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Live Theater by Alexa Chipman - December 2018

ALEXA CHIPMAN

‘The Tailor of Gloucester’

Inspired by

Loosely set in the Georgian period, with sets and costumes based on Beatrix Potter’s watercolor illustrations, which designer Elizabeth Bazzano calls “beautiful pieces of artwork in their own right” the smaller Spreckels theater has been transformed into the tailor’s workshop. Props are constructed to be proportional to the creature—for example an oversized needle for a mouse to hold. Don’t miss this charming musical by local creators Marcy Telles (book and lyrics) and Janis Dunson Wilson (music).

‘The Tailor of Gloucester’ Spreckels Theatre Company Bette Condiotti Experimental Theatre

November 23 – December 16, 2018 Friday/Saturday at 7:00pm, Sunday at 1:00pm December 13 at 7:00pm, December 8 and 15 at 1:00pm Tickets: General $36, Children $18, Senior 62+ $34, Student $30 www.spreckelsonline.com

The Nutcracker

From breathtaking music by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky to magical visions of graceful dancers and falling snow, ‘The Nutcracker’ has reached iconic status as a holiday tradition. Santa Rosa Dance Theater compares it to ‘Swan Lake’ as a truly classical ballet and ensures that the presentation pays homage to that origin, from elegant tutus “all the way down to how each dancer ties her pointe shoe ribbons.” Guest artist Rupert Edwards of Houston Ballet and Tulsa Ballet will be portraying the courageous Nutcracker prince.

Although there will not be a live orchestra, musicality is still a key performance component. The discipline and commitment required of classical dancers is considerable. “The body takes a long time to learn and perfect the movements of ballet” Artistic Director Joshua Trader comments regarding the complex patterns of the Russian Teacakes choreography. “Anything physical is meant to be done slowly and consistently.” The result of Santa Rosa Dance Theater’s patience and careful molding of young talent is a spectacular visual feast in “The Nutcracker” at Spreckels that is entertaining for the whole family and a delightful way to celebrate the holidays.

‘The Nutcracker’ Santa Rosa Dance Theater Nellie W. Codding Theater

December 14 - 16, 2018 Friday at 7:00pm Saturday at 2:00pm and 7:00pm Sunday at 2:00pm Tickets: General $30, Children $25, Senior 65+ $28 www.santarosadancetheater.com

Alexa Chipman is a member of the San Francisco Bay Area Theatre Critics Circle and Marquee Theater Journalists Association with a B.F.A. in Digital Art from Dominican University of California. She has danced with Peninsula Ballet Theatre, Marin Ballet, and Marin Dance Theatre and has appeared in local theater such as the Fringe of Marin Festival. She has a background in voice acting for audio drama, graphic design, and writing Young Adult fiction.

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