‘Magic’ returns to stage in classic ballet

Although this will be her third year performing in Pinkerton Ballet Theatre’s 24th annual presentation of “The Nutcracker” ballet, Rachel Wolz, 7, has not lost any of her enthusiasm. “I like Mother Gigogne,” she said. “I come out of her skirt, and I do a cartwheel.”Continuing the tradition of inviting local male community leaders to perform, on different nights Mayor Bob Crowell, Assessor Dave Dawley and Sheriff Ken Furlong will reprise the role of Mother Gigogne — with her huge skirt and many children.The ballet, which follows Clara through a Christmas dream where the Nutcracker comes to life, will open Friday and run through Sunday at the Carson City Community Center. Tickets are $22 for general admission and $18 for seniors and students.The performance combines professionals with dancers from Carson City, Reno, Gardnerville, Lake Tahoe and other surrounding areas.“It’s a quality show,” said Natalie Berger, artistic director, along with Ayako Britt. “It’s a family tradition. It’s lots of fun. A classic.”Rehearsals for the show, Britt said, began in the summer and have increased in intensity over the last weeks. “It’s always so stressful leading up to the performance,” she said. “But once the show starts, you forget everything.”She said men are often the most reluctant to attend, but often approach her after the show, surprised at how entertained they were. “When they get there, they’re just amazed,” she said. “They end up really enjoying it. I get the most compliments from men.”Berger said this year’s performance will be a combination of new and veteran dancers. Emma Cowee, 9, will return for her second time. She will play an angel, a Mother Gigogne kid and party girl. “It’s fun doing all the different parts,” she said. “I like to pretend we’re all these different characters.”Like her dancers, Ayako finds a renewed excitement each year. “In 24 years, I have never gotten tired of it,” she said. “To me, it’s magic once they get on stage.”If you goWHAT: Pinkerton Ballet Theatre’s 24th annual "The Nutcracker" balletWHEN: 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 2 p.m. SundayWHERE: Carson City Community Center, 851 E. William St.TICKETS: $22 for general admission and $18 for seniors and students. Discounted group tickets are also available.For more information, call (775) 297-9007 or go to PinkertonBallet.com.