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NFMAA’s ‘Nutcracker’ returning to Mann Hall

By CHUCK BALLARO - | Nov 30, 2021

Last year, the North Fort Myers Academy for the Arts had to do its annual performance of “The Nutcracker” virtually because of COVID-19.

This year, the cast of nearly 200 will be back on the Barbara B. Mann Performance Hall for the 11th time when it performs Tchaikovsky’s Holiday Classic on Friday, Dec. 10, at 7 p.m.

The NFMAA welcomes members of the community to enjoy a special production, which usually sells out well in advance and serves as the main fundraiser for the school’s foundation.

Teresa West-Tylo, arts teacher at NFMAA who helps put on the production, said they are very excited to do the show live again.

“Last year we had to edit the whole thing and do it all online. It had to be professionally done because digital editing is not easy,” West-Tylo said. “But that was last year. We are excited to get back on the stage.”

The main performers include Allison Skocik as Clara, Caisson Dobson as the Nutcracker Prince and Mia Viera as the Sugar Plum Fairy. As is custom, the principal, Andrea Gunns, will play “Fraulein” Drosselmeyer, as opposed to the uncle that was played when males ran the school.

As an Arts Schools Network “Exemplary School,” the academy will also feature the artistic talents of its students by bringing more than 200 of them, ages 6 to 14, to the stage.

The NFMAA started performing the ballet in 2003 in the school auditorium. When the kids had to start doing multiple performances of the exhausting show at the school because of the small size of the auditorium, it moved to the Barbara B. Mann in 2010.

The two-act ballet is a multi-faceted arts educational experience for students of all ages and arts disciplines at the schools.

Also important is that proceeds from this production support ongoing arts education programs and special arts opportunities at the NFMAA. The 2019 show raised more than $20,000 for the school’s non-profit foundation.

“This is the biggest fundraiser of the year. Last year, doing it digitally was a big hit to our program. We’re hoping to do well and encouraging the public to come out because these funds go to our foundation,” West-Tylo said. “We pay for all the costumes and props and backdrops through fundraising.”

Tickets are available at the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall box office, 13350 FSW Parkway in Fort Myers, by calling 481-4849 or online at www.BBMannPAH.com for $35, $25, and $15.