly is a blessing to be able to teach these talented students. They are homegrown in this school. It’s also very humbling to be able to see generations of talent come through Beaumont Civic Ballet.”

Anderson echoed the sentiment. “It truly exhibits the excellence that Ms. Marsha (Woody) set, and what Ms. Monique (Steinhagen) strives to uphold in her absence – it’s what the community has come to expect from Beaumont Civic Ballet.”

Another important experience from Beaumont Civic Ballet’s “The Nutcracker” are the special performances Friday, Dec. 8, that will be viewed by third grade children.

“We want children, who may not have the means to see ‘The Nutcracker,’ to have the opportunity to see art in this performance,” said Steinhagen. “I truly believe it’s a great experience for them. They will be memorized.”