ACT ONE
SCENE ONE
The Party
SCENE TWO
The Battle
SCENE THREE
Snow
— Intermission —
ACT TWO
SCENE ONE
Pastry Chefs
Land of the Sweets
Sugar Plum Fairy and Cavalier
Marzipan
Chocolate
Tea
Licorice
Coffee
Ribbon Candy
Petit Fours
Sugar Plum Fairy and Cavalier
Finale
SCENE TWO
Epilogue
MEET CLARA – REESE ANDERSON
“Dancing the role of Clara is something I’ve looked forward to ever since I watched my sister perform it. The role is extra special to me because the story of The Nutcracker is told through Clara’s eyes and ears—she’s the one who leads the audience through the magic of the Land of Sweets”
“This is my second year performing as Clara, and having that experience allows me to explore the role in a deeper, more creative way. I feel like I can truly make it my own this time.”
— Reese
CAST
Adeline Abbott, Ella Jane Adams, Aaron Anderson, Harlow Anderson, Reese Anderson, Adley-Rai Armstrong, Ava Grey Barnes, Riley Barnes, Emma Berninger, Jason Berninger, Sarah Berninger, Van Beyer, Alexus Brewer, Julia Butler, Kaylee Castello, JoAnna Cobb, Ayla Cole, Riley Gotkin, Stella Hasemeier, Isla Haughey, Jeremy Huggins, Wheatley Kepley, Ila Rose Manning, Natalie McGraw, Aubrey Miller,Taylor Newcomb, Mara O’B rien, Vivienne Orientliker, Ana Lucia Pinzon, Iona Riggsbee, Ken Riggsbee, Vincenzo Rinaggio, Hope Scanlan, Chapel Smith, Ryan Taylor, Katherine Thomas, Kate Thompson, Arrow Turk, Remington Turk
SENIOR SPOTLIGHT
The tradition of The Nutcracker also lives deeply in the dancers who grow up within it.
TAYLOR NEWCOMB
Senior performer Taylor Newcomb shares her love of storytelling through both The Nutcracker and Imagine Youth Theater.
“I dance because it is a beautiful way to express emotions and it has taught me many valuable lessons,” comments Taylor
–Taylor
VINCENZO RINAGGIO
Vincenzo “Vinny” Rinaggio has trained under Artistic Director Gary Taylor for 14 years, growing from dancing the Nutcracker Prince to now performing the role of the Cavalier.
“I dance because I love it,” Rinaggio shared. “Dancing is a way for me to express emotion, and it has become my passion over time.”
–Vincenzo
Each season has brought new roles and new artistic challenges, reflecting not only his growth as a dancer but the personal meaning the production holds for him.
MEET THE NUTCRACKER STAFF
Faculty/Staff
Bailey Simone Talley, FIRST STEPS
Ryan Taylor, Ensemble, All subjects
Katherine Thomas, Studio Dance: PK Dance, Elementary, Teen, Ensemble
Lynnae Benton, Communications Coordinator
Technical
Daniel Haley, Lighting Technician
Roger Ward, Ward Productions
AN ENCHANTING HOLIDAY TRADITION
The Pilot Submission
An enchanting holiday tradition returns the weekend before Thanksgiving as Gary Taylor Dance presents The Nutcracker at the Bradshaw Performing Arts Center, November 21–23. For generations, The Nutcracker has marked the beginning of the holiday season, welcoming audiences into Clara’s dream filled with swirling snowflakes, toy soldiers, and the Sugar Plum Fairy. Since BPAC’s renovation, the venue has served as the home stage for Gary Taylor Dance’s production—bringing together professional artistry, community spirit, and the timeless beauty of Tchaikovsky’s score. Over the years, the annual performance has become a cherished tradition for families across the region, many of whom return each season to begin their holidays with this magical experience.
The tradition of The Nutcracker also lives deeply in the dancers who grow up within it. Vincenzo “Vinny” Rinaggio has trained under Artistic Director Gary Taylor for 14 years, growing from dancing the Nutcracker Prince to now performing the role of the Cavalier. “I dance because I love it,” Rinaggio shared. “Dancing is a way for me to express emotion, and it has become my passion over time.” Each season has brought new roles and new artistic challenges, reflecting not only his growth as a dancer but the personal meaning the production holds for him.
This year also celebrates the tradition of family onstage. Harlow Anderson takes on the role of the Sugar Plum Fairy, while her younger sister Reese Anderson dances the role of Clara, a part she has dreamed of since watching her sister perform. Their father, Aaron Anderson, joins them in the festive family party scene, creating a joyful moment the whole family experience together. “Sharing the stage with my daughters has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life,” Aaron said. “I do it to create lasting memories with them and to be part of something they love, even if stepping onstage is a little intimidating for me.”
“Dancing with my sister and my dad means so much to me. We’re creating special memories together that I know I’ll cherish for the rest of my life. It’s amazing to have a parent who’s willing to step out on stage and be part of something like The Nutcracker with us.”
–Harlow Anderson, Sugar Plum Fairy
“I really enjoy dancing with my sister because I’ve always looked up to her, and sharing the stage together is so special. I also love dancing with my dad—it’s fun knowing he gets to see the show from a whole new perspective, not just as someone in the audience.“
— Reese Anderson, Clara
Under the direction of award-winning choreographer Gary Taylor, the production continues to evolve while honoring the classical tradition of the ballet. Taylor’s choreography blends technical precision with expressive storytelling, bringing nuance to familiar scenes and allowing dancers to grow into their roles year after year. The result is a production that feels both timeless and deeply connected to the community that supports and celebrates it.
THANK YOU!
Gary Taylor Dance
wishes to thank
Bradshaw Performing Arts Sandhills Community College, Owens Auditorium Staff, Providing state of the art performance venue and support.
Providing technical support and
expert technicians
Providing scholarship funding for aspiring and
talented young performers
and
The BRAVO Committee
for their dedication and commitment to the organization.
DID YOU KNOW?
The beautiful images enjoyed by all are courtesy of Gary Taylor Photography. (Yes one in the sane.)
LIKE WHAT YOU SEE?
Help us keep the tradition of the Nutcracker alive with a tax-deductible donation!
GREAT BEGINNINGS LEAD TO EXTRAORDINARY DANCERS – Join us anytime!
STUDIO DANCE
Beginning at age 2.5
Classes meet once a week
FIRST STEPS
PK DANCE
Ballet, Tap,
Creative Movement
ELEMENTARY & TEEN
Ballet, Jazz, Tap
ENSEMBLE DANCE
Beginning at age 7
for the dancer who wants more…
Level appropriate classes include:
ballet, jazz, tap, pointe, partnering,contemporary, musical theater, master classes
taylordance.org 