I realize we're considerably closer to Nutcracker 2026 than we are to Nutcracker 2025 (which means I'm REALLY late to the game on this catch up post), but for a few of reasons, the 2025 production of this annual event still deserves its own place in the feed.
First...on day one of rehearsals, Tom joined the cast of The Nutcracker for the first time. He stepped in as the understudy for Uncle Drosselmeyer, which morphed into becoming the understudy for all of the male Party Parents. He did such a fantastic job learning his choreography, working on his stage presence, getting to know the other dancers - adults and kids - in the Party Scene, and remembering (from his musical theatre days) how to apply stage make up. While he didn't perform in any of our three actual shows, he did get to perform in our dress rehearsal, which means I have great photos of him in full hair, make up, and costume while living his best life as a Party Parent.
Tom has already committed to Nutcracker 2026, and I can't wait to see him on stage for the real deal!
Second, despite being the craziest four days of my year, Nutcracker weekend is well spent: putting on a beautiful production and kicking off the holiday season with friends, Hallie, and this year, Tom as well.
Last but not least...Hallie danced the role of Snow Queen. She worked incredibly hard to bring this role to the stage, navigating along the way a number of potholes (some of these potholes she swerved to avoid, however others she unfortunately and uncomfortably had to bump her way through), and in the end she did a beautiful job.
