A modern take on a Christmas classic When N2 Dance Director Angela Woods asked for a parent volunteer to play Mother Ginger in their modern version of “The Nutcracker,” my daughter’s hand shot up in the air. She isn’t even dancing, but her brothers are. “My mom will do it!” she shouted. So, in a giant hoop skirt that hides my twin boys and eight of their little friends, I’m part of the “A Christmas Dream: Nutcracker N2 Style” cast that includes about 60 dancers performing 20 dance and vocal pieces at 7 p.m. Friday at the Palace Theater. The dancers, who range in age from 3 to 50, are in hip-hop, jazz, b-boy and singing classes at N2 Dance. A few others are parent participators such as myself, who have children or grandchildren dancing in the show. Stefan and Melissa Harmeling will portray the parents of Clara, Astania Caputo is the Queen of the Land of Sweets and a group of hula dancers will be played by Zennie Sawyer, Karen Kawate, Sam Sugioka-Kai and Sarah Polloi (who is dancing in several other numbers). Amber Lopez, Molly and John Erickson also participate in several production dances. “We just absolutely could not do it without the parents,” Woods says. “In addition, I think the students enjoy having their parents involved.” There are lots of parents also involved behind the scenes. And Woods knows just how much all the extra hands are needed because putting on Dec. 15 2016 4. Fundraiser Hilo Community Chorus headlines holiday benefit for the Palace 6. Shop ‘til you ... Big Island Christmas Craft & Gift Fair returns 10. Puzzles Entertain your brain 12. Let’s Go Out Ono grinds CREDITS: Editor David Bock Writers John Burnett Katie Young Yamanaka Photography Hollyn Johnson Design Bonnie L. Rogers Katie Young YAMANAKA Big Island Vibe Email your Island Beat announcements to entertainment@hawaiitribune-herald.com See DREAM Page 11 2 Thursday, December 15, 2016 Courtesy photo Mother Ginger, played by Katie Young Yamanaka, surrounded by the Polichinelles, played by, from left, Kiran Harmeling, Kaluhea Kekaualua, Ezra Sugioka-Kai, Cael Yamanaka, Ari Sugioka-Kai, Sadie Eckersley, Nalei Borges, Emmet Reid, Akio Yamanaka and Lance Harmeling.
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