Adonai School of Ballet to present ‘The Nutcracker’

MADISON – Adonai School of Ballet & Fine Arts will present “The Nutcracker” in James Clemens High School Auditorium on Dec. 21.

“This year, we’re so excited to present the full-length ballet,” Co-Director Nicole Onuszkanycz said. In addition, Adonai has added new costumes, props and effects.

“The first year, we did ‘The Nutcracker Suite,’ a shortened version of ‘The Nutcracker,’ and a nativity ballet. Last year, year two, we presented a fuller version . . . still not the complete ballet,” Onuszkanycz said. “With every Adonai performance, our heart is to share the love of Jesus with our audience. Our Nutcracker is no exception.”

In Adonai’s production, the audience will see all traditional Nutcracker characters and dances, but the storyline points to Jesus. The Gospel is shared in a simple yet beautiful way, Onuszkanycz said.

“Our dancers all have the most beautiful hearts and love for the Lord. They are worshippers and storytellers; you’ll be drawn in by their true joy,” she said.

This year, Adonai students have worked extremely hard preparing for their show. Rehearsals started in September. Several groups have rehearsed multiple times weekly. The cast has 103 members, ranging in age from seven years old to adult. Showing their commitment, many dancers haven’t missed a single rehearsal.

The cast includes Allison Myatt (Clara), David Herriott (Drosselmeyer), Zachary Humphrey (Nutcracker Prince), Riley Tanner (Sugar Plum Fairy) and guest artist Gabriel Fritz (Cavelier).

“We’re so proud of our intermediate dancers who, for the first time, have been cast in more advanced roles. The amount of strength and stamina they’ve had to build for some pieces has been a huge task, but they have risen to the occasion,” Onuszkanycz said.

With this experience, dancers have advanced their skill and confidence. “Performing is such a gift for a dancer. The preparation stretches them to grow in so many ways,” Onuszkanycz said.

For this production’s magnitude, costuming has been expensive, with many custom-made items. The Sugar Plum Fairy and Snowflakes have updated costumes. “(Our) wonderful group of volunteers, mostly mothers, have worked tirelessly, steaming and organizing all costumes,” Onuszkanycz said.

Onuszkanycz and Erin Johnson are directors and managed costuming, with many volunteers. David Herriott has helped significantly with rehearsals, cast notes and choreography.

James Clemens theater students are working as the technical crew. “They do a great job and are very well trained and attentive,” Onuszkanycz said.

Tickets cost $12. To buy tickets, visit https://www.etix.com/ticket/v/31992/james-clemens-high-school-adonai-school-of-balletperformance_id=37081262&country=US&language=en.

Adonai’s studio address is 312 Palmer Road, Suite D in Madison. For more information, email office@adonaischoolofballet.com or visit adonaischoolofballet.com or Facebook/Adonai School of Ballet and Fine Arts.