Sarasota Ballet re-imagines 'Nutcracker' with fresh Ringling Circus twist at Van Wezel

The Sarasota Ballet's "John Ringling's Circus Nutcracker" will have its world premiere Dec. 14-15 at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall.

One of Florida's greatest performing arts legacies will come to life in a fresh incarnation when the Sarasota Ballet presents the world premiere of "John Ringling's Circus Nutcracker."

The performance, Friday and Saturday at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, is inspired by the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus. The entertainment giant that had its Winter Quarters in Sarasota from 1927 to 1959.

The Greatest Show on Earth remains closely associated with the city thanks to the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art as well as current celebrity circus residents such as record-holding sky-walker Nik Wallenda.

Englishman Iain Webb, director of The Sarasota Ballet, has been enamored by the city's circus legacy since he arrived six years ago.

For years, he also maintained a long-term goal to do something fresh with the holiday warhorse that while beloved by the masses, is considered a deathless pest by many dancers, directors and serious ballet enthusiasts.

"I was always looking for something to do with the connection to the circus," Webb said. "I also really wanted to do a new 'Nutcracker,' something magical that had a whole new life."

Read more.

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Ringling Bros. 'Fully Charged' in Tampa Jan. 5-9

Ringling Bros. arrive 'fully charged' in Tampa

Here's my feature on the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey's new show "Fully Charged" that will be at the St. Pete Times Forum in Tampa Jan. 5-9. The story ran today on front page of the Herald's Accent section.

Floridians have enjoyed a first look at The Greatest Show on Earth ever since Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey moved to Sarasota in 1927.
On Wednesday, Ringling Bros. premieres “Fully Charged” at the St. Pete Times Forum. Following its Jan. 5-9 run, the 141st edition of the circus tours the country via a mile-long train. Rehearsals began the day after Thanksgiving at winter quarters, which relocated to Tampa’s Florida State Fairgrounds in 1993 after spending 75 years in Sarasota County. Ringling Bros. offered local media a sneak peek of the production last month inside the fairgrounds’ Expo Hall.

Continue reading. It's based on the reporting done during visit to the circus' winter quarters last month, which I blogged about here.

Ringling Bros. ringmaster announced for 141st edition debuting in Tampa

Wade Tatangelo photo - Ringmaster Brian Scott, Dec 14., 2010 at Ringling Bros. Winter Quarters in Tampa.

Brian Scott has been announced as the ringmaster of the 141st Edition of Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey's "Fully Charged" program, which debuts in Tampa at the St. Pete Times Forum Jan. 5.

The 24-year-old is the third youngest ringmaster in the 141-year history of Ringling Bros.

Wade Tatangelo photo - Producers Nicole (left) and Alana Feld (far right) with Ringmaster Brian Scott.

I interviewed Scott as well as sisters Nicole and Alana Feld — the first all-female team to ever oversee a Ringling Bros. production — at Winter Quarters at the Florida State Fairgrounds in Tampa this morning.

Wade Tatangelo photo - Elephants on parade during media event Dec. 14 at Winter Quarters in Tampa.

Look for my feature story on the 141st Edition of Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey's "Fully Charged" in an upcoming edition of the Herald.

Wade Tatangelo photo

Click for more info on the Ringling Bros. performance at St. Pete Times Forum Jan. 5-9.