A Reflection on stillpoint production's 2023 nutcracker ballet

By Madison Heth

Though The Nutcracker is a seasonal show, the months of production, creativity at work, and creative process behind the scenes span more than just the Christmas season. The workers of 2023 Stillpoint Production’s Nutcracker began their creative process in the spring of 2023. The detailing and creating of costumes, sets, props, and choreography have been in constant attention, and are continually being perfected. Head costume designer Bonnie McKelligott, who has been relaying her expertise throughout almost the show’s whole existence, has put in hours of work throughout the year, ensuring that costumes are top quality and look beautiful for the beloved winter production. The set design and props have been continually added to and perfected, and the choreography is also created and experimented with throughout the year.

This Nutcracker was a little different from past years, featuring an array of crew who brought the show to life. Rachel Kostrna, an experienced thespian, played a key role in this year’s production by working on the storyline, characterization, and acting of the production’s cast. Her expertise and big heart made for a beautiful production that brought the audience an amazing show.  Along with performing as guest artists, Timofeyev and Solomon worked on choreographing much of the Act II variations, including Spanish, Slavic, and "Waltz of the Flowers". Rose assisted choreography, alongside King, bringing her insight on dancing from around the world into Grants Pass' local Nutcracker through the battle scene, and Act II variations of Arabian and Chinese. Rose also acted as assistant stage manager during the show's performances. Shannon Wilcox, stage manager, was present, helping King during rehearsal days, guiding the cast and crew on all of the technical aspects of putting on the show, and making the magic happen. Dallin Cofoed acted as prop master, keeping track of all of the objects that helped the show's magic go on. There was also an immense amount of volunteers that aided in the technical aspects of the show, running the lobby during performances, steaming and ironing costumes, helping backstage on stage crew, and assisting director Penny King; every person involved in the production gave their all to make Nutcracker 2023 amazing, and it surely paid off. 

The 2023 Nutcracker was performed at the Grants Pass Performing Arts Center on Dec. 9, 10, 16, 17, with a beautiful opening weekend, and a sold-out closing show. At the conclusion of Stillpoint Production’s Nutcracker 2023, when asked about the experience, Addi Smith, a student at Grants Pass High School, dancer with Southern Oregon Dance Center, and third-year Nutcracker performer, expressed that "though this show was different than other years, it was absolutely amazing and the performances went really well!" Smith also reflected on a favorite backstage memory when Julia Greidanus (Arabian soloist) and herself ("Waltz of the Flowers") missed their Opening of Act II cue when Greidanus' costume became stuck on one of the stage lights, which caused all of the cast a laugh when the show concluded. Chloe Davison, a student at North Valley High School, dancer with Fusion Dance Academy, and 13-year Nutcracker performer expressed, "It's a wonderful production full of so many memories!" Davison explained how she loved being a part of the production and the magic of the creative process. She expressed, "I think that all of our dancers this year were wonderful, especially our beautiful Clara, Madison Heth." Davison also said that her favorite memory was the first rehearsal, and she explained how she loved dancing her role of Clara's best friend this year as she got to dance alongside another great friend of hers. She expressed her excitement for next year, and how much fun she had at the cast party.

Sources:

• Grants Pass Nutcracker Website

• Jim Ingraham Photography 

• Interviews with cast members Addi Smith and Chloe Davison