HOUSTON BALLET
www.houstonballet.org
LIGHTS UP HOLIDAY SEASON WITH
THE NUTCRACKER
Houston, Texas - From November 23 – December 30, 2001, Houston Ballet presents Ben Stevenson’s dazzling holiday
production of The Nutcracker. Set to Tchaikovsky’s glorious score and amidst Desmond Heeley’s magical designs, The
Nutcracker is an unforgettable experience for all ages. Houston Ballet will give thirty-four performances of The Nutcracker at
Wortham Theater Center in downtown Houston. The opening night cast for The Nutcracker will feature Lauren Anderson as
the Sugar Plum Fairy, Zdenek Konvalina who makes his debut as the Nutcracker Prince, and Sara Webb as the Snow
Queen.
A wonderful ballet for the entire family, The Nutcracker is the perfect way to ring in the holiday season and to introduce young
children to the power and beauty of classical dance. For over one hundred years, the story of the ballet has proven irresistible
to both children and adults alike. A little girl named Clara receives a magical nutcracker on Christmas Eve, and sets off on a
wondrous journey to the Land of Snow and the Kingdom of Sweets. Houston Ballet’s production features characters that fly
effortlessly through the air, a Christmas tree that grows to a towering forty-feet, and a winter snow scene complete with falling
snowflakes. Molly Glentzer of The Houston Chronicle has proclaimed Houston Ballet’s production "a sweet yuletide treat."
Houston Ballet Artistic Director Ben Stevenson explains, "Thanks to Mr. Tchaikovsky, who wrote a wonderful score, we all
know the music so well it’s part of us. The greatest thing about The Nutcracker is seeing it through children’s eyes. Many
young people are seeing ballet for the first time. Their excitement is contagious. The Nutcracker is also a wonderful way for
dancers to ‘show their stuff.’ Because it is often the first ballet many people see, The Nutcracker gives us the opportunity to
really show off our company to people who may not be familiar with what we have to offer."
Five Rising Young Stars Debut in Principal Roles
Houston Ballet’s The Nutcracker will feature ten separate casts, including the debuts of five Houston Ballet dancers. Born in
Acapulco, Mexico, Soloist Randy Herrera will dance the role of the Nutcracker Prince. Mr. Herrera has won numerous
awards, including the Princess Grace Award in 1999. In 1998 he placed fourth at the International Ballet Competition in
Jackson, Mississippi. Soloist Leticia Oliveira will make her debut as the Sugar Plum Fairy and as the Snow Queen. A native
of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Ms. Oliveira has danced with Municipal Theater of Rio de Janeiro, Fernando Bujones Dance
Company, and The Joffrey Ballet of Chicago. Sharon Teague, corps de ballet member, will make her debut as the Sugar Plum
Fairy. Last season Ms. Teague gave her first performances as the Snow Queen in The Nutcracker. Most recently she has
been featured in Houston Ballet’s production of Giselle and Ben Stevenson’s Swan Lake. Corps de ballet member Kim
Wagman will make her first appearance as the Snow Queen. Houston audiences have seen Ms. Wagman as the Mayor’s
Wife in David Parsons’ The Pied Piper, as Calpurnia in Ben Stevenson’s Cleopatra and in Trey McIntyre’s Second Before
the Ground.
Two Russian Guest Artists Make First Appearances in Houston
Zdenek Konvalina, originally from Brno, Czech Republic, will be dancing the Prince in Ben Stevenson’s production of The
Nutcracker for the first time. This season Ben Stevenson invited Mr. Konvalina to join Houston Ballet as a principal dancer.
In 1997 he was awarded the second prize at the Czech and Slovakian International Ballet Competition, and he received the
prestigious Phillip Morris Flower Award, Talent of the Year in the Czech Republic in 1998. His latest achievement is the gold
medal from the International Ballet Competition in Helsinki in June 2001. Mr. Konvalina commented, "I have danced the role
of the Prince in many productions of The Nutcracker throughout Europe and different countries, but I’m very excited to be a
part of Houston Ballet’s Nutcracker and to experience the holiday season in Houston. Ben Stevenson’s reputation caught my
attention, and I like the fact that I can add his Nutcracker to my repertory."
Yuliya Dziatko and Konstantin Kouznetsov, dancers from the Minsk-Ballet troupe of Belorusian Musical Theatre, will be
making guest appearances as the Sugar Plum Fairy and Prince in Houston Ballet’s production of The Nutcracker. Ben
Stevenson observed, "I first saw Yuliya and Konstantin at the Eighth International Ballet Competition in Moscow in June 1997
where Konstantin won second prize in the men’s category and together they won special prize for best duet. I was impressed
with both of their talents, and I have wanted them to come to Houston for some time. I think that the roles of the Sugar Plum
Fairy and the Prince in The Nutcracker will suit them quite well." Ms. Dziatko and Mr. Kouznetsov both graduated from the
Belorusian State Choreographic College in 1992 and have received numerous awards, including the medal for best duet at the
International Ballet Competition in Luxembourg in 1997. Ms. Dziatko was awarded first prize gold medal Serge Lifar at the
International Ballet Competition in 1999 and special prize, Diploma on Varna at the International Ballet Competition in Varna,
Bulgaria in 2000. Mr. Kouznetsov received the first prize gold medal Serge Lifar at the International Ballet Competition in
1999 and the second prize medal at the International Ballet Competition in Varna, Bulgaria in 2000.
In addition to delighting Houston audiences, many of Houston Ballet’s principal dancers spend a portion of the holiday season
making guest appearances with other ballet companies. Zdenek Konvalina will perform in Jacksonville December 8 through
the 17 and in a world premiere as part of the Altogether Dance Festival at the Joyce Theater in New York January 4 through
the 8. Mireille Hassenboehler and David Makhateli will dance the Sugar Plum Fairy and Nutcracker Prince for Salt Creek
Ballet in Chicago December 7 through 9. Dominic Walsh returns to his hometown of Elgin, Illinois to perform as the
Nutcracker Prince November 27 through December 3. Then he will travel to Wichita, Kansas with Lauren Anderson to
perform the lead roles in Friends University production of The Nutcracker December 6 through 8 and with the Potomac
Youth Ballet December 13 through 16. November 13 through 17, Phillip Broomhead and Lauren Anderson will perform in
San Antonio Metropolitan Ballet’s production of Cinderella. Julie Gumbinner will be dancing the Sugar Plum Fairy with the
Tuzer Ballet in Dallas, Texas, November 28 through December 2. Ms. Gumbinner believes, "It is an honor to have the
opportunity to perform with different schools and companies because not many ballet companies allow their artist to leave
during the Nutcracker season. It’s also a joy to work with the kids because it reminds me of the magic of The Nutcracker."
2001 Marks Grand Finale of The "Nutty" Nutcracker
Houston Ballet wraps up the holiday season with two final performances of The "Nutty" Nutcracker on December 29 and 30,
2001. The "Nutty" Nutcracker will not be performed again after its 2001 performance. Following the 1993 production of The
Nutcracker, Houston Ballet staged its first installment of The "Nutty" Nutcracker, an irreverent parody of the classic ballet,
which features a wide array of "special guests" and dance styles. This year audiences will return to see the final performances
of The "Nutty" Nutcracker and discover what new twists will be added to the familiar story.
The Story of The Nutcracker
The Nutcracker ballet is based on "The Nutcracker and the Mouse King," a German tale written in 1816. First performed in
1892, the ballet tells the story of Clara Stahlbaum and her magical nutcracker doll. The mysterious Dr. Drosselmeyer arrives
at the Stahlbaum family’s Christmas Eve party, and presents Clara with an enviable gift: a wooden nutcracker doll. Clara’s
jealous brother Fritz breaks the doll, which is promptly repaired by Dr. Drosselmeyer. Distraught over her injured doll, Clara
takes the doll with her to bed, only to wake and find odd happenings taking place. The room quickly fills with giant mice who
begin to come after Clara and her doll. To her amazement, her doll comes to life and comes to her rescue, saving her from
King Rat and his troops. Before her eyes, he is transformed into a handsome prince, and takes her on an enchanting journey.
In the Land of Snow, the beautiful Snow Queen leads eighteen of her snowflakes in a glistening waltz among icicle laden trees.
Traveling across the Lemonade Sea to the Kingdom of Sweets, the two travelers are greeted by the Sugar Plum Fairy.
Delighted, the Sugar Plum Fairy provides young Clara with treats and entertainment from each country in her kingdom. The
comical Madame Bonbonaire appears, lifting her huge hoop skirt to reveal tiny dancing clowns. Completing the parade of
dance is the lively Russian Gopak dance and the delicate Waltz of the Flowers. The Sugar Plum Fairy and Nutcracker Prince
dance the finale, a grand pas de deux. Clara becomes sleepy and quietly drifts off. She awakens in her own bed, questioning
whether her adventure was only a beautiful dream.
The Grand Finale of The "Nutty" Nutcracker
The "Nutty" Nutcracker is the perfect opportunity for Houston Ballet dancers to let loose and have some fun with the
traditional story. Following 30 plus performances of The Nutcracker, the dancers, orchestra, staff, and crew bring together
numerous skits and spoofs and present them on stage. However, this impromptu version of The Nutcracker is not as
spontaneous as it looks. Producing The "Nutty" Nutcracker takes weeks of preparation from the artistic and administrative
staffs, production and wardrobe personnel, as well as the crew, orchestra and dancers of Houston Ballet.
Preparation for this zany performance begins with the first production meeting, which is held in early November. Ben
Stevenson invites key players who are essential to the success of The "Nutty" Nutcracker to brainstorm about material that
can be incorporated into the upcoming production. The ideas discussed range from front-page news, current entertainers,
scandals, popular movies, political issues, famous athletes, and any twists that can be made to the classic story of The
Nutcracker. Mr. Stevenson commented, "When we first started performing The "Nutty" Nutcracker, we only added a few
little comedic parodies, but essentially it was still The Nutcracker. Now the production has become so elaborate."
For example, in 2000, the first act of The Nutcracker focused not on the Stahlbaum’s holiday party, but on the battle between
the Bushes and the Gores over dimpled chads and disputed presidential election results in Florida. Instead of the Snow Queen
and the Nutcracker Prince performing a pas de deux in the land of snow, former Playboy playmate Anna Nicole Smith was
featured in a duet with her aging, wheelchair-bound paramour.
In 1998, Act I of The "Nutty" Nutcracker was set aboard The Titanic, and featured a pas de deux performed on the deck of
the ship by Leonardo and Kate, serenaded by a live performance of Celine Dion’s runaway hit "My Heart Will Go On" by
former Houston Ballet prima ballerina Janie Parker.
The "Nutty" Nutcracker also allows the dancers to show off their flair for comedy. Principal dancer Lauren Anderson has
brought down the house with her impersonation of Tina Turner performing "Proud Mary" – as well as doing slick turns as
Diana Ross with the Supremes and Whoopi Goldberg in "Sister Act." Julie Gumbinner, Ayisha McMillan, and Tyann Clement
electrified the crowd as the Spice Girls. In 2000, Britain Werkheiser was a deliciously naughty Brittany Spears, bumping and
grinding seductively to the beat of the pop mega hit Hit Me Baby One More Time. Artistic director Ben Stevenson has
delighted audiences as a temperamental bumblebee, a portly sugar plum fairy, and Sister Benerina, a nun/back up singer to
Lauren Anderson’s Whoopi Goldberg.
The ideas for The "Nutty" Nutcracker must fit into strict time and expense constraints. Solutions to help minimize expense
include using costumes and set pieces from different ballets, borrowing personal items from the dancers and staff, and renting
sets and costumes from other theatre and ballet companies. Pat Padilla, Houston Ballet wardrobe supervisor, commented,
"Every year we have to build almost all of the costumes for The "Nutty" Nutcracker. We have made everything from a bumble
bee costume to a Sugar Plum Fairy tutu for Ben Stevenson, a Cruella De’Vil outfit for Timothy O’Keefe, and synchronized
swimming outfits to replace the Waltz of the Flowers. Also, The "Nutty" Nutcracker uses a lot of wigs. Almost every dancer
requires a wig of some sort, maybe two."
"In 1998 we used the set from Grand Tour which simulates the deck of a cruise ship," remarked Tom Boyd, Houston Ballet
director of production," remarked Tom Boyd, Houston Ballet director of production. "We have also used bits and pieces
from Prodigal Son, Peer Gynt and Swan Lake. The majority of costumes have to be made, and the sets have to be altered,
and this takes time."
Cecil C. Conner, managing director for Houston Ballet, commented "Houston Ballet is going to take a break for a while after
giving two performances of The "Nutty" Nutcracker as the grand finale on Saturday, December 29 and Sunday, December
30, 2001. The plans for next year include a very busy touring schedule and several new ballets. Also, the weeks between
Thanksgiving and year end will be fewer, giving less time for rehearsals. Unfortunately, these factors would make it very
difficult for Houston Ballet to create a quality production of The "Nutty" Nutcracker."
Mr. Stevenson believes "The "Nutty" Nutcracker is a "fun concept and it is a great performing opportunity for Houston Ballet
because it brings the dancers closer to their audience. The parody allows Houston Ballet patrons to see the dancers’
personalities, humor and hidden talents. It has been a lot of fun to produce The "Nutty" Nutcracker, and Houston audiences
have received it quite well. This year is a good time to say goodbye to it for a while, but perhaps not forever. "
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HOUSTON BALLET
THE NUTCRACKER
FACT SHEET
WHAT: THE NUTCRACKER (1987)
Music by Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky (1840-1893)
Choreography by Ben Stevenson
Designs by Desmond Heeley
Lighting by Duane Schuler
Program generously underwritten by:
Continental Airlines
ENRON
Baker Hughes Incorporated
Compass Bank
Riviana Foods Inc.
Smith Graham & Company
A student matinee of The Nutcracker is supported by: ExxonMobil
ABOUT THE PROGRAM:
A little girl named Clara receives a magical nutcracker on Christmas Eve, and sets out on a wondrous journey to the Land of
Snow and the Kingdom of Sweets. Featuring breathtaking scenery and costumes by Desmond Heeley, The Nutcracker is the
perfect yuletide gift: the ideal means of introducing children to the power and beauty of classical dance, and a delightful way
for the entire family to ring in the holiday season.
WHEN: November 23 through December 30, 2001
7:30 PM Performances
November 23, 24, 30
December 1, 7, 8, 14, 15, 16, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 26, 27, 28
2:00 PM Performances
November 24, 25
December 1, 2, 8, 9, 15, 16, 21, 22, 23, 24, 29, 30
The "Nutty" Nutcracker
7:30 PM on Saturday, December 29 and Sunday, December 30, 2001
WHERE: Wortham Theater Center, Brown Theater
Texas at Smith Streets in downtown Houston
TICKETS: $11.50 - $76.50. For tickets call 713-227-ARTS or 1-800-828-ARTS. Tickets are
also available at the Wortham Ticket Center and all Ticketmaster outlets, including Foley’s,
Fiesta, and Wherehouse Music.