The Nutcracker

CEBU, Philippines - The Christmas classic ballet "The Nutcracker" takes to the Cebu stage on December 12 and 13 at the SM City Cebu Cinema 1. It's the grand recital of the Cebu Centre for Dance.

The ballet is drawn from E.T.A. Hoffman's story "The Nutcracker and the Mouse King," which has changed much from the original story of a little girl named Marie who fought battles with the Mouse King with Seven Heads. Today, it is most common to hear the story of a little girl named Clara (the character to be alternately played by Chelsea Suarez and Anika Quezon) whose Godfather, Drosselmeyer (played by Marco Malait), surprises her with a Nutcracker Doll at the family Christmas party. 

After the party, Clara falls asleep and dreams a series of magical events. These include her doll coming to life and then fights with the Mouse Queen and her army of Mice.  Clara helps save the Nutcracker doll from the evil Mouse Queen - and the doll turns into a Prince (played by Marco Larosa). 

The Prince then invites Clara to the Land of Sweets. In their journey, they meet the Snow King (Jeff Tapang) and Snow Queen (Kristina Belleza and Pamela Mangubat, alternately) and the Dancing Snowflakes who welcome them into their winter wonderland.  When they finally arrive in the enchanting Land of Sweets, they are greeted by the Sugar Plum Fairy and a Parade of Sweets and other characters are introduced in their honor:  The Spanish Chocolate, the Chinese Tea, the Arabian Coffee, the Mirliton dancers, Mother Gigogne and the Polichinelles, the Trepak dancers, the Dew Drop Fairy, and the beautiful flowers. To conclude the night, The Sugar Plum Fairy and her Cavalier perform a stunning pas de deux.

This year, the Cebu Center for Dance is going all out and has invited ACTS Manila principal dancer Paul Jayson Austria as guest artist to dance the lead role of Cavalier opposite its own lead dancers Sabrina Ruth Bogard and Honneyville Jeanne Boiser, alternating as the Sugarplum Fairy.  Guest dancers have also been invited to perform in the party scene. Among them are interior designer Hannah Lim as Clara's mom, Mrs. Stahlbaum, opposite choreographer Marius Centino as Mr. Stahlbaum.  Party guests include Allen Arvin Tan, Ian Irving Tan, Christine Lim, Catherine Belleza, Kristin Lerin, Atty. Cesar Gariando, Dr. Ernz Uy, Dr. Philip Gilbuena, Mariejan Pestano, Mikee Suson, Prose Siguenza, Allen Arisgado and Joana Nadela.

This production is definitely a great Christmas treat for children of all ages - from five to 95! It's a good way of teaching the young ones to appreciate the beauty of the treasured art form, and the "young once" to relish the fantastic experience one more time. 

"The Nutcracker" is co-presented by Shakey's Pizza, Marco Polo Cebu, and City Lady Socks & Stockings.  Other sponsors are Premiere Citi Suites.  Inquiries or requests for ticket reservations may be addressed to Rina at phone number 416-9637.