The holiday tradition of “The Nutcracker,” as presented by the Ohio Performing Arts Institute, will make it 27th annual appearance on the local stage at 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 16, and Saturday, Dec. 17, at the Clark State Performing Arts Center.
About 158 children and 20 adults will perform.
Director and choreographer D. Scot Davidge said this is probably one of the youngest casts in 15 or so years, with the average age of 12. That bodes well for the future.
“Every three or four years it changes. The good part is we’ll have many of them for several more years,” he said.
It’s also bittersweet as this will be the swan song for two of his older male dancers — Elijah Smith and Greg Welch, who will leave to attend college next year.
Smith’s sisters, Moriah and Arielle, will be two of the leads in 2016.
In a scenario not unique to the sports world, Davidge got bad news on Dec. 8 when his Sugar Plum Fairy had to drop out due to a leg injury suffered at school.
“I feel bad for her as it’s her senior year,” he said.
It meant finding a replacement in a big hurry, but one he’s confident will be ready for the show. She’s his “workhorse,” being in several scenes.
“She’s a fabulous dancer,” he said.
Davidge also enjoys mixing things up each year, so audiences will see “The Nutcracker” they know, but with interesting differences.
For 2016, expect improved costuming and a re-choreographed first act that will feature different sets and four actors in character parts, which hadn’t done before.
It’s all a part of the experience that Springfield has come to expect each year.
“You’re going to see one of the most energetic casts we’ve had, young, alive and inspired,” Davidge said.
How to go
What: “The Nutcracker”
Where: Clark State Performing Arts Center, Kuss Auditorium, 300 S. Fountain Ave., Springfield
When: 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 16, and Saturday, Dec. 17
Admission: $8-24
More info: 937-328-3874 or go to http://pac.clarkstate.edu/events/calendar/the-nutcracker-friday/
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