Barrington 'Nutcracker;" Holiday wishes and sugarplum dreams
A lavish party scene opens the Barrington Youth Dance Ensemble's production of "The Nutcracker," bringing to life the magical holiday production that features local dancers with guest artists.
The 13th annual production opens at 7 p.m. Friday, and continues with shows at 2 and 7 p.m. Saturday and at 2 p.m. on Sunday, all at Barrington High School.
This year more than 100 children and adults dance in the cast, along such professional dancers as former members of the Joffrey Ballet, River North Dance Chicago and Ballet Gamonet.
Principal players include Ashley Gierlach and Elena Pizarro, both of Barrington, who play Clara, while graduating members of the ensemble in featured parts include Stephanie Thierer, Katrina Stumbras and Mary Ellen Richardson, all of Barrington, as well as Shannon Hanley of Cary.
However, not all of the action goes on in front of the curtain. Backstage, Deb Schoell of Arlington Heights, stays nearly as busy as the twirling ballerinas she outfits.
After starting out as a parent volunteer with the company, when her own daughter, Kate, was 7, Schoell now heads up the wardrobe department designing costumes, sewing them and making last minute alterations.
The experience helped land her a part-time job this year, in the wardrobe department of the Joffrey Ballet.
"The opportunity to remain involved with all of this is really, really fun," said Schoell, whose daughter now is 20 and no longer performing in the show.
She draws on her training as an art major at the University of Iowa, as well as her background in theater, working at the Hanchire Theater on the university's Iowa City campus.
Serving as wardrobe mistress, however, is a year-long commitment, considering Schoell also outfits dancers for their spring shows and other performances. Her duties have lightened somewhat, since parent volunteer Marilyn Mitchell of Deer Park has stepped up to help her.
Much of their energy is spent designing the look of the Nutcracker, considered the jewel in the company's crown.
"When people see our version of 'The Nutcracker,' they can't believe it's a community production," says Jessica Till, executive director. "They're awed by the pageantry and the performances."
Schoell's vibrant costumes play against the backdrops created by James Estes, a former commercial designer for Macy's, Carson Pirie Scott, and Sak's Fifth Avenue, who designed the original sets in 1994. He continues to update them.
The ensemble's artistic director, Mary Brennan, works with Schoell to design the concept for the costumes, adding new ones every year. Leading up to the performances, Schoell finds her workload increases.
"Backstage, it can be everything from hooks not working, to straps breaking, to putting in suspenders," Schoell says. "Somehow, it seems like we're always leaving with something to do."
It's a problem she wouldn't change for the world, she says. She's having too much fun.
If you go
What: "The Nutcracker"
Who: Barrington Youth Dance Ensemble, featuring more than 100 cast members, including guest professional artists
When: 7 p.m. Friday, 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Saturday, and 2 p.m. Sunday
Where: Barrington High School, 616 W. Main St., Barrington
Tickets: $25 adults; $22 for children, students, seniors; $28 preferred seating; available at Barrington Dance Academy, 758 W. Northwest Hwy., Barrington
Call: (847) 382-6333 or www.byde.org