New Haven Register (New Haven, CT)
‘ The Nutcracker’: Troupe to livestream Klein performance
Despite the pandemic, there was never any question the Academy of New England Ballet Company would perform “The Nutcracker” this year. Executive director Taylor Millbauer says it was just a matter of how.
Keeping participants safe from COVID-19 presented challenges, but the company found it could still move forward with a smaller cast and new socially distant choreography.
“Nutcracker 2020 had many cast members utilize in-person rehearsals, while a select few opted to use our Zoom classrooms when absolutely necessary,” Millbauer said. “Cast members were separated by scene as well as parts on various weekends for the last three months.”
The annual “Nutcracker” takes place at The Klein Memorial Auditorium in Bridgeport, Saturday, Dec. 12. Although there will not be an audience in the theater, there will certainly be an appreciative one at home, or wherever the show’s livestream is viewed.
Starting at 4 p.m. and running about two hours and 15 minutes, this production features Lilly Courbron, of Stratford, as Clara in the ballet based on the tale, “The Nutcracker and the King of Mice,” written by E.T.A. Hoffman.
“Although what is seen on the stage today is different in detail from the original story, the basic plot remains the same,” says the dance company’s website, academyofnebco.com. It’s
“the story of a young German girl who dreams of a Nutcracker Prince and a fierce battle against a Mouse King with seven heads.”
Millbauer, who has been with the company since she was 9, performing a variety of roles — everything from Clara to the Sugar Plum
Fairy to a Dew Drop — says each year has been unique, but this one tops them all.
She shared more via email.
Q: This 29th annual production continues the tradition, but with modifications such as socially distant choreography plus livestreaming, so people can enjoy it without gathering in the theater. It’s wonderful and strange all at the same time. Would you agree?
A: Yes, being the executive director of Academy of New England Ballet Company for my second year, with everything being changed and so very different from what I was used to makes it both strange, but so very exciting to see come to life. And the excitement of each performer, doing what they love no matter what is going on in the world around us.
Q: You’ve been with this dance company since you
were 9. What is it like to know/love this show so completely — to know the intricacies of each role — and to watch the dedication, especially this year, of dancers working to make it happen under such trying conditions?
A: This year has made me so incredibly proud of each performer. Having danced close to every role, and loving something different about each step or scene, I have locked all those memories in my heart. Being able to reimagine it all to make it specific to the performers in this cast to give them their very own memories has been an unimaginable experience for me in a new way.
Each dancer came into this knowing how difficult this year would be, and still signed up and has poured their heart into every second, and that is what helps push me, my staff and each other to the final curtain. The cast is really impressive. I am humbled by everyone’s dedication.
Q: What can the audience expect when they tune in for the livestream?
A: The audience should expect magic! We have worked so hard to bring new beautiful costumes to the stage. We have amazing guest artists Darren McIntyre and Gianna Forte performing Sugar Plum Grande Pas, and a wonderful new Transformation and Battle scene that leads into a new stunning Snow Pas performed by Amanda Romano and guest artist Alejandro Ulloa. The Land of the Sweets will be very exciting with all new choreography! This new “Nutcracker” has been transformed in a collaboration of love and excitement by Assistant Director Jacinthe Bernard, and Connecticut Dance Conservatory Directors Karen Nerkowski-Zgradden and Dina Marie Castelluccio.
On Friday, Dec. 11, there will be a private livestream available to schools, senior centers and other groups. Contact academyofnebco@gmail.com to purchase reservations for the Dec. 11 show.
Livestream tickets are $47. It’s $100 for a family discount livestream but if you’re viewing with multiple people, the company says, “please purchase the family discount livestream ticket. It is now more crucial than ever to support your local arts organizations so they can stay afloat and continue to bring quality classes to youth and adults, and quality entertainment to you and your family.” Here’s the link, https://bit.ly/2Jgudf4 If you prefer to purchase tickets by phone, call the Klein weekdays, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., at 800-424-0160, ext. 2.