photo by Hannah Reel

Hannah Reel | The Natchez Democrat Center, Randa Morace, 14, as the Snow Queen, holds a pose with her fellow dancers the “snow flakes” during dress rehearsal of “The Nutcracker” at Margaret Martin Performing Arts Center Tuesday night.

25 years of 'The Nutcracker' celebrated

By Cassandra Mickens (Contact) | The Natchez Democrat

Published Wednesday, November 18, 2009

NATCHEZ — Since slipping into their first pair of ballet shoes, Catherine Myers and Alexa Mallory have dreamt of presiding over the magical Kingdom of Sweets.

The two share the highly coveted role of the Sugar Plum Fairy in Natchez Ballet Academy’s 25th anniversary production of “The Nutcracker.” The Christmas ballet will be at 7 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, and at 2 p.m. Sunday at the Margaret Martin Performing Arts Center.

Tickets are $7 for orchestra seats; $10 for balcony seats, and are available at Natchez Ballet Academy, 64 Homochitto St., One of A Kind Gifts, 409 Main St., and Sun, Moon & Stars, 421 Main St.

Before rehearsals Monday, Myers, 16, a junior at Cathedral High School, and Mallory, 17, a junior at Vidalia High School, spent their down time teasing one another.

“I’ve been dancing since I was 3,” Mallory said.

“I got one year up on you. “I’ve been dancing since I was 2,” Myers said.

“It shows too,” Mallory said.

“Whatever,” Myers said.

Joking aside, the two say their preparation for the role is both challenging and rewarding.

“Our role is very elegant. It’s fun, and it’s mentally and physically tiring,” said Myers, who is also playing the Sugar Plum Fairy in a Vicksburg production of the ballet. “‘The Nutcracker’ marks the turning point in the year, and it’s sad knowing we have two years left (at the academy).”

“When you come to the Natchez Ballet Academy when you’re little, and you come to watch ‘The Nutcracker,’ it’s like, ‘Wow, I want to be on stage,’” Mallory said. “I’ve wanted to do this forever.”

Ballet Director Mignon Reid shares Myers and Mallory’s sentiment.

“I was around 11 or 12 when Natchez Ballet Academy had its first ‘Nutcracker’ performance,” Reid said. ‘The Nutcracker’ was a big deal in my life growing up and I learned a lot of life lessons on top of being involved in the performance.

“My goal as a director is to give the kids an opportunity to learn and experience the things I did.”

Cathedral student Dania Nunez, 12, and Trinity Episcopal Day School student Lauren King, 13, share the role of Clara, the heroine of the ballet. King has been dancing since age 3, Nunez since age 7. Both agree the ballet has brought them joy and jitters.

“I’m excited and it’s been fun dancing with (Anthony Neumann), who plays the prince,” King said.

“I’m nervous and excited,” Nunez said minutes before the final dress rehearsal Tuesday. “It’s been busy, and it’s been tiring, but I’m willing to get up early in the morning because I really enjoy this.”

Reid said audiences can expect stellar performances by a stellar cast.

“The cast I have this year is the best cast, and they’ve been wonderful to work with,” Reid said. “Everybody is working hard and doing their best.

For more information, call 601-870-8920 or 601-442-9810.