‘Nutcracker Key West’ Options Island Aptitude (and Roosters!)

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Audiences can uncover the seafaring heritage and vibrant coral reef surroundings of the Florida Keys, blended with a sizeable serving to of heartfelt vacation spirit, throughout performances of the unforgettable “Nutcracker Key West” within the island metropolis.

Youngsters costumed as Key West chickens scamper round heroine Clara throughout a previous yr’s efficiency of “Nutcracker Key West.” (Picture by Carol Tedesco, Florida Keys Information Bureau)

The distinctive subtropical model of the traditional “Nutcracker” ballet begins an eight-show run Thursday, Dec. 5 — flavored with characters and units that remember Key West’s colourful historical past, tradition, traditions, underwater wonders, and even the free-roaming chickens and roosters which have develop into unofficial island mascots.

“Nutcracker Key West” stars 16 skilled dancers from New York Metropolis, plus some 200 native children and adults. Solid members embody the acclaimed Maurizio Nardi, a former principal with the distinguished Martha Graham Dance Firm.

Collectively they convey the ballet’s timeless story to life onstage on the Tennessee Williams Theatre (situated at 5901 School Highway on the campus of The School of the Florida Keys). Produced by the theater’s creative crew, it’s wealthy in each expertise and visible pageantry.

The Key West model of the vacation favourite was first carried out in 2005, and usually returns each two years to please visiting and resident Florida Keys audiences. And delight them it does.

The manufacturing transforms the story of a younger lady’s journey to the land of the Sugarplum Fairy into an interesting island fantasy. Characters embody dancing snowy egrets, phosphorescent sea anemones, preventing fish and a nutcracker whose headdress includes a conch shell, the image of the Florida Keys (which is also called the Conch Republic).

Purists who love the unique ballet will discover loads of acquainted touches. For instance, there’s nonetheless an exquisitely sleek Sugarplum Fairy — although in “Nutcracker Key West,” she’s known as the Sea Star Fairy.

The saga of younger Clara’s vacation dream unfolds at a stylized Christmas celebration in 1860s Key West. Subsequently, standout dance sequences embody a battle the place toy sailors defend Clara from the Rooster King, recalling the island’s renegade poultry inhabitants.

Nutcracker Key West dancers

Florida Keys youngsters costumed as reef fish carry out with skilled dancers throughout a scene from a previous yr’s manufacturing of “Nutcracker Key West.” (Picture by Carol Tedesco, Florida Keys Information Bureau)

A scene set on the Keys’ coral reef options younger youngsters costumed as tumbling pink shrimp in King Neptune’s courtroom, colourful angelfish and a college of glowing crimson snapper.

The storyline additionally consists of imagery drawn from the historical past of the Spanish galleon Nuestra Señora de Atocha, shipwrecked off Key West in 1622 whereas carrying a cargo of treasure from the Americas dwelling to Spain.

One of the vital breathtaking sequences options dancers in flowing costumes portraying the “jewels” of the Atocha — with the galleon humorously renamed “Atoeshu” for the manufacturing.

A vacation custom that Keys residents share with guests, “Nutcracker Key West” incorporates intricate choreography, elaborate units, and dazzling costumes. The truth is, the manufacturing itself is as distinctive as its transformation of the unique ballet right into a celebration of the Florida Keys.

Performances of the attractive and lovingly crafted “Nutcracker Key West” (each night reveals and matinees) proceed by way of Sunday, Dec. 15, and tickets are anticipated to go quick.

With costs starting at $35 per individual for night reveals and $15 per individual for matinees, tickets will be bought at keystix.com. For those who’re headed for the Florida Keys in December, get them shortly … so that you don’t miss this island-flavored vacation gem.



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