Oswego Players’ “The Nutcracker” Features a Local Multi-Generational Cast

OSWEGO — The Oswego Players’ December production of “The Nutcracker” features local performers from multiple generations, according to a release from the theater group.

In their 88th season, the Oswego Players continue to deliver live theater performed by your neighbors – affordable, intimate and only here in Oswego. The Oswego Players’ Christmas production this year is “The Nutcracker”, adapted by June Walker Rogers and directed by Jennifer Hitchcock.

The much-loved tale of “The Nutcracker” tells the story of Clara, who is given a nutcracker in the form of a wooden soldier by her Godfather at a Christmas Eve party. Too excited to sleep that night, she suddenly finds the Nutcracker brought to life and they embark on a series of adventures in strange lands as he seeks to regain his throne. When she wakes, she finds the Nutcracker gone. Was it a dream or not?

Performance times and dates of “The Nutcracker” are 7:30pm on Friday, December 4th and 11th, and 2pm on Saturdays and Sundays December 5th, 6th, 12th and 13th. Tickets are $20 for adults and $15 for seniors/students and can be secured through oswegoplayers.org or by calling the box office on (315) 343-5138.

This year, “The Nutcracker” literally brings a show for generations. Of the nearly 40 cast and crew, seven demonstrate a multi-generational reach across the community. Charlotte Gilkey stars as the lead character Clara, and she is joined by both her father, Craig, and her younger sister Carleigh. “It’s fun having us all on stage together,” she said. “Although Dad can get annoying at home when he acts like he’s the Director and tells me what to do. This is my fifth play!” said Charlotte. “This is a great memory maker for all of us,” the elder Gilkey said. “I am both privileged and very grateful for the opportunity to be on stage with my girls and watch them grow during the rehearsals. I just adore the way Charlotte helps Carleigh with learning lines and giving her pointers on how to move on stage.”

Jemma Sawyer plays two roles in the production, as First Candy Cane as well as one of the Toy Soldiers. Last year she convinced her grandfather, Gene Stone, to audition for a walk-on role, so she knew he would be ready for a speaking part as Godfather Dross this year! “I see Grandpa every day as he and Grandma live with us, but I love having this special time just with him, “When he’s on stage with me, I feel much more confident” Jemma said. “Jemma encourages me to learn my lines,” Stone said. “I never thought I’d be acting in a play at this stage in my life, and getting to share it with her makes it one of the best roles I’ve ever had.”

Charlotte Hitchcock, performing in her second play, enjoys portraying the Second Snowflake. “I love being at the theatre together,” she said. ” Even if my mom is the Director and gets to tell us what to do all the time!” For Director Hitchcock, she has “enjoyed theater for as long as I can remember. For so many years as actor and director, my dad, Ken, worked alongside me and it was something we could connect with, share and do as a team and I really enjoyed those memories. Now, as the parent, I get to make those same kinds of memories with my little girl, and I can truly understand why my dad wanted to share in those moments with me for so many years.”

“The Nutcracker” is presented by special arrangement with The Dramatic Publishing Company of Woodstock, Illinois.

Source: Oswego Players.