It’s Show Time! Stars and Suns Shine Around Town

If you are looking for some activities to get you and your family into the Christmas spirit, we have some suggestions for you! Eleven members of the St. Agnes and St. Dominic community are starring in a variety of holiday productions around the city!

Junior Caroline Hubbard and SAA Kindergarten students Conner Heitzman, Harper Maidon, Cerrah Nobleza and Lindy Williams are all performing in Tennessee Ballet Theater’s charming production of the classic holiday tale, Clara and the Nutcracker, at the Cannon Center on Sunday, December 10.

A dancer for 12 years, Caroline has performed almost every role in the Nutcracker and this year has the lead, playing Clara. “To have the lead role feels unreal,” said Caroline. “Since I was just four years old this has been my dream and one goal of mine. I feel incredibly proud of myself for never giving up on that. I hope the younger girls never stop dancing, and someday I get to watch them perform as Clara!”

Caroline feels this show is unique and everyone should come out to see it. “Sharing the Nutcracker story is an amazing tradition that has been around for over 100 years. This version of the story is unique because we spotlight the talent of children. The cast is made up of dancers ages 5 to 18 and adults of Tennessee Ballet Theater. In other companies, being only 16 years old, I would not have the opportunity to be the lead role of Clara. This show has the perfect balance of beautiful professional dancing and little kids who will sometimes make you laugh.”

Performing in A Christmas Carol at Theatre Memphis are students Elaina Fik (SAA 12), Jim Patterson (SDS 5) and Sadie Glaser (SAA 4), with Meghan Kallaher (SAA 12) assisting backstage. Elaina, who plays the role of a Fezziwig Dancer and is a member of the ensemble, has been acting in theatrical productions since she was 6 years old and performed in her first SAA summer theatre camp. However, this is her first time appearing on the stage outside of school.

Though young, Jim and Sadie are each making a name for themselves in the Memphis theatre community.  Both students have held roles in the SAA summer theatre camp productions of Frozen, Jr., Moana, Jr. and Finding Nemo, Jr. Jim performed in SAA productions of Newsies and The Music Man and played the role of Edgar in Ragtime at Theatre Memphis.  He is playing Young Ebenezer and Want in this year's production of A Christmas Carol. His favorite scene is “the schoolyard scene in Christmas past.”

This is Sadie’s third year in the cast of A Christmas Carol, and she plays multiple roles - Turkey Boy, Annie Cratchit and Ignorance.  She previously performed as Annie Cratchit and Tiny Tim. Her favorite scene in A Christmas Caroloccurs when she is in the role of turkey boy. “I get to sing my solo, Good King Wenceslas, and then Scrooge yells at me!”

Working backstage, Meghan Kallaher’s primary responsibilities are organizing and moving props, before, during and after the performances. Meghan started as a volunteer usher for Theatre Memphis and then became interested in backstage work. At SAA, Meghan is responsible for the beautiful posters advertising our SAA Upper School Theatre productions.

Katie Olsen and Elizabeth Ann Neal, both faculty members at SAA-SDS are in the Madonna Learning Center Christmas production Small Gifts Change the World presented at the Germantown Performing Arts Center. Started in 1969 to thank the community for their support, this play has been performed every year since, except for 2020. This is Katie’s 18^th year to be involved in the MLC Christmas play, and Elisabeth Ann’s 23^rd year. They are truly stage veterans! This year’s show is already sold out!

As a school we are so proud of each of these individuals. “There are so many talented young people who walk the halls of SAA and SDS,” said SAA Theatre Director Ann Neal. “Nothing makes me prouder than when they share their talents throughout our city. Those of us who are involved in the arts know the time, commitment, and courage that it takes to step on a stage and perform. Their talents are gifts from God, honed and sharpened in our classrooms and on our stages. Seeing them share those talents to bring joy to others is heartwarming.”

Though the MLC production of Small Gifts Change the World is sold out, you can still get tickets to Clara and the Nutcracker and A Christmas Carol by following the links below. GOD BLESS US EVERYONE!

Buy tickets for Clara and the Nutcracker  here (use code SCHOOL20 to receive 20% off)

Buy tickets for A Christmas Carol  here