Lawrence Without LAC?

Can you imagine Lawrence, Kansas without the Arts Center? It’s almost impossible. Our city is a vibrant hub of art, culture, and creativity—and the Lawrence Arts Center is at the very heart of it all.

Running an arts center is never easy and it’s more than a building—it’s where we come together to be inspired, to learn, and to connect. But we can’t do it without you.

We are confident that, with the support of generous donors like you, we can overcome this challenge and continue to bring the arts to everyone in Lawrence. Your gift today will help us maintain the programs, performances, and educational opportunities that make the Arts Center the treasure it is.

DONATE NOW

Welcome to The Nutcracker, a Kansas Ballet 2025

Dear Friends,

This year, I am both honored and excited to serve as the Artistic Director for The Nutcracker: A Kansas Ballet. It is a privilege to work alongside the incredibly talented Claire Buss and Liat Roth as we continue the Lawrence Arts Center’s cherished tradition of bringing this magical holiday experience to life for our community.

This production is truly a labor of love, made possible by the dedication of countless individuals: the LAC staff, technical team, dance assistants, parent volunteers, and, of course, our exceptional cast. Each year, their passion and commitment breathe life into this timeless story.

The Nutcracker will always hold a special place in my heart. The tale of a young girl’s journey from childhood wonder to the cusp of adulthood is as captivating as ever. Paired with Tchaikovsky’s iconic score, it’s no surprise that audiences worldwide return to this enchanting story year after year.

What makes our production particularly special is the Lawrence Arts Center’s unique interpretation. By highlighting a pivotal moment in Lawrence’s history and infusing the characters with the spirit of our Kansas community, we create an experience that feels both nostalgic and deeply personal. This magical holiday tradition is truly something to behold.

Cynthia Crews

Artistic Director of The Nutcracker, A Kansas Ballet

SYNOPSIS

Act I

Our story begins over 150 years ago in Lawrence, Kansas on Christmas Eve. It’s 1864, the fourth consecutive year of the American Civil War. Preparing for a holiday party hosted by the Stahlbaums, an inventor named Drosselmeyer is in his workshop crafting presents for his godchildren. One, a wooden Nutcracker, resembles Drosselmeyer’s nephew, Kurt, who is a soldier with the 14th Brooklyn Chasseurs. Meanwhile, the Stahlbaums have finished preparing for their party just moments before the arrival of the first guest. Drosselmeyer arrives mysteriously late to the party, immediately presenting the dolls to the children. He tells Clara that if she takes care of the Nutcracker, the Nutcracker will, in turn, protect her. Fritz, seeing his sister receive more presents, grows jealous and breaks her Nutcracker. Agitated but not disheartened, Drosselmeyer repairs the Nutcracker and quietly leaves it by the tree before departing from the party.

After the party ends and Mr. and Mrs. Stahlbaum have gone to bed, Clara returns to the living room in search of her Nutcracker soldier. She finds him under the tree and joyfully dances with him until she becomes tired and falls asleep. Always the mischievous little brother, Fritz creeps out and commands the Mouse Queen and her mice to seize Clara. Drosselmeyer intervenes by summoning the Nutcracker to fight on Clara’s behalf along with a supplementary army of toy soldiers. The Mouse Queen is defeated by the army and upon victory, both the Nutcracker and Clara are transformed and venture through a beautiful snowfall across the land of Kansas.

Act II

Clara and the Nutcracker arrive on the Kansas prairie and meet the many creatures who live there. Together, they all rejoice in Clara and the Nutcracker’s victory over the Mouse Queen. The matriarch of the land, the Hummingbird, coordinates a celebration of their courageous efforts. After witnessing all the wonders of Kansas, Clara and the Nutcracker reunite for a final dance but are interrupted by Drosselmeyer who tells Clara that, like all things, this must too end. Clara wakes up where she last fell asleep, sensing that something has changed for the better.

Production Staff 

Stage Manager – Samaria Zambraba

Costume Designer & Wardrobe Lead – Erin McElroy

Production Assistant – Madi Seeyle

Lead Dance Assistant – Donna Jo Harkrider

Dance Assistants – Allison McNellis, Cassidy Dunn, Rhubarb Brubacher

Hair & Makeup Specialist – Miranda Powell, Rebekah Abrams

House Projection Designer and Lighting Designer – Jason Badgett

Photography – Ann Dean

Crew Chief – Lexey Jost

Prop Master – Nox Angelone

Set Builders – Cliff Hoitt-Lange, David Nichols, Farrukhbek Varisov, Jodie Little, Lexey Jost, Josiah Moreno, Nico Scales, Nox Angelone, Miles Perez, Olivia Laycock, Quinn Nissen, Samaria Zambrana, Tevin Mershon

Tech Crew – Alia Leon, Harper Fink, Ivy Bitters, Lucas Hasiuk, Oscar Lang, Sawyer Harding, Stevie Roman

Dance Staff & Faculty 

INTERIM SCHOOL OF DANCE DIRECTOR Claire Buss

LAWRENCE BALLET THEATRE ARTISTIC DIRECTOR Cynthia Crews

LAWRENCE BALLET THEATRE & DANCE PROGRAM ASSISTANT Liat Roth

Special Thanks

To our sponsors:

Nutcracker Sponsors:

City of Lawrence

Explore Lawrence

Scotch Fabric Care Services

School of Dance Sponsors:

Sabatini Architects

Dance Shoppe, Inc.

To our parent volunteers: Your behind-the-scenes time, hard work and, most importantly, your passion for this production are the essential ingredients to making the magic of stagecraft come to life. Thank you so much

Sponsors