Nutcracker preview:

look what’s new in the Kingdom of Sweets!

The Sugar Plum Fairy – one of the most iconic characters in The Nutcracker – is getting a “home makeover” this season. “The moment she appears on the stage, in her glittering tiara and opulent tutu, is the moment that has inspired countless little girls to dream of being ballerinas,” said artistic director Erika Overturff. “This season we’ve decided to make that moment even more magical with some new enhancements to her surroundings.”

Those enhancements will become visible at the audience’s first glimpse of the Sugar Plum Fairy and her attendants, the elegant Sugar Plum Court and a darling group of Candies. This ensemble of 26 young dancers, chosen by audition from across the community, is outfitted this season with stunning new costumes, designed by Deborah Overturff and constructed over a period of eight months.

Top: Costume designer Deborah Overturff sits surrounded by some of her latest creations. Above: Sugar Plum Court and Candy costumes are rich in detail.

“The effect when the scene is revealed is stunning,” Erika said. “Our goal was for the Sugar Plum Court to look regal, yet whimsical. The dancers are dressed in soft shades of lavender, pink and blue, and utilize iridescent and transparent fabrics, trimmed with pearls, beads and sequins, that give them a beautiful, shimmery quality.

“Our young Candies are absolutely thrilled to show off their brand-new costumes, featuring three-dimensional decor in a variety of pastel hues. We were so excited about their new look that it inspired me to create new choreography for them as well!”

There will be more new things to see in Act II as well, Erika said, including a new set piece framing the performers, designed in an art nouveau style and highlighted by a Victorian conversation settee that helped inspire the overall design.

“And there’s more,” she said, “but we are saving some surprises for the audience!”