A Special Thanks To:Dianne Loveland—Artistic Director Dianne brings over 35 years experience as a dancer, choreographer, and teacher. Dianne has been the director of Ballet Arts for 16 years. During that time she has choreographed excerpts from Aladdin, Alice in Wonderland, The Nutcracker, Swan Lake, Copellia, and Snow White. Dianne has also choreographed several of her own works including; Mood, Danse Macabre, and La Hispanola. Dianne received her training in part under Pamela Barainca formerly of the Royal Ballet. Dianne was accepted to the professional corps of the American Festival Ballet. Dianne’s love for the art of ballet has allowed her to teach thousands of students from Provo, Idaho Falls, and Rexburg. Dianne resides in Rexburg with her husband Blake and their five children.

Melanie Radford—Artistic Director Melanie, an accomplished designer and pattern maker, has created classical ballet costumes for 16 years. Her designs have been used by the Mid-Columbia ballet, Ballet Arts, and several Distinguished Young Women pageants. Melanie was the first woman from Idaho to be invited and awarded a merit scholarship to Sun Valley’s prestigious ballet workshop. Melanie worked under the direction of Edward Vilella and Jacque d’Amboise formerly of the New York City Ballet. Melanie has enjoyed over 30 years experience as a dancer, choreographer, and teacher. She loves the joy and peace that comes from the ballet classroom and her ballerinas. Melanie lives in Idaho Falls with her husband John and their daughter.

Bob Butler—Technical Director Bob, a native of California, moved to Rexburg in 2008. Bob has been a professional videographer and director for the last 28 years. In co-operation with the Bakersfield Symphony and Civic Dance he produced The Nutcracker Ballet in Bakersfield California for 25 years. Bob has been active in theater since 1964 and been technical director for such shows as Music Man, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat, Oliver, and Fiddler on the Roof while in California. His video productions have received national acclaim and have been broadcast on a number of Television Networks. He is a forensic videographer and is a recognized video expert witness in criminal matters. He and his wife Linda moved to Rexburg to be closer to their daughter and two grandchildren.

James Lauritsen—Scenery Art James has worked in the fine arts field for over 25 years. He has taught secondary art education in the public school for seven of those years and currently teaches at Madison High School in Rexburg, Idaho. James has created and designed sets for several High School productions including Oliver, He has a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree from Utah State University in Logan, Utah His art has been included

in several juried shows including an international art competition. He continues to produce and sell art. James and his wife, Juli,

live in Rexburg with their three children.

Robert B.Hibbard—Herr Drosselmeyer, Lighting Director Rob has been involved in theatre since

the 3rd grade when he played the little old man from “Laugh-In.” Since then

he has been on stage at nearly every level--high school, college, community theatre, and semi-professional with the Hale Center Theatre. His directing career began in 1991 with The Sound of Music and he has since directed 28 musicals and over 195 plays and musicals. He has directed for the Beaver Community Theatre, the Caribou Community Theatre Guild, and has directed and is president of the Rexburg Community Theatre which he helped found in the summer of 2007. He is currently the drama director for Madison High School and oversees the performing arts center there. Rob is excited to

play Herr Drosselmeyer for the eight year running and much prefers his

cape and hat over a tutu! Rob is married to Diana and they have 6 children together.

Ronalee Hokanson Flansburg—Artist Ronalee is a local artist. She has served on many art organizations including: The Upper Valley Art Guild, The Rexburg Arts Council, The Romance Theater Committee, and Celebrate the Arts. She was recently certified as an Idaho Change Leader by the Idaho Commission on the Arts.

Maddie Roquel Rydalch—Artist Maddie is a scenic artist from Rexburg. Before she began work on the Nutcracker, her most recent work was with the Rexburg Centennial’s production of Deadwood Dick by Tom Taggart. She has also participated in the restoration of the molding at the Romance Theater. As well as a scenic painter, she is a published, award winning playwright who has enjoyed workshops and readings in Idaho, Alaska, California, Colorado, Utah, Indiana, and New York City. She studied with the New York Arts (now New York Theater Intransitives) and is a member of the Dramatists’ Guild of America, Inc. She earned a Master of Fine Arts in theater from the University of Idaho, where she was a teaching assistant in the scene shop and built and painted sets and props with her students. She is also a graduate of Brigham Young University Idaho and Brigham Young University.

Josh Peterson—Design and Images Josh opened his first studio in 2011, and he joined Gugelman Photography in 2013 as photographer and studio manager. As the new owner of Gugelman Photography, Josh is dedicated to maintaining the outstanding reputation Travis worked so hard to build. Josh has had the amazing opportunity to train one on one with some of the nation’s foremost wedding and portrait photographers, as well as attend hands-on workshops multiple times per year. The love he has for capturing images is only eclipsed by the chance to connect and be a part of such wonderful people’s lives. He’s had the wonderful opportunity to shoot all over the world, from SOCAL to NYC, and has spent time in Ecuador and Haiti using his talents to raise awareness and help people in need.

The Nutcracker – The StoryOur story begins at Dr. and Mrs. Stahlbaum’s annual Christmas

Eve party. Their children, Clara and Fritz are excited to welcome their friends to their celebration. There are presents to open and treats to enjoy and all the children are very excited. Suddenly, Clara’s godfather, Herr Drosselmeyer, appears with 4 magical dolls to entertain the children. After the dolls dance, Drosselmeyer presents Clara with a handsome nutcracker and Fritz with a mouse. Clara is entranced with her gift when suddenly, a jealous Fritz grabs the Nutcracker and throws it to the floor.

After the guests have gone and her family is asleep, Clara slips back into the parlor to retrieve her poor nutcracker. She falls asleep for a moment only to be awakened as an army of mice and a horrible Rat King take her captive. All at once her Nutcracker appears. Only now, he is much bigger and he is leading an army of Toy Soldiers to the rescue. The mice and the soldiers battle furiously. Finally, the Nutcracker kills the Rat King and Clara is saved.

The Nutcracker, whose loyalty and courage have transformed him into a handsome prince, leads Clara on a magical journey. They travel through the land of snow to arrive at the Enchanted Palace. The Sugar Plum Fairy arrives and shows them a magical kingdom filled with candies and treats from all over the world. The Sugar Plum Fairy and her Cavalier dance a pas de deux to celebrate the defeat of the Rat King. But it is Christmas Eve and Clara must return to her own home for Christmas morning. Some of the sweets gather to say farewell as Clara’s Nutcracker Prince escorts her home.

The HistoryThe Nutcracker was first brought to the United States by Willam Christensen of

the San Francisco Ballet. Christensen later went on to found Ballet West in Salt Lake City.

The first American production in 1944, was held during war time. All the cast members pitched in by standing in long lines and trading rationing coupons for fabrics to make costumes. Flowers, jewelry, props, and the stage curtains all came from Goodwill. Ballerinas had to sew their own tights out of whatever fabric was available.

The Nutcracker has been performed continuously in the United States ever since and has become a holiday tradition. Our own Pat Jacobsen danced for Willam Christensen with the company that became Ballet West. Pat incorporated a section of Christensen’s original choreography in our “Waltz of the Flowers” as a tribute to him.

Christmas Music

Presenation by the Jeff Vail Family

Act IScene 1: The Christmas PartyDr. Stahlbaum...................Ryan CromarMrs. Stahlbaum............Heather CromarClara..............................Sallee RydalchMarie...................................Alex LerwillAmelia............................Sara LovelandRebekah.............................Rhya NufferFritz...............................Isaac DavidsonNicholas...................Nicholas LovelandHerr Drosselmeyer.......Robert HibbardNephew........................Jacob Loveland

Party GuestsRebecca Anderson, Sarah Anderson, Amelia Bargabos, Cooper Bargabos, Hannah Barzee, Jessica Barzee, Claire Bird, Britta Bjornn, Ella Bjornn, Jocelynne Bolen, Oliver Bolen, Nora Bolen, Mackayla Bybee, Alissa Cromar, Emma Cromar, Nathan Cromar, Jacob Cruz, Hannah Cruz, Dakota Curtis, Harlie Curtis, Kianna Curtis, Grace DaBell, Alexia Davidson, Abby DeGraw, Matthew Degraw, Michael DeGraw, Ryan DeGraw, Elise Fox, Daniel Godfrey, Liam Godfrey, Rebekah Gordon, Sarah Gordon, Annabelle Hibbard, Eliza Hibbard, Diana Hibbard, Sarah Holloway, Ella Hulin, Warren Hulin, Maren Hunsaker, Aubrie Johanson, Maile Johanson, Nate Johanson, Matthew Kempton, Samuel Kempton, Benjamin Loveland, Emilia Lupashko, Bethany McCoy, Amelia Martinez, Miriam Martinez, Lauren Mickelsen, Sierra Mickelsen, Andreas Molina, Bonnie Molina, Chloe Morris, Katrina Morris, Kyton Nuffer, Olivia Olsen, Tanner Olsen, Amanda Polatis, Cyrus Smith, Rani Smith, Kamri Stevenson, Alicia Walburger, LaRena Waddell, and Debra Williams

MaidsAnna Baxter, Shayla Klingler, and Miriam Martinez

Jester...................................Sarah HoltFrench Doll..............Avonlea SargeantRussian Doll.........................Erin SmithSoldier Doll...............Aubree Browning

Scene 2: Clara’s Dream BeginsMice and SoldiersClaire Allen, Eliza Anderson, Kenzlee Anderson, Hannah Barzee, Kaitlyn Benson, Jocelynne Bolen, Natalie Canon, Kianna Curtis, Abby DeGraw, Emma Gilbert, Rebekah Gordon, Sarah Gordon, Calyn Haney, Emma Haworth, Maren Hunsaker, Maile Johanson, Sara Loveland, Bethany McCoy, Lauren Mickelsen, Sierra Mickelsen, Hallie Moore, Rhya Nuffer, Natalie Olson, Elena Pack, Grace Powell, Rani Smith, Bailee Steiner, and Brynlee Stewart

Rat King............................Ella RadfordNutcracker..................Jacob Loveland

Scene 3: The Land of SnowSarah Anderson, Anna Baxter, Claire Bird, Aubree Browning, Alexia Davidson, Elise Fox, Annabelle Hibbard, Eliza Hibbard, Emma Holt, Sarah Holloway, Shayla Klingler, Miriam Martinez, Bonnie Molina, Amanda Polatis, Avonlea Sargeant, and Erin Smith

Intermission

Act IIScene 1: The Enchanted Palace

Sugar Plum Fairy........Emma Cromar

Enchanted Palace Cherubs.Kamryne Baldwin, Dakota Curtis, Sonnie Haws, Ella Hulin, Aubrie Johanson, Emma Larsen, Katherine Pulsipher, Ashley Smith, Charlette Swensen, and Grace Wood

Spanish Hot ChocolateJessica Barzee, Aubree Browning, Mackayla Bybee, Caroline Flansburg, Elise Fox, Sarah Holloway, Miriam Martinez, Amanda Polatis, Erin Smith, LaRena Waddell, Alicia Walburger, and Debra Williams

Spanish Solo.......................Claire BirdDivinity....................Annabelle HibbardButterscotch Candy.......Bonnie Molina

French Bon BonsAlicia Walburger, Debra Williams

Black Licorice...............Elaiza HibbardRibbon Candy............Mackayla Bybee

Chinese TeaAbigail Andreasen, Brindy Anderson, Joslynn Anderson, Josie Bagley, Brooklyn Baxter, Lacey Branham, Allison Burton, Isabelle Dixon, Savannah Ericksen, Lindsay Mae Heywood, Vienna Holtom, Scotlynn Klingler, Cara Lofgran, Juliette O’Shaughnessy, Harley Scott, and Aria Stoddart

Candy Cane.................Jessica Barzee

Prussian BlueCaroline Flansburg, Alex Lerwill, and Amanda Polatis

Marzipan Shepherdess..........Elise Fox

LambsNora Bolen, Chelsea Burton, Jane Campbell, Madelyn Clark, Elise Gardner, Aubrey George, Paige Hale, Emilia Lupashko, Halle Packard, Grace Sorensen, Eliza Rowe, and Jill Vogelsberg

RussianMegan Baxter, Britta Bjornn, Sarah Cameron, Harlie Curtis, Amira Fullmer, Willa Moring, Ava Park, Olivia Olsen, Elisabeth Pack, Genevieve Price, and Noemia Ward

ClownsOlivia Allen, Kenli Andrews, Paisley Attwood, Aviel Bagley, Jill Bjornn, Paige Birch, Jenica Cook, Ariana Edgel, Claire Flamm, Nazaria Hawkins, Eliza Haworth, Ava Lofgran, Elsie Palafox, Jade Phillips, Katie Reynolds, Brooklyn Scherbel, Adalyn Sorensen, Emma Seu, Jane Wood, and Samira Woodruff

Arabian CoffeeSarah Anderson, Anna Baxter, Jessica Barzee, Claire Bird, Aubree Browning, Mackayla Bybee, Alexia Davidson, Caroline Flansburg, Elise Fox, Annabelle Hibbard, Eliza Hibbard, Emma Holt, Shayla Klingler, Alex Lerwill, Amelia Martinez, Miriam Martinez, Bonnie Molina, Ella Radford, Avonlea Sargeant, Erin Smith, Kamri Stevenson, LaRena Waddell, Alicia Walburger, and Debra Williams Indian Paprika..................Sarah Holloway

Waltz of the FlowersRebecca Anderson, Ashley Baldwin, Amelia Bargabos, Mikaela Baxter, Kamilla Bird, Ella Bjornn, Aubrie Browning, Hannah Cruz, Grace DaBell, Lucy Gentry, Claire Heiner, Evelyn Heiner, Amelia Martinez, Miriam Martinez, Isabella Mickelsen, Chloe Morris, Katrina Morris, Edith Pack, Lydia Schellenberg, Kamri Stevenson, and Yasenia Ward

Dew DropSaturday..........................Evelyn Heiner, Monday.......................Kamri Stevenson Mashinka.....................LaRena Waddell

Sugar Plum Fairy and CavalierEmma Cromar and Krozier Fitzgerlad

Finale Ensemble

Ballet Arts Director: Dianne Loveland208.356.3758 www.rexburgballetarts.com

Thank youSponsors!

Teachers, Rehearsal Assistants, and Choreographers:Jessica Barxee, Anna Baxter, Mackayla Bybee, Carrie DeGraw, Sarah Hinck, Dianne Loveland, Michelle Mickelsen, Alison Parson, Ella Radford, Melanie Radford, Xela Smith, Alicia Walburger, and Debra Williams

Technical Director......................Bob ButlerLighting Director..............Robert Hibbard

Sound Director...JD Mann, and Piper MannGrowing Christmas Tree...James LauritsenBackdrops...................Ronalee Flansburg

Props, and Scenery Art:Mike Bird, Bob Butler, and James Lauritsen

Costume Design and Construction:Verla Bird, Laura Johnson, Dianne Loveland, Melanie Radford, and Jennifer Schellenbuerg