No Place Like Home: Templeton Nutcracker

Posted: Dec 8, 2011 12:19 PM by Jeanette Trompeter

No Place Like Home: Holiday events for December 9th weekend

There are certain traditions that signal the holidays for a lot of folks. Shopping for a Christmas tree. Putting up holiday lights, and attending a performance of the Nutcracker. And there's one that's playing this week on the central coast that offers up some great proof there's No Place Like Home.

It's just one of those holiday rituals for a lot of people, especially families with children. Dressing up and escaping to the magical world of The Nutcracker. "I feel like the nutcracker really captures the holiday and really kicks it off in a good positive way and is just a nice wholesome show that really showcases talent and Christmas spirit. It's just wonderful." says Chelsea Farrer who plays the Sugarplum Fairy.

But the young people talking about the magic of this musical in Templeton are not those watching the show, but the ones performing it. "Before this I had never seen the Nutcracker. Never." says Brittany Huston, 1st-time cast-member.

For 14 years, the show has kicked off the holidays for the students involved in this tradition. "I've been Clara, and I've been snow queen, and ribbon dancer and Russian and lost of litter parts as well." says Chelsea Farrer. Brianna Long, a Paso Robles High School Junior has been doing it for years as well. "I was a little girl cousin when I was little. And I was in the battle scene and I was in Chinese. I've been pretty much in everything in the show. And now I get to be snow queen and I'm so excited."

Performed at the Templeton Performing Arts Center. It's produced by the North County Dance and Performing Arts Foundation and Class Act Dance of Paso Robles. " Every year there's just a little bit of change, and new choreography, and it's extra magical. It's always a really good show." says Brianna Long of Paso Robles High School.

It's the full ballet, with professional sets, props, costumes, and professional calibre performers from 5 years old on up. Many started being part of this tradition when they were Toddlers. And while there's a huge camaraderie the comes with being a part of it, there's also a lot of work.

They've been warming up, working out, and rehearsing for this week's performances since September. But there's a sense of pride that comes with the commitment this cast and crew makes.

And that pride is clear not only in their words, but up on stage.