Director updates Nutcracker with Kansas setting twist
Lawrence Arts Center director Ric Averill reimagines The Nutcracker as A Kansas Nutcracker set in Christmas 1861 amid the early Civil War. The production blends 1816 tale characters with Kansas figures, placing Clara with Godfather Drosselmeier in Lawrence as abolitionist tensions rise. The piece marks Quantrill’s 1863 raid sesquicentennial context.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Ric Averill
Lawrence Arts Center
Averill
Kansas
Quantrill
Lawrence
Clara
Godfather Drosselmeier
Rence
Dr. Stahlbaum
Washington
Drosselmeier
Kansas Nutcracker comes to Lawrence Arts Center stages
The Lawrence Arts Center presents The Nutcracker with a Kansas twist running Friday through Sunday. Performances feature traditional ballet segments and a 12 piece orchestra plus 150 cast and crew including 15 backstage staff. Tickets available by box office at 843-2787 or lawrenceartscenter.org.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Kansas
Lawrenceartscenter.org
New Fantasyland Opens at Disney World in Florida
Leonardo Weitlich and friend Leslie Martinez arrived at 5:40 a.m. to become among the first visitors to the new New Fantasyland expansion at Magic Kingdom in Lake Buena Vista Florida. They praised the two new sections Enchanted Forest and Storybook Circus and noted attractions like Under the Sea Journey of the Little Mermaid and Enchanted Tales With Belle. The sprawling update more than doubles the size of original Fantasyland and reuses the former 20 000 Leagues site to blend classic Disney characters with modern hits.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Lake Buena Vista
Fla
Derrick Weitlich
Leslie Martinez
The
Magic Kingdom
Melbourne
Disney
Martinez
Central Florida
Orlando
Dumbo
the Flying Elephant
New Fantasyland
Cinderella Castle
Enchanted Forest
Belle
Ariel
Little Mermaid
Nerd Nite story traces origins and growth in Lawrence
Nick Spacek recalls Nerd Nite roots in 43 cities worldwide starting in a Boston dive bar. Chris Balakrishnan, then a Boston University PhD student, toured Cameroon for bird studies and inspired early updates. Lawrence hosts began in 2011 after Trimbach and Weller moved and organized the first event in November 2011, expanding beyond a small venue.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Nick Spacek
Boston
Chris Balakrishnan
Boston University
Cameroon
Nick Ray
Dave Trimbach
Travis Weller
Lawrence
Trimbach
Weller
Austin
Nerd Nite and Super Nerd Night energize Lawrence scene
Nerd Nite at Pachamama's and Super Nerd Night at the Bottleneck differ in format yet attract locals. Weller and Becky Harpstrite co lead Nerd Nite, fostering open discussion in a space for passionate residents. The alumni edition at the Alton Ballroom features Kozak, Runge, and Smith with free entry and a cash bar.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Pachamama’s
Alton Ballroom
Weller
Becky Harpstrite
Lawrence
Harpstrite
Alton
New Hampshire St
Steph Kozak
Justin Runge
Ray Bradbury
Bryan Smith
Also Mentioned on This Page
John R. Phythyon, Jr
John Young
Journal-World Photos
Vites
Charles Robinson
James Lane
Lane
Robin
Son
Kurt
Tchaikovsky
Free State High School
Lawrence, Kansas
LawrenceChildrensChoir.org
Lawrence.com
J Lawrence, KS
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