Blog du Wren

Mother Wrenger in the Nutcracker

On the juggling/performance front, 2023 was a year of saying "yes" to whatever opportunity arose. It led to some really great experiences not the least of which was my role as Mother Ginger in a 4-show run of the Nutcracker at Mount Baker Theater*.

Why did the dance studio approach a bearded middle-aged man for a female role in a performance with an otherwise 100% ? I wondered the same thing, but it was the year of "yes" so what could I do? It turns out that they needed a stilter to fill in the costume and stilting is something I can do! As an added bonus, I learn dance choreography at about the same speed as 8-year olds, so it was perfect!

After having my live performance world be only that within the circus context, I really appreciated the new perspective of working with the dance studio. We had tons of rehearsals, costume fittings, tech rehearsals, etc. I felt very prepared opening night, as opposed to many circus shows where opening night often feels like a dress rehearsal in itself. The experience of being in a big fancy theater (with my own dressing room!) was a step up as well.

Are the producers of the Nutcracker as happy with the experience of me as I was with them? Tough call. Everyone was very appreciative and generous with their reviews, but that's kind of how both Bellingham and theater people are. It turns out I am not an actor. I don't emote well, or ham it up or project with my body. This is something I've always known and

I tried to warn them of from the start. I can, however, walk on stilts like nobody's business. (The best compliment I received after the show was from a parent saying "I never once felt like you were going to fall on my child.") Even if they asked me back for next year (which I don't imagine they will because acting (and I hardly would blame them)), I don't know if I could say yes. While the experience was a wonderful one, it wasn't the wisest financially. I ended up having to turn down quite a few holiday gigs due to conflicting rehearsal times and my mileage for trips up to Bellingham and back are a little cringe-worthy. But who knows? I did have fun.

Anyway, without further ado, here's a little clip of me from the show*.

Oh, thanks to and credit for the photos to Gaby Cavalcanti Photography.

Tuesday March 5 2024

File under: circus, juggling

Toggle Comments (2)

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on Fri 08th Mar, 2024 12:17 am CST Mom said:
You hammed it up quite well, I'd say.
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on Sun 14th Apr, 2024 02:40 pm CDT Horge said:
I agree with your mom! Definitely a honey-baked performance!
BTW, was it supposed to be that the 3 girls at the end came out at once? It seemed that maybe the one (2nd from left once all were out) was supposed to go out before, so that all 6 would've gone out in pairs?
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