By 1812Blockhouse
For many North Central Ohio families, it’s an annual tradition that is a staple of holiday celebrations. They bundle up the kids and take a journey into the Land of Snow and the Kingdom of Sweets.
That journey returns to Mansfield on December 5 and 6, when Richland Academy of the Arts presents its eleventh annual production of The Nutcracker Ballet at the Renaissance Theatre. Three performances will bring together young dancers, community performers, and professional guest artists for one of the area’s most anticipated holiday traditions.
Part of Christmas at the Ren and the Renaissance Spotlight Series, the production is directed and choreographed by Sarah Horrigan-Ramos and Marden Ramos. Set to Tchaikovsky’s familiar score, the ballet follows Clara through a magical Christmas Eve filled with dancing snowflakes, a battle between the Nutcracker and the Mouse King, and a visit to the enchanting Kingdom of Sweets.
A Holiday Tradition That Grows With Its Dancers
For the husband-and-wife directing team, The Nutcracker represents more than an annual performance. It has become a family tradition spanning generations.
“The Nutcracker has always been special for me,” said Sarah Horrigan-Ramos, recalling her own years performing in the ballet at the Ashtabula Arts Center.
Now, she finds herself directing the production alongside her husband and even joining him onstage in the party scene.
“Watching the growth of our dancers and all the hours of hard work that go into training and rehearsals, and then seeing them shine on stage, is something incredible,” she said. “I can’t believe this is Richland Academy’s 11th season already!”
Marden Ramos shares that enthusiasm, particularly because the production has involved several generations of their family. Their children, Laila and Zakari, grew up performing in the ballet, while Sarah’s parents, Kevin and Christina, participated in the party scene during its early years.
“It’s my favorite time of the year and a true family event,” he said.
This year’s cast includes 92 performers, with 76 Richland Academy dancers, 12 adult cast members, and two professional guest artists from Cleveland Ballet. Lorenzo Mattia Pontiggia and Nashializ Gomez Orengo will perform as the Cavalier and Sugar Plum Fairy Queen, respectively. The pair will appear in the celebrated Grand Pas de Deux, one of the ballet’s most recognizable sequences.
A Final Christmas on the Stage
For two local high school seniors, December’s performances will carry special meaning. Nora Ball, a senior at Lexington High School, is preparing for her final Richland Academy Nutcracker after 10 years of participation. This season, she shares the role of Sugar Plum Fairy Princess with Olyve Isch of Lexington Junior High School.
“Getting to share the stage with so many talented people and learn from such amazing teachers has meant so much to me,” Ball said.
Among her favorite memories is the opportunity to perform alongside her father, something she says she will cherish forever.
Carlie Geiger, a senior at Mansfield Christian School, has a similar attachment to the production. This year, she portrays the Nutcracker during the Battle Scene, a sequence she once watched with excitement as a younger dancer.
“I always looked forward to the fight of the Battle Scene, girls dancing in the snow, and the magic of the second act,” Geiger recalled.
Now she has become one of the experienced performers whom younger students look up to.
“I am going to miss the magic of the music and the thrill of performing,” she said.
Their experiences reflect one of the production’s enduring qualities. Young dancers enter the cast in smaller roles, develop their abilities over successive seasons, and eventually become the performers inspiring the next generation.
A Young Clara’s Dream Comes True
For Addyson Schwabe of Lexington Elementary School, that journey is still beginning. Schwabe will portray Younger Clara, stepping into one of the central roles in the Christmas story.
“Getting to be Younger Clara is such a great opportunity, and it means so much to be in an amazing magical scene that is so fun,” she said.
Schwabe credits hard work and her love of dance for helping her reach this point, but she is equally excited about sharing the experience with friends and instructors.
Other featured performers include Aubrey Kennedy of Mansfield Christian School as Fritz, Hanleigh Dyar as Older Clara, Milo McDonald of Ashland High School as the Nutcracker Prince, and Selah Schleusener as the Mouse King. Together, the performers will recreate the familiar tale through elaborate costumes, fairytale scenery, and choreography that has made the ballet a Christmas favorite for generations.
Three Chances to Experience the Magic
DEC
5
Saturday at 2:30 PM and 7:30 PM
DEC
6
Sunday at 2:30 PM
The Sunday matinee will feature a special appearance by Santa Claus.
All performances will take place at the Renaissance Theatre, 138 Park Avenue West in downtown Mansfield. Families attending together can purchase a Family Night Package featuring four seats, popcorn, and water for $70. Tickets are available through rentickets.org or by calling the Renaissance Box Office at 419-522-2726. Tickets can also be purchased in person Tuesday through Friday from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM.
The theatre reminds patrons to purchase tickets only through its official website or box office to avoid fraudulent sellers. The production is sponsored by Sutton Bank and Local Project Pro, with additional support from the Ohio Arts Council.
For the youngest dancers, this December may mark the beginning of a cherished annual tradition. For graduating seniors, it will be a final opportunity to take their places in a familiar holiday world. And for the families watching from the audience, it is another chance to experience the Christmas magic that has brought Richland Academy’s Nutcracker back to the Renaissance stage for eleven seasons.
Source: Renaissance Performing Arts Association
