E.T.A. Hoffman didn’t have a specific performer in mind when he wrote “The Nutcracker,” but Patrick Weaver should certainly have been at the top of his list if there had been one.
Having danced in the annual production presented by the Brewton Dance Studio for five years, Weaver will be ending his run in the production with Sunday afternoon’s presentation.
“This is bittersweet for me this year,” Weaver said. “I have enjoyed performing with the group all this time, but I’ll be leaving it behind and moving on to college next year.”
Weaver, who portrays several parts written for male dancers during the show, said he does have a favorite.
“Being Drosselmeyer gives me the best opportunity to act,” Weaver said. “I love all of the parts I’ve done, but I enjoy this one the most.”
Weaver, who will be attending the University of Alabama by the time the 2012 performance is cast, said he has mixed emotions about this year’s performance.
“There is some stress that goes along with preparing for the show each year,” Weaver said. “I’m sad about this being my last year of that, but I’m also excited about going to the University of Alabama and starting a new career up there.”
With seven costume changes, Weaver said the experience has been good for him and helping him with acting and performing through the years.
“I have four costumes that I have to change in and out of throughout the show,” Weaver said. “I’ve been doing this since I was in eighth grade. This will be my fifth and final year to take on these roles. All of it has been a really good experience for me. I just kind of got drafted to take on these roles when I was younger. I’m glad I’ve been able to be a part of this.”
Weaver, who plans to major in pre-law while at UA, said he hopes to be involved in some acting and theater during his time at college.
Weaver, along with the rest of the cast and supporting dancers for the show, will take the stage at Jefferson Davis Community College’s Woodfin-Patterson Auditorium Sunday afternoon for the 2011 performance.
Brewton Dance Studio students will fill the roles of principal characters as well as dance lines throughout the show.
Principal players will be Bridget Casey as Clara; Lauren Cook as the Sugarplum Fair; DeeDee Williams as the Rat King; Duncan Brittain as the Nutcracker; Sara Perkins and Haley Spinks as Snow Queens; Vivian Baker as Flower Queen; Ariell Fain as the Arabian with Weaver playing the parts of the Toy Soldier and godfather Drosselmeyer.
The show, under the direction of Ann Peevy, will begin at 2 p.m. Tickets are $5 each at the door.