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| November 2013 | |
50 years of Memories to Celebrate ARB's 50th Annual
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Sherry Alban and hopeful auditioners. Credit: Caroline Pallet, 2010.
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Who remembers their Nutcracker auditions? We accepted 102 Princeton Ballet School students to dance the children's roles in this year's momentous 50th annual Nutcracker. In addition, we have 80 students and trainees in American Repertory Ballet Workshop, formerly known as Princeton Ballet II.
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Mice practicing their whiskers. Credit: Caroline Pallat, 2010.
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The halls are filled with the Tchaikovsky score seven days a week. During the weekdays, ARB professional dancers are rehearsing their principal Nutcracker roles under the direction of Douglas Martin and Ballet Master Mary Barton. Weekends are filled with the tiniest mice working their little whisker fingers and pitter-pattering feet; soldiers are being put through their paces in line formation; the Act 1 party scene cast is honing their acting skills. These roles were set by Sherry Alban, who was one of our original cast members in 1964, and being rehearsed by PBS alumnae Erika Mero and Katie Scibienski. ARBW Jrs are under the tutelage of Cheryl Whitney and Laurie Abramson. Snow and flowers corps are being set and rehearsed by Maria Youskevitch and Mary Barton, as well as all the Divertissements.
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Lining up for check-in at 2010 Nutcracker auditions. Credit: Caroline Pallat.
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Soon we will be having our first "put together" with the full performing cast. This is the time when magic comes alive and all the collective efforts from the rehearsal directors, dancers, production crew, and wardrobe synthesize into a full production. This perennial classic has such a special place in our hearts, even if we do cringe when hearing the score piped in the department stores during the holiday season!
Click this link to be directed to our Facebook page!
Please send updates to lderavel@arballet.org.
Sincerely,
Lisa de Ravel
Alumni Relations Coordinator
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Join us:
ARB and Princeton Ballet School Alumni and your families
Current ARB and Princeton Ballet School dancers and your families
ARB fans and supporters
This celebratory reception will directly follow the 4:30pm
Nutcracker performance at McCarter Theatre. It will be held at The Nassau Club and will feature hors d'oeuvres prepared by Club Chef Brian Dougherty, a 50/50 raffle, and more.
A few alumnae who will be attending the event shared some Nutcracker memories. We hope you will come and share yours!
Dodie Pettit: "Not only was I blessed to be chosen for the original company, (which was my first audition for anything ever) but I was also in the first Nutcracker and every Nutcracker after that for almost 20 years. My first Sugar Plum was when I was only 19 and I think I did nine more years of Sugar Plum. My favorite partner was David Anderson. We did several years together. And Audrée Estey was always sitting in the downstage right wing to watch every performance. Audrée always brought the most wonderful talent down from New York to work with us; guest teachers, choreographers, and guest artists. One year she even brought Stanley Lobowsky to conduct our orchestra and I would be remiss not to mention the great Frederick Franklin who staged and performed Dr. Coppelius in Coppelia for us. So she aimed high for us. Audrée definitely laid the foundation for a life in the arts to all who passed through her doors if they so chose. I will always be grateful for the opportunities availed to me there."
Dodie danced in CATS, was an original cast member of Phantom of the Opera, and is a songwriting recording artist.
Jessica Barson: "My favorite Nutcracker memory is of the last show of every season. Soldiers and Polichinelles wore heart stickers on their cheeks instead of red circles, the children had snow dumped on them at the end of Act I bows, and Chinese held up a finger that wasn't their index finger during the Finale."
Jessica now works as a neuroscientist at The Rockefeller University in New York City, where she lives with her husband, photographer Aaron Olivo. Jessica was instrumental in identifying dancers in our archival photographs of her era. She also loaned Nutcracker costumes for the reception.
Liz Gray Erickson: "I am forever grateful to Annie Gribbins for befriending me - the new kid - in 1st grade and introducing me to Princeton Ballet. Annie was then already a veteran of Nutcracker. We performed together for 12 years before she went on to join the company, dance the lead roles, and now teach at the school. Nutcracker was, hands down, the most magical part of my childhood. Some favorite memories include: the anticipation as Peter Cook's booming voice kicked off dress rehearsals; the stunning costumes created by Annie's Mother, Mrs. Woodside - no dress since, not even my wedding dress, has measured up to the works of art she created for us party children; elegant Mr. Estey kindly straightening out our soldier lines; and the audience's glee as we sprang forth from under mother Ginger's skirts (which then housed eight tween Polichinelles). But the source of the magic was Mrs. Estey. She watched every performance - head on her chin, eyes sparkling, cheering us on - from the stage left wings. And she made all of us feel included and loved. My daughter was in Nutcracker for two years as a mouse. And my son will make his Nutcracker debut this year as a party child. And so the magic of Princeton Ballet continues..."
Liz is a Trustee of the Center for Supportive Schools, Isles, McCarter Theatre, and Princeton Area Community Foundation.
Menu for ARB's "Celebrate the Legacy" Reception
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Cold Selections
Seared Beef Tenderloin and Bleu Cheese
Asparagus Risotto Balls
Kalamata Olive & Goat Cheese Tart
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Hot Selections
Peking Duck Spring Rolls
Nassau Club Mini Crab Cakes
Macadamia Nut Chicken Satay
Scallop in Bacon
Portobello & Parmesan Puff
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For tickets, contact Development Director Naomi Levecchia at
732-249-1254 x25 or nlevecchia@arballet.org or
the McCarter Theatre Box Office: (609)-258-ARTS (2787).
Tickets for this reception are $65.
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Take a Crack!
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Take the Magic of The Nutcracker Home With You When You Donate to ARB!
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Souvenir Book
A Photo Retrospective of 50 Years of The Nutcracker
With a donation to "Keep the Magic Alive", Artistic/Pointe Shoe Fund, Princeton Ballet Scholarship and/or Facilities Fund, ARB's Access and Enrichment Fund, or to General Operating Support you will receive a commemorative souvenir book, featuring photos from the company's past 50 years of The Nutcracker.
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50th Nutcracker Commemorative Charm
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Commemorative 50th
Nutcracker Charm
*Limited Edition
To commemorate the momentous occasion of ARB's 50th Annual Nutcracker, we have made available a limited edition of this beautiful charm bearing the 50th
Nutcracker logo. Purchase this unique keepsake for this once in a lifetime occasion for yourself or as a special gift to a loved one.
$35 charm only
$50 charm with chain
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Alumni in the Spotlight: Shari Nyce
"The Littlest Soldier"
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Shari Nyce as "Clara"
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My family moved to Princeton when I was eight years old. Because of the kindness and love of Audrée and Bud and my overwhelming passion to dance, the Esteys awarded me a scholarship which enabled me to pursue my dream. The love affair began.
My first Nutcracker was coming up. I was so excited! I was taking two classes a week and could do no wrong. I was given the part of a Soldier. I was the littlest one. First one in line! What an honor! I had no idea at that point how short my tour of duty would be. Back then, Bud was responsible for the casting, rehearsals and general morale of the troops. He would get us marching to his very rhythmic, percussive count. My little legs could barely carry me but, I managed to keep up with the platoon. Then the problems began. I was the pivot man! My little legs were pumping so hard to keep up but then I had to stop on a dime and march in place while my comrades swung around. The momentum was too great. I just couldn't slow the machine down. I had two speeds fast and stop but I couldn't interchange the two. Tried as I would, it was no use.
The message of my dishonorable discharge came from Captain Bud himself. He assured me there would be a place for me in the production. I was devastated and embarrassed. How could this happen to me? I landed a part as a Page in Act 2. My job was to bring in the chairs and the table and of course, the bowl of fruit for Clara and the Prince so they could be comfortable as they smiled through Act 2. I also happened to be the Page that had to walk backwards carrying the table! The soldiers never had to march backwards! My ego was restored. Barely.
The story has a happy ending though. I went on to do eleven years of The Nutcracker with Princeton Ballet. And, I did move up in the ranks. The next year I was the Widow's (Joyce Stahl) daughter. After that, I was Ann Harwood's daughter in the Good family. It only got better. I played Clara for four years. After my second year, Audrée wanted Clara to be older allowing me two more years in the part. I did Dew Drop Fairy, Snow Queen, Lead Marzipan, Lead Candy Cane, as well as many other roles. I even got to play Fritz once due to a snow storm, when the real Fritz was snow bound. What a wonderful time in my life. My Teddy Bear was even in the production... he used to sit under the tree in the party scene. Once, he fell off the sleigh, ended up in the battle scene, and was captured by a Rat!
My love for dance was nourished daily by the Esteys. They became another set of grandparents for me. We would vacation at their place in Maine, and I would do barre on their deck overlooking the water.
I went on to a career in dance. I switched to modern dance. I danced in New York and California for many years and still perform once a year to prove to myself that I still can. I moved back to the area six years ago to open a Pilates studio in Pennington. I am a different kind of soldier now. I raise three little girls. Two of my little ladies are at the Princeton Ballet School. My middle one danced in The Nutcracker last year but unfortunately, we missed the auditions this year. We were in Maine, dancing by the water.
I will be turning 50 this December with The Nutcracker and I still have trouble with going so fast and not being able to slow down and pay attention. But, Audrée and Bud taught me how to be a true soldier. Of course my girls are the greatest gift in my life, and I wish they could have met the Esteys. But, next to my girls, dance is still my greatest passion. Thank you, Audrée and Bud, for honoring and feeding this little soldier's dream.
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Special 50th Nutcracker Offers
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Any alumni who attends the November 30th 4:30 performance at McCarter Theatre will receive a special gift. See the boutique and identify yourself as an alum.
(While supplies last)
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Save on Nutcracker Tickets
when you bring your friends!
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Save 20%
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Bring a group of 4 or more and get a discount on performance and reception tickets!
Regular admission ticket: starting at $35
Regular reception ticket: $65
Don't miss this opportunity!
Email Lisa at lderavel@arballet.org for more info. |
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You are Invited!
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Credit: Leighton Chen
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Join us at Nutcracker Sweets
McCarter Theatre Lockwood Lobby
Friday, November 29th at 3:15pm
Make it a full Nutcracker experience with sweets and treats before or after your performance! Enjoy photo time with costumed Nutcracker characters, tea, hot cocoa, delectable treats, and more!
Sweets Tickets: $35 (Performance tickets sold separately)
To purchase, contact the McCarter Theatre Box Office at (609)-258-ARTS (2787).
For more information, visit arballet.org/ARB/nutcracker or contact Naomi Levecchia at 732-249.1254x25
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Winter Appeal: We need you
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Credit: Caroline Pallat
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As the holiday season approaches, consider giving the GIFT OF DANCE to:
- an ARB dancer who is able to inspire packed audiences in some of New Jersey's most respected venues;
- a child whose parents would not otherwise have the money to pay for dance classes;
- a New Brunswick Public School 2nd or 3rd grade student who is experiencing dance for the first time;
- a dance lover who doesn't have to travel to New York City to experience quality and innovative dance;
- parents who can watch their son or daughter develop newfound confidence through studying and watching dance;
- YOURSELF... for continuing to make the beauty of dance and ARB's inspiring performances and unique educational offerings available in New Jersey.
This, and so much more is possible when you give your support to American Repertory Ballet and Princeton Ballet School.
EVERY DOLLAR you contribute to ARB and PBS
makes amazing things happen... this is what a donation of any size will support:
"Keep the Magic Alive" Nutcracker Fund
As we are preparing for our 50th Nutcracker season, we need new sets and the ability to refurbish/build costumes. Please help make our stage reflect the caliber of dancing that graces it.
Princeton Ballet School Scholarship Fund
During this economic crisis, we keep students dancing by offering approximately $160,000.00 of need and merit based assistance. Unlike endowed University funds, this is unfunded.
American Repertory Ballet's Pointe Shoe Fund
It costs ARB over $15,000 every year to provide pointe shoes for our female dancers.
Organizational Support
Help empower the organization to reach greater heights.
Please consider making a gift this holiday season. Even a little goes a long way.
Make the Commitment. Make the Donation. Make a DIFFERENCE. It all starts with YOU. |
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ARB survives and thrives because supporters like you are willing to invest in our mission and vision. Your contributions support all ARB's programs and help us carry out our mission:
to bring the joy, beauty, artistry and discipline of classical and contemporary dance to New Jersey and nationwide audiences and dance students through artistic and educational programs.
We value your support, and thank you for your contribution.
For more information about how you can support ARB, please contact:
Naomi Levecchia, Director of Development
732-249-1254 x25 or nlevecchia@arballet.org
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Join our Newsletter!
| Visit our Newsletter Archive to view past newsletters and sign up for our mailing list.
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Thank you for being a part of the American Repertory Ballet and Princeton Ballet School family!
Take care,
Lisa de Ravel
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