ASHLAND — For Ashland High School senior Avery Gingrich, taking the stage as Clara is a dream come true.
“It’s kind of breathtaking,” said Gingrich. “I know this is cliche, but I think every girl always dreams of being the lead role in The Nutcracker.”
The 17-year-old has performed in Ashland Regional Ballet’s The Nutcracker nine times. She’s had challenging roles as the Arabian Coffee soloist and the Sugar Plum Fairy, but portraying a fuller character has been a special treat.
“I think that Clara challenges me as an actress and as a dancer, so I think having both those things to work on makes it more challenging,” Gingrich said.
For Gingrich and the other dancers in the company, performing the century-old holiday classic is both a tradition and a rite of passage. This year marks the 27th annual presentation of the beloved ballet by Ashland Regional Ballet (ARB).
“For me it doesn’t feel like Christmas until I get to Nutcracker. It kind of evokes the magical spirit of Christmas,” said Ann Marie Benshoff-Todd, school director of Opus II Dance Studio and staff member of Ashland Regional Ballet.
Benshoff-Todd describes Ashland’s Nutcracker as highly professional for a small regional performance, yet very accessible for audiences who may be new to ballet.
One of the largest casts to date, the full cast boasts 92 dancers from the Ashland/Mansfield area and surrounding counties. Gingrich will be partnered by former Ashlander, Ryan Shreve, who will reprise his role as Nutcracker Prince. They will join with the Sugar Plum Fairy, Herr Drosselmeyer, and the Snow Queen to perform the Pas De Cinq.
Gabby Savka was thrilled to be cast in the principal role of Sugar Plum Fairy in such an iconic ballet, and the Lexington High School senior has risen to the challenge.
“The solo is technically challenging, so I think I’ve really improved as a dancer with artistry and performance quality,” she said. “All the little steps seem so simple, but it takes a lot of control and strength to perform them correctly.”
Ashland Regional Ballet Members in other principal roles are Lucia Mancha-Snow Queen; Abigail Hout and Melanie Irvine-Selby-Peppermint Queens, Rebecca Brown-Tea, paired with Mikayla Jarvis and Landon Hyatt; Emma Blake-Flower Queen; Erin Ekin-Pennywhistle; Megan Abel-Chocolate.
Other ARB company members appearing prominently are Gisella Blake, Chloe Gingrich, Megan Hayes, Taylor Hill, Ryanne Hunt, Sarah Ison, Jennie Riffle, Audrey Rosby, Anna Slade, Sami Steinhauser, Lilly Welch, and Allie Wentworth.
Former Ashland Regional Ballet member Christina Lindhout, returns as a special guest this year to dance the role of Coffee. She appears courtesy of Verb Ballets of Cleveland.
“It’s nice for the dancers to see that she grew up dancing here too, that you can be dancing with us one day and be a professional dancer the next day,” said Benshoff-Todd.
Jeff Haffner, of Ashland, has returned to reprise his role of Herr Drosselmeyer. He brings an extensive background to the production having an impressive career as a professional in theatre.
Also, appearing in principal roles are Mansfielders Kristin Kaufman as Soldier Doll/Battle Nutcracker, and Dr. Bruce Sliney as Dr. Stahlbaum, with ARB alumni Jackie Zorich, of Akron as Mrs. Stahlbaum, Jacob Slade, of Ashland, as Fritz & Jester, and Megan Harrigan, of Nova, also appearing as a Trepak, along with Ashlanders Naomi Chandler and Selah Chandler.
ARB staff member Ann Marie Benshoff-Todd will portray Nanny and Artistic Director Sarah Cyders will appear as Grandma Stahlbaum.
The production boasts original choreography by ARB Founder/Executive Director Hellie Schussler, staged by Sarah Cyders and Ann Marie Benshoff-Todd. Lighting design is by Don Pontious and set design is by Robbie Keplar, with properties designed and implemented by both Pontious & Keplar.
“The Nutcracker has become a tradition for our dancers, as well as for many families in our area. We look forward to seeing new faces in the time-honored and familiar roles, as well as the joy of watching our artists grow from year to year in roles they have come to love,” Schussler said. “This production of The Nutcracker feels like coming home for Christmas. We invite you to come home to the Ashland Regional Ballet Nutcracker.”
The company will take the stage at Ashland’s Hugo Young Theatre on the campus of Ashland University on Saturday, Dec. 15 at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.; and Sunday, Dec. 16 at 2 p.m. Tickets are available at Ashland University Box Office 419-289-5125 or online at ashland.edu/tickets.
For more information about Ashland Regional Ballet or to join the nonprofit organization’s community of supporters, visit www.ashlandregionalballet.com.
