Saturday, May 11, 2024
Get ready to step into the world of “The Nutcracker,” as an immersive experience by Brian Clowdus is coming to The Langdon Center.
Clowdus has been in the entertainment industry for over 20 years and is both the producer and director of this show. Clowdus noted that his love for music was ignited when his grandmother would play piano in church and when he would sit in her lap and sing hymns with her.
He did community theatre all throughout school, then pursued theatre and acting in his undergraduate and graduate studies. He traveled the world both nationally and internationally as a performer before starting his own company.
Clowdus told the HCN that this show has been in the making for years, and that it is something he has been dreaming of for ages. This show is not only special - as this is its world premiere - but also because it is only being shown in Alabama, Kentucky, Virginia, and, of course, Texas.
Clowdus is no stranger to Granbury as he has come here many times, with his most recent experience being the “Edgar Allen Poe” experience back in October.
“There is NO place like Granbury. Truly the most magical town ever,” Clowdus expressed. “The community is why we return each year. Tammy Dooley and her staff at Visit Granbury are the real deal, and we are so grateful for them.”
“The Nutcracker” story follows Clara, whose father has just passed. This is her first Christmas without him, and it is difficult for her as her father always embodied the spirit of Christmas and would make handmade gifts. Before his passing, he carved a nutcracker as his final Christmas gift with a note attached that read, “The Nutcracker will keep the magic of Christmas alive. If you believe in the magic, I’m always with you.” Clara falls asleep and wakes up in a fantasy world that is guided by the spirit of her father where nutcrackers come to life and snowflakes dance.
Clowdus noted that this show is not your typical sit-and-wait-for-things-to-happen show.
“You feel as though you are IN the story. The action happens all around you; the performers are directly engaging with you, and you feel like you are IN THE SHOW,” Clowdus described.
With “The Nutcracker” being such a classic in the theatre world, Clowdus noted that he and his team completely reinvented it.
“Classic art is meant to be revised. This is a completely different take on ‘The Nutcracker,’” Clowdus said. “You will recognize elements of the classic, but there are so many new elements, and it’s only an hour long. I say, if you love ‘The Nutcracker,’ you will love this. And if you typically sleep through ‘The Nutcracker,’ you too, will love this.”
Clowdus also added that the show features circus acts, and that it is not your typical ballet.
“The Nutcracker” will be at The Langdon Center from Dec. 20 through Dec. 30. General admission prices range from $34 to $59 based on day and availability. A 15 percent discount can be used for military and first responders when purchasing tickets online with code ThankYou15. Youth tickets are available for those 12 and under.
VIP tickets are also available that include a souvenir glass with a beverage as well as an intimate, private carol sing-along with the cast that will take place 30 minutes prior to the show with limited capacity.
The show is accessible to everyone with a majority of the show being seated indoors with heat and a small portion including standing and walking.
If heavy rain becomes prohibitive, the show will be postponed for 30 minutes. And if the rain does not let up, the show will be cancelled. A ticket protection can be purchased that will either give a ticketholder a refund if cancelled or a rescheduled show for $5. Ticket protection must be bought in advance.
For more information on the show or to get tickets, visit brianclowdus.com/performances/nutcracker
“This is our most spectacular show to date,” Clowdus said. “It is not to be missed!”
