PAT LAVINS
Adam Schnell, Director and Choreographer for the 2013 production of the “Nutcracker in Swingtime,” was enthusiastic about about the reception this weekend for the opening of his fourth production of the unique show in Vero Beach. This Vermont native who himself has been in professional ballet companies moved to Vero Beach full time in 2009 to be a part of the Riverside Children’s Theatre team.
The production at the Anne Morton Theatre features 53 students from the local community from age 6 through 18. More than half of performers had been cast in previous years. Auditions were held in August and rehearsals on Saturday mornings have been their routine since selection to be a part of the unique program. The production has been “tailored made for the talent of the children in the community” so Adam is especially proud to see how the young troopers have matured into other roles
The “Nutcracker at Swingtime” is not the traditional ballet production that is most familiar to audiences. The story takes place in and around a private New England school in 1938 — the height of the swing time era. Rather than have Tchaikovsky’s musical score, the dancers perform to music of Duke Ellington, Billy Strayhorn and David Berger. It was David Berger who first adapted the score for the more modern era with his production of “The Sultans of Swing.” He gave permission for the reproduction rights for that production which has been modified for the Indian River County audience. After the first year’s production, David Berger was sent a DVD of the Vero Beach production and he embraced the changes made to fit the 21st century audience.
Remaining show times: 7:30 p.m. December 20, and 21; Tickets: Adults: $18, Students: $12; Box Office: Phone: 772-231-6990. E-mail: www.riversidetheatre.com
Indian River Guardian 