Homer’s 36th annual “Nutcracker” ballet returns this weekend at the Mariner Theatre, with the opening performances on Saturday at 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
Performances are also scheduled for Sunday, Dec. 8; Wednesday, Dec. 11; Friday, Dec. 13; and Saturday, Dec. 14.
Directed by Sally Oberstein and with choreography by Rhoslyn Anderson, the ballet features both adult performers from the community and youth performers aged 5 to 18. This year’s “clever” production features the traditional “Nutcracker” story with some “fresh and unexpected” elements, Oberstein said.
“Everyone should come and be entertained by it,” she said.
After weeks of preparation and rehearsals, Oberstein said that the energy among the cast and crew is high.
“This team of people, this is our third year together, and we all just love what we’re doing,” she said. “We’re working with people who love what they’re doing, so it’s onstage and offstage cohesiveness. It’s such an amazing thing to me.”
Among this year’s cast, which includes longtime returning performers, Oberstein noted Corey Geysbeek and Lance Seneff. Geysbeek has previously worked with Oberstein on multiple Pier One Theatre and Alaska World Arts productions.
“He has some special talents that we’ll see onstage,” she said. “And then we are so fortunate to have Lance — he performed in ‘The Nutcracker’ a couple years ago. He is a really lovely dancer, and we are so lucky that he agreed to perform with us this year.”
Oberstein also spoke enthusiastically on the veteran dancers in the ensemble and on the costumes and set design.
“They just excel. They’re stunning,” she said. “And the costumes — it’s over the top with pizzazz with regard to costumes and set.
“Just come see the show. I mean it — it’s so much fun. I plan to be there for every performance.”
Find more information and purchase tickets online at www.homernutcrackerproductions.com/.
Dancers in the 36th annual Nutcracker ballet rehearse “Waltz of the Flowers” on the Mariner Theatre Stage at Homer High School in Homer, Alaska. Photo courtesy of Chris Kincaid
