Cairo dancer has starring role in Nutcracker production
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JEWELL GRACE GAMMILL of Cairo dances the main role of Clara in this year’s Nutcracker. Jewell Grace is the daughter of Brande and Stephen Strickland of Cairo, and granddaughter of Ellen and Jerry Cox and Richard and Judy Strickland, all of Cairo, and Stella and Del Gammill of Atlanta. She is the great-granddaughter of Sara Thomas of Cairo.
Jewell Grace Gammill of Cairo is dancing the lead role in this year’s Nutcracker by South Georgia Ballet and a slew of other local performers will join her onstage to tell the traditional holiday story. With music by Tchaikovsky performed by a live orchestra, adorably vicious little mice will lead Gammill as Clara into the Kingdom of Sweets.
The 22nd season of South Georgia Ballet’s The Nutcracker takes place Saturday, Nov. 30, at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 1, at 2:30 p.m. at the Thomasville Municipal Auditorium. The ballet will also host The Kingdom of Sweets Tea on Dec. 1 at 12:30 p.m. at the Thomasville Center for the Arts. Tickets are $25, $20 and $15. For tickets, visit southgeorgiaballet.org .
Other Grady County dancers in the program include Kate Porter dancing the roles of snow queen, harlequin, Chinese princess and flower; Riann Duggan – Russian princess, Spanish princess, snowflake and maid; Olivia Woods – Russian princess, Spanish princess, snowflake and maid; Haddyn Harrell – market dancer, snow, flowerette and Chinese fan dancer; Elizabeth Cohen – Clara’s friend, soldier and Chinese fan dancer; Emily Grace Tuten – Clara’s friend, soldier and Arabian dancer; Alex Fisher – debutante, soldier and chocolate cavalier; Maddie Hendrixson – warrior mouse, garland and chocolate pirouette; Darimar Vierra – soldier, garland and chocolate pirouette; Avery Claire Bentley – warrior mouse/mouse, bon bon and parasol dancer; and Hannah Lynch – mouse, bon bon and parasol.
Jeff Lovett of Cairo returns to the stage as Clara’s godfather, Herr Drosselmeyer.
The show will feature guest dancers Katie Williams and Connor Holloway from the famous American Ballet Theatre in New York City in the roles of the Cavalier and The Sugar Plum Fairy. “I saw them dance and my jaw dropped,” says South Georgia Ballet’s Artistic Director Melissa June. “I have never seen such virtuosity and raw talent. The audience is in for such a treat with these two amazing professionals.” Guest performer David Brandon returns as The Nutcracker Prince.
The orchestra is under the direction of Boyan Bonev. “It is so important for the community to come and support local artists. This beautiful music enhances the ballet and the whole experience for everyone,” says Bonev.
There are many area musicians in the performance including Joy Tedford, violin; Karl Barton, flute; Colleen Manseau Wade, viola; Sally Hernandez, viola; Rebecca Brinson, soprano; Stephanie Sharp, soprano (as well as playing Mother Staubalm).
This year’s performances are sponsored by TC Federal Bank and the Edward C. Fogg III and Lisbeth A. Fogg Charitable Trust. The Tea is sponsored by the Margaret and Putt Wetherbee Family Fund.
