“The Nutcracker” is certainly a holiday staple, but one production manages to up the magic year after year.
The 24th annual Christ Church Nutcracker and Miss Felicia’s Dance Program held its performance of the holiday classic on Saturday, Dec. 14, at the University of North Florida’s Lazzara Performance Hall. And while the Christ Church show has all the energy, amazing set design, fantastic costuming and standout performances one might expect from a major production, what makes this version of “The Nutcracker” so special are the performers, across all age groups. Felicia Rhoden, who leads the dance ministry at Christ Episcopal Church and produces and directs “The Nutcracker,” incorporates all the students from its dance ministry across all age rages and skill levels.
“We use everybody who wants to be on that stage,” Rhoden said.
“The Nutcracker” tells the story of young Clara, played this year by Audrey Geric, and her journey after receiving a magical nutcracker doll during her family Christmas party. After receiving her gift, Clara falls asleep and, after being saved from the Rat King by the Nutcracker prince, is taken on an enchanting journey highlighted through dance. In the Christ Church performance, the traditional tale is told beautifully, but includes much more than expected. There are, of course, the Snow Queen, the Nutcracker Prince, the Sugar Plum Fairy, the China Doll, the Mouse King and his mice, the Arabian dancers, the Spanish dancers and all the rest, but Rhoden’s show also features hip-hop dancing, breakdancing, a drumline, tap dance and a lot of acrobatics. There were also plenty of laughs courtesy of the youngest cast members, including a young group of elves following the lead of their not-so-coordinated and hilarious guide. As usual, the little “cherubs” drew “oohs” and “aahs” from the audience with their adorable performance.
Despite all the time and energy and preparation that goes into putting on such an elaborate show, Rhoden said it’s the makeup and character of the cast that sets it apart.
“They’re just happy,” she said. “There’s not a lot of stress or pressure, and I think that just shows through in the performance.”
While the show undoubtedly provides entertainment to those in the audience, what it provides beyond that is even a bigger deal. Each year, the profits from Christ Church’s Nutcracker go to sponsor children through Dreams Come True Foundation and are also donated to the Community PEDS Care hospice and Amistad Orphanage in Bolivia.
And that’s what really matters to Rhoden and the cast and crew.
“Even the littlest, from the youngest to the oldest, know they are performing to give back to the community,” Rhoden said.
