This holiday season, we’re proudly celebrating the 20th anniversary of the first time Kathy Burks Theatre of Puppetry Arts (KBTPA) performed its acclaimed, unique interpretation of The Nutcracker at DCT. Meet the puppeteers who magically transform the Studio Theater into the Land of the Sweets with incredible skill and artistry.
Sally Fiorello – with Medoro the dancing poodle, Harlequin, and Clara
What are some of your favorite memories of KBTPA’s THE NUTCRACKER over the past 20 years?
“There are young people who saw this show when we first did it…and they have continued to come back with their families to see it year after year… And I have watched them grow, and I have watched them come up and say how much they loved the show and they look forward to seeing it every time we do it. And now…they want to introduce the Nutcracker that we do to their kids. And whenever that happens, I’m always reminded of how special it is.”
Doug Burks – with Herr Drosselmeier and Genie
What audience reactions stand out to you?
“What I remember about the audience is mostly just the wonder and the awe of it all, especially in the second half of the show when we go to the Land of the Sweets and all that music, all that familiar music, and just to hear their reactions, especially the big school groups that come in. Just as a whole, they just become one fascinated body of people all reacting simultaneously; that’s a really rewarding thing to hear.”
Ziggy Renner – Little Puppeteer and The Nutcracker
What do you most look forward to in performing the show again this year?
“We all at least to some extent have seen the ballet or seen parts of the ballet or we know the music because we hear it so much during the holiday season. It’s just ingrained in the back of our heads that when you hear this song, you have an image. And the image is changed with this [show], to a certain extent…It’s so well done, and just different. And to get to do the whole thing is pretty exciting.”
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KATHY BURKS THEATRE OF PUPPETRY ARTS’
THE NUTCRACKER
Music by Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky
Adapted for the stage by B. Wolf
November 18 – December 21, 2016
Recommended for ages 4 and up
No holiday season is complete without Tchaikovsky’s THE NUTCRACKER! This unique and acclaimed puppet interpretation brings the classic story to life with innovative passion and artistry. According to The Dallas Morning News, this NUTCRACKER “…out-Fantasia’s Walt Disney’s classic film.” DFW audiences love holiday traditions, and that is why 2016 marks 20 years of this most requested title. It’s a perfect introduction to classical music, so make a date to bring your children!
THE NUTCRACKER is produced by special arrangement with the playwright.