 | STORY |
A one-act play with music (performed by a dancer, actor, and a musician) introducing children to the magic of theatre, music, ballet, and the Nutcracker story. This play featured original songs by Holden Thorp and puppetry by Mike Rice.
| PRODUCTION HISTORY |
Production: Tour of Southeastern North Carolina, 1988-89
| AWARDS |
Commission, the Fayetteville Arts Center
North Carolina Arts Council grant and local underwriting
| SELECTION |
Characters: Clara, a self-assured, hip little girl; Nutcracker turned into a Prince, who is very full of himself; a giant rat.
CLARA
(SOUND OF GONGS) I can't sleep. I feel like there's a gong going off in my head. I think I'll sneak down and see how my Nutcracker is doing.
PRINCE
(TO AUDIENCE) Before Clara can reach her Nutcracker, a giant rat jumps out and begins to chase Clara (RAT COMES OUT AND CHASES CLARA). Luckily, I come to the rescue.
CLARA
Help. Help. Help. (NUTCRACKER TRANSFORMS INTO PRINCE AND RUSHES TO THE RESCUE.)
PRINCE
Back you rat. (PRINCE AND RAT FENCE WITH GREAT MELODRAMA AND AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION. MUSIC ACCOMPANIES SWORD FIGHT. PRINCE BACKS RAT OFF THE STAGE AND RUNS OVER TO CLARA WHO IS CRYING.) Are you all right, my beautiful princess?
CLARA
My prince. You saved my life. I will be forever in your debt - or at least till tomorrow. The man of my dreams… let's dance (PAS DE UNO WITH MUSIC.)
PRINCE
It ain't rock n' roll but I like it. Clara, my dearest, my darling, my heart throb, my everything.
CLARA
Get to the point, Prince.
PRINCE
Let me take you to the most beautiful place on earth.
CLARA
Cross Creek Mall?
PRINCE
No. This place is far away. Farther than Fayetteville, farther than North Carolina, farther than the whole United States. It's a very secret place - and I, your faithful, handsome, honest, brilliant, thoughtful (CLARA STARES) I will take you there.
CLARA
What's it called?
PRINCE
It's called the Kingdom of Sweets, for in it you will find only the sweetest things to see, hear, taste, and touch. We must go through a cold, snowy country to get there, but do not fear, I have a sleigh.
CLARA
Sleigh, schmay. I've got first class airline tickets - see you in the Land of Sweets in half an hour. (EXITS)
PRINCE
What a girl.
| PUBLIC & MEDIA RESPONSE |
"Thank you for sharing your extraordinary talent with us…. Nut-cracker-Nut was a great success. The Dance Theatre of Fayetteville and the Arts Council are still enjoying praise from the community for having developed the project."
The Arts Council of Fayetteville
"… you created a truly multi-disciplinary outreach jewel!" Libby McNeill Seymour
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PHOTOGRAPHS |
Coming soon