Local Group Plans "Nutcracker"

. . . . by Sarah K. Brown

A Klamath Falls dance studio and a theater group plan "Nutcracker" performances in December with local talent.

The production will also make a break from the traditional dance-only performance.

"It's a very different approach," said Lois Lents of Northwest Youth Theatre. "It's a version of the 'Nutcracker' that's been turned into musical theater. Many of the songs have had words set to them, so there will be vocalists and actors as well as dancers."

"It's exciting for kids of all ages and a wonderful introduction to the 'Nutcracker' with words, so that everyone can understand it," Lents said.

The performance will be a joint venture between two non-profit organizations: Northwest Youth Theatre and Rachel's Dance Studio, headed by Rachel Glenn.

The performance will consist, as it usually does, primarily of children but is open to all.

"We're opening it up for 6-year-olds and up," Glenn said. "So grandma and grandpa could participate."

Registration opens on July 22, and will run through Aug. 12. Everybody who signs up for a part will get one, until no parts are left.

"The first rehearsal will be a casting rehearsal," said Lents. "Casting will actually happen after people have signed up, so it's open registration. Everyone who signs up will get a part."

"They don't have to have any experience, although parts will be assigned based on experience," said Lents. "It's about this being a learning experience as well as a performance experience."

Glenn said the performances will be at her studio at 638 Klamath Ave., which has a 130-seat theatre.

The registration fee is $50, and tuition assistance is available. Sept. 9 is the casting rehearsal, and all consecutive rehearsals will be on Fridays and Saturdays.

Performances are scheduled Dec. 2, 3, 9, and 10, all at 7 p.m. Ticket prices haven't been set yet.

Information: Lents at 891-0471 or Glenn at 273-6130.

This is reprinted with permission of the

Herald and News, Klamath Falls, Oregon.

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