October 5, 2024

The Pizen Switch Times

Established 2021

The Hometown Nutcracker ~ Presented by Through a Child’s Eyes begins the 2023 Smalltown Christmas in Yerington

The Hometown Nutcracker 2023 was “written and produced by Karen Pederson and Cathe Faretto in collaboration with Karen “Kay” Hardesty; Choreography and Dance Instruction by Staci Carlson and Antonia Roots.”

“The Nutcracker tells the story of Clara, a girl who receives a nutcracker as a Christmas present. In her dreams she enters a magical fairytale where toys come to life and battle an army of mice. Clara and her nutcracker, who is transformed into a prince, travel into the Land of Sweets, ruled by the Sugar Plum Fairy.”

Originally three performances were planned for the Hometown Nutcracker, but the seating quickly sold out and a fourth performance was added. The Yerington Theatre for the Arts provided a professional accommodation for this beloved classical ballet.

Audience members were welcomed at the front doors of the Jeanne Dini Cultural Center by Krista Pineda and Mari Koop where ushers then escorted people to their seats. The Mason Valley Singers sang carols a cappella just prior to the curtains opening for ballet.

Cathe Farreto & Nancy Pursel welcomed the audience, then a magnificent performance of Yerington’s Hometown Nutcracker began. Act I included a Party Scene with ballet dancers as Children, Adults, and Dolls. There was a 20 minute Intermission followed by Act II with the Land of the Sweets (Spanish Corps, Arabian Corps, Chinese Corps, and Russian Corps), Mother Ginger, and finally the Waltz of the Flowers.

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