By Roger Caldwell
Authenticity and professionalism were key and the essence of Clare and the Chocolate Nutcracker performance in 2022. In a close-to-sellout crowd at the Walt Disney Theater at the Dr. Phillips Performing Arts Center, international culture was front and center with authenticity and beauty. The dancers came to dance, and they showed out from the smallest to the largest. Dance is the answer and you live, and you breathe it for the moment.
From the very beginning of the show to the end of the show, every performer was a superstar and they stayed in their lane. From the Caribbean, to Africa, Brazil, Asia, India and Spain, every culture spoke their truth and it was mysterious and glorious. Rhythm in its purest form was the starting point of every scene and the audience loved it.
Everyone and everybody in the show was coordinated and trained, but everything came so easy. Some of these performers it seemed were born to dance in this production, and when the music started, they were ready to do their thing. Many of the littlest girls were so fluid and funky with their moves that they were probably dancing in their mothers’ womb before they were born.
The principal cast was a combination of local and national talent. Lexington Suttle, who starred as Clare, came to the stage from St. Louis MO. Dominiq Luckie, as the Chocolate Nutcracker Prince, was raised in Jacksonville FL and currently a member of Ballet Memphis. Xiomi Dean Johnson, who was the Sugar Plum Fairy, is from Jacksonville FL but has danced with Avalon Dance Company of Orlando for three years. Andre Gallon, The Mouse King, is currently with the Ballet Memphis and former principle Ballet dancer at Orlando Ballet. Sa’Naa Natalia Brahimi, the Snow Queen, is an Orlando native. Ava Page, who was Clare’s sister, hails from Orlando and dances with the Orlando Ballet. Mahkari “Kari” Lozell, Clare’s brother Fritz, is from Orlando and a 3 year veteran of Clare and the Chocolate Nutcracker.
Beverly Page, the writer and the creator of the show, with her chorographers and the dance cultural studios were ready and they did not miss a beat. Mrs. Page’s vision is to merge professional ballerina fundamentals to world class dance fundamentals, with hip hop and contemporary steps. The mix is a combination of old and new rhythms, that everyone in the audience can enjoy and dance too.
Mrs. Page would like to thank the sponsors; Orlando Health, Orange County Arts & Cultural Affairs, City of Orlando, United Arts of Central Florida, SWUC-Southwest United Communities, African American Chamber of Commerce Central Florida, Orlando Magic, Darden, Clear Channel Outdoor, McCoy Federation, Publix, Universal Orlando Resort, Orlando Community Arts, City of Orlando Bakari Burns, District 6 Commissioner, and everyone who patronized the show, whether they bought one ticket or blocks of tickets.
A special thank you to Bridgett Ellison of News Channel 6 WKMG, for hosting the event, the Star 94.5 FM team, Monica May, WOKB-Glenn All/Good, and Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, Adrienne Noel and Marketing Minds at Work, and all the parents who remained faithful and supportive. This was the 10th year anniversary and it was a tremendous success.
On sale there will be Chocolate Nutcrackers, the Clare plush doll, and Bev Page’s book, Clare and the Chocolate Nutcracker. Contact www.clareandthechocolatenutcracker.com for merchandise sales, interviews and questions.
