A cast of 50 Sauk Valley area children and adults performed the classic holiday ballet “The Nutcracker,” sponsored by Savant Capital Management The ballet was performed during the weekend of Saturday, November 17, and Sunday, November 18, 2018, at Centennial Auditorium in Sterling High School, Sterling, IL.
The ballet was performed under the direction of Woodlawn instructors Hillary Blevins, Becky Rich, Rhiannon Serrurier, and Christy Zepezauer. Erika Matheney was Assistant Director. The costume crew members were Isabelle Arduini, Mary McGrail, and Jamie Oyen. Technical direction and ticketing were provided by Centennial Auditorium.
The Nutcracker, played by Ian G. of Dixon, IL, and Clara, played by Maddey O. of Sterling, begin their dance.
“It was such an honor to work with the talented cast of our Nutcracker production!” said Zepezauer, one of the Directors and Woodlawn Arts Academy’s Executive Director. “The staff and I enjoyed offering this opportunity to bring this classic ballet to life. What an outstanding experience for not only our dancers to participate in a production of ‘The Nutcracker Ballet,’ but for community members to watch! We were all very proud of our second production…and were so grateful for the hundreds of supporters who attended the performances. It truly was magical and the perfect way to kick off the holiday season!”
Kaydence L. of Sterling, one of several Snowflakes, leaps across the stage.
“We couldn’t be more impressed with the talent that comes out of Woodlawn Arts!” commented one Facebook fan. “Thanks for a great show.”
“Amazing! Woodlawn has done it again,” commented another fan on Facebook.
“The show was absolutely fantastic!” commented another. “Loved every minute of it!”
Mackenzie W. of Sterling played several roles, including a Russian Dancer.
Woodlawn Arts Academy is an agency of United Way of Whiteside and Lee Counties, and programs are partially funded by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council Agency. The Academy is grateful for the support of the generous sponsors of “The Nutcracker.” They include
- Candlelight Inn
- Brandywine Banquet & Event Center
- Menk USA
- Champs Banquet Venue
- Champs on Light Street
- Arthur’s Garden Deli
- Don Pedro’s
- The Bardier Team Realtors
- Ferris Dental
- Compliance Signs
- Wahl Clipper
- Sterling Main Street
- Sauk Valley Bank
- CGH Medical Center
- Stahr Media.