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Nutcracker Brings Holiday Magic

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By SUZANNE M. SCHMIDT

IN THE LOOP

Published: December 10, 2008

Area children will have the chance to be a part of the story when the Land O' Lakes Branch Library brings its version of "The Nutcracker" to a stage Dec. 13 at 2 p.m.

Presented by Play 'N' Around Children's Theatre, a traveling group from New Port Richey, the performance is loosely based on the original production.

Nancy Fredericks, former branch manager of Land O' Lakes Library, said she wanted to bring the theater group to the library because she thought it would be a nice treat for parents and children alike.

"Children are fascinated by live performances since most the time they just see TV," said Fredericks. "I have seen them put on a play before and I thought it was excellent. They are able to put the story at a level children can understand. Most children don't have the patience to sit through a play so they make their plays short and light so the children can relate to it."

Brad Colley, artistic director for Play 'N' Around, said even though the story has been changed, many of the key elements remain the same, including favorite characters like Clara and the Nutcracker. Except in this story the Nutcracker is sad because he has lost his Princess. After Clara agrees to help the Nutcracker, she finds out the Princess was taken by the misunderstood rat king, Salzabar.

"It is a cute story with a comedic and modern twist," Colley said. "Clara is such a great girl that she wants to help the Nutcracker, whom she calls Nutty. When Clara tries to rationalize with Salzabar, he decides he will take her as well. There is a comedic sword fight between Salzabar and the Nutcracker, which is a more exciting part of the show."

In addition to entertaining and engaging its audience, the theater company also tries to teach valuable life lessons like when Salzabar tries to take Clara.

"At the end of the fight, the Nutcracker explains to Clara that he will find his Princess because Clara has love in her heart," Colley said. "The Nutcracker also teaches Clara that everything comes from your heart. Clara then teaches Salzabar that everyone needs a friend. We like to try to teach morals through music because we feel children learn a lot better that way."

During the play, the audience is invited to participate by either directing what the actors should be doing or helping to sing the songs.

"We ask the audience to participate so they can feel like they are on the stage with us," Colley said. "We also ask the audience to sing along. We hope our shows are not only entertaining but also a learning experience as well."

The show is entertainment for the whole family according to Colley.

"Even though most of the shows are based on fairy tales because most kids recognize them, they are also fun for parents," Colley said. "Our goal is to make sure everyone who attends has a good time."

The play group also visits schools and has performances at the Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center.

"We have Sunshine State Standard Study Guides to go along with most of our shows," Colley said. "The guides include information teachers can use with the children. They include fun activities that can be done before or after the show."

For more information, visit playnaround.com or call (727) 376-0303. The library is located at 2818 Collier Parkway in Land O' Lakes.

Reporter Suzanne M. Schmidt can be reached at (813) 948-4288 or sschmidt@mediageneral.com.

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