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Charles M. Burke Elementary Brings “The Nutcracker” to Life in Stunning Performance

The Nutcracker

Charles M. Burke Elementary School delighted audiences with its vibrant rendition of “The Nutcracker,” a performance that highlighted student talent, celebrated cultural diversity, and showcased an inspiring partnership with the W.D. and Mary Baker Career Center.

A Celebration of Talent and Culture

Led by Music Director Yvette Weber, the fall production featured the combined efforts of four 4th-grade classes, who worked diligently during music lessons and special rehearsals to perfect the show. The performance also honored the school’s commitment to cultural inclusion with narration presented in both English and Spanish, reflecting the strong Spanish heritage embraced by Charles M. Burke’s two-way immersion program.

The 30-minute production featured two morning shows on December 6, giving students, staff, and families the opportunity to experience the magic of the season. The performance concluded with a stunning flower show, earning a standing ovation from the audience. "Music is alive and well at Charles Burke for everyone," Ms. Weber proudly shared.

An Unforgettable Cast and Crew

Staff members joined the students on stage, adding charm and energy to the performance. Dillon Hebert dazzled as the godfather, Erica Rocha embodied the Sugar Fairy, Allison Hollier portrayed Clara, Jennifer Howard played the Mouse Queen, and Olivia Fontenot brought the Nutcracker to life. 

Behind the scenes, 5th-grade students ran the show, managing lights, sound, cameras, and stage cues with precision. Reflecting on the experience, production team member Hadi A. said, “When the audience clapped, that’s when I knew to close the curtains. My favorite part of the show was the hula hoops.”

A Creative Partnership with W.D. and Mary Baker Career Center

One of the most unique aspects of this year’s production was the collaborative partnership with the W.D. and Mary Baker Career Center. Inspired by a vision to integrate diverse forms of art into the performance, Ms. Weber reached out to Coach Blake Richard and his carpentry students to craft Nutcracker-themed cutouts. The students enthusiastically took on the project, creating stunning props that added a professional and creative touch to the stage.

“This partnership shows that art isn’t just music and dance—it’s also design and craftsmanship,” Ms. Weber explained. The collaboration was such a success that plans are already in place for future projects, including props for the spring performance, where younger students will take the stage.

A Bright Future for the Arts

Charles M. Burke Elementary’s rendition of “The Nutcracker” was more than a performance—it was a celebration of creativity, culture, and collaboration. The production set a high bar for future shows and served as a powerful reminder of the impact that partnerships, like the one with W.D. and Mary Baker Career Center, can have on bringing stories to life.

The Nutcracker

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