With an enthusiastic ensemble, engaging audience interaction, and a few well-placed pop culture references,  the Broadneck Dramatics Guild places a contemporary, comedic twist on a Christmas classic in their spirited production of “The Nutcracker”!

Written by the students of the Broadneck Dramatics Guild and performed in the style of British pantomime, where slapstick and vaudevillian comedy takes precedence, this production of “The Nutcracker” retells the tale of the Stalhbaum family, who while planning a party for the Christmas season, find their house set upon by a horde of mice.  These mice are on a mission for their leader, the Mouse King, who seeks to avenge the death of his wife, which was brought upon by one of the party guests, Dame Drosselmeyer. However, the mice find their scheme thwarted at every turn by the Nutcracker, a toy given to the young Stalhbaum daughter Clara, by Drosselmeyer and brought to life by her love.

One of the many fascinating aspects of the show was the nefarious Mouse King, who while a singular character, was portrayed by three different actors as well as several hand-puppets.  Martha Campbell, Antonio Martinez, and Grant Scherini each performed exquisitely, reciting their lines thoroughly in sync with one another and projecting twitchy, mousy body language.

Austin Dare and Marisa Roper demonstrated a delightful exuberance as Dr. and Mrs. Stalhbaum.  They established a charming repertoire with each other and their children, brilliantly portraying parents who, while eccentric, genuinely loved and worried about the happiness and welfare of their children.

Chloe Kubit, Bridget Bishop, and Brooke Penne were endlessly entertaining as the well-meaning and easily excitable exterminators.  With their harebrained schemes and physicality, reminiscent of the style of the Three Stooges, there was never a dull moment when any of them were on stage.

The ensemble in this show was sensational.  Every actor created an individual personality for their character that kept the audience engaged without overwhelming them.  Some standout performers include Shannon McElwee as Flunky, one of the Mouse King’s henchmen.  Her depiction of the silly, sweeter-than-she-seemed mouse proved consistently amusing.  Hunter Feick as Fritz Stahlbaum, the  little brother with dreams of being an army commander, put on an especially entertaining performance with his child-like mannerisms that harkened back to what every annoying little brother is imagined to be like.  Mark Fortunato also impressed the crowd as the incredibly put-upon Sugar-Plum techie, who popped in periodically through the show to reign the characters in when things went a little chaotic.

The set pieces for the show were impeccably designed and detailed by Elizabeth Lowe. Each new set provided a festive visual and enhanced the total experience for the audience.

“The Nutcracker” was an uproariously funny and the Broadneck Dramatics Guild executed and polished an unforgettable performance.

by Madeline McArdle of Annapolis