After 5: Holiday performances provide blasts from the past this season

Two theatrical companies are providing a splash of tradition this holiday season, and their historic downtown venues nearly rival the tradition behind the performances.

The Springfield Ballet tickles the Landers Theatre stage in "The Nutcracker," Dec. 19-21, and The Swan Repertory Theatre Co. performs "A Christmas Carol" at Gillioz Theatre, Dec. 18-21.

Ballet moves

The four-show ballet set, which kicks off the company's 2008-09 season, features guest artists from the University of Oklahoma's resident company, says Katie Cornwell, Springfield Ballet's business affairs manager. The nearly 50-member cast is rounded out by a number of local businesspeople, including Judge Margaret Holden; History Museum Director John Sellers and his Central High School teacher wife, Jane; and Ozarks Community Hospital lab staff Jesse Cornwell and Nancy Vinelli.

"We try to get local people," says Katie Cornwell, who is married to OCH's Jesse Cornwell. "They don't have to have a dance background. If they can do step-touch, they can do what we ask them."

The locals take the stage in the party scene. Cornwell says the 32-year-old company is recruiting now for next year's "Nutcracker."

Area businesspeople also contribute financially, as each performance costs about $13,000, Cornwell says. A fundraising campaign earlier this year helped to secure the $52,000 for the "Nutcracker" shows this month. Among the top contributors are Lisa and David McQueary, Cynthia and Jim Hollander, and Kathy and John Steinberg. Corporate donations were made by SMC Electric; Gallery Bistro; Hlavacek, Morris, McIntyre, Yates & Danielson PC; La Quinta Inns & Suites; and Welhener & Saville Inc.

New group, old story

Charles Dickens' "Carol" arises from a new group. Skinny Improv founder Jeff Jenkins and Stonegate Creative Group CEO Marc Whitmore teamed up this year to form The Swan Repertory, known for its classical content.

"A Christmas Carol" is the company's third show, following "The Glass Menagerie" and its debut, "A Midsummer Night's Dream."

The current cast of 30, including Tony-nominated actor Robert Westenberg as Ebenezer Scrooge, camps out on the Gillioz stage for six shows this month.

The Swan Repertory mixes in pre-show entertainment by choirs and musicians from Central and Kickapoo high school choirs, Evangel Temple and Springfield home schools. Santa Claus will appear at evening performances in Dickens-era costume.