‘The Nutcracker’ re-imagined at Tamaqua Community Art Center
Mya Heffner of West Penn Township plays the part of Maria in this weekend’s production of “The Nutcracker”, presented by the Tamaqua Area Community Theater. KATHY KUNKEL/TIMES NEWS
Kiara Sandy (bottom step) and Suzie Johns are two of the toy soldiers brought to life in this weekend’s production of “The Nutcracker.” performance will be held at 7:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and at 3 p.m. on Sunday at the Tamaqua Art center, 125 Pine St., Tamaqua.
ABOVE: The Mouse King (Nicolas Surotchak) tries to frighten away the Teddy Bear Fairy (Shirley Rodgers) and the Nutcracker (Andrew Surotchak) in an adaptation of “The Nutcracker,” which will be performed in Tamaqua this weekend.
LEFT: Kiara Sandy (bottom step) and Suzie Johns are two of the toy soldiers brought to life.
BOTTOM: Mya Heffner plays the part of Maria.
KATHY KUNKEL/TIMES NEWS
t won’t be all about sugar plums and fairies when the Tamaqua Area Community Theatre group presents three performances of the “The Nutcracker” this weekend as part of the Tamaqua Spirit of Christmas Festival.
Adapted from the book “The Nutcracker and the Mouse King” written by E.T.A. Hoffman, the original two-act ballet production has been further adapted to become a “modified children’s musical version,” according to director Jonathan M. Blackwell-Rodgers.
The new adaptations were written by Patrick Rainville Dorn and Bill Francoeur courtesy of Pioneer Drama Inc. of California.
All of Tchaikovsky’s original music is part of the production, but with a twist, lyrics.
The show weaves a magical tale of a child, Maria, her sweet dreams, and toys that come to life at the stroke of midnight on Christmas Eve.
One of the family’s gifts, a nutcracker, grows to life size and becomes involved in a fight with the “Mouse King” and his army.
The traditional Sugar Plum Fairy is one of the twists and becomes the Teddy Bear Fairy in this adaptation.
How it all comes together is a treat the entire family can enjoy.
Principal characters are Maria, portrayed by Mya Heffner; the Nutcracker, Andrew Surotchak; Teddy Bear Fairy, Shirley Rodgers; and the Mouse King, Nicolas Surotchak.
Performances will be held at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 3 p.m. on Sunday at “The Stitch,” located on the second floor of the Tamaqua Community Art Center, 125 Pine St., Tamaqua.
For more information, call the art center at 570-668-1192. Tickets will be available at the door.
