A jazzy "Nutcracker" hits Austin for one night only
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Part of the cast from ATX Artists for Social Impact's "Nutcracker" show. Photo: Courtesy of Doc List Photography/ATX Artists for Social Impact
An Austin nonprofit is preparing for an ambitious one-night-only performance of Duke Ellington's "The Nutcracker."
Why it matters: The show on Dec. 19 is the first major performance for Capital Contemporary Ballet and a significant milestone for ATX Jazz Orchestra, which together form the core of the newly launched nonprofit ATX Artists for Social Impact.
Driving the news: ATX Artists and the two groups will stage a twist on the holiday classic, featuring professional musicians, dancers and three emerging artists from Huston-Tillotson University's jazz program.
- Ellington's "The Nutcracker" is a jazz reinterpretation of Tchaikovsky's classic ballet score that he arranged with Billy Strayhorn.
- The students are part of a new mentorship initiative by ATX artists.
What they're saying: "This show combines the jazz and swing tradition with contemporary ballet choreography and a truly diverse cast of excellent artists," Paolo Dumancas, executive director of ATX Artists for Social Impact, tells Axios.
- Their show reimagines the classic party scene from "The Nutcracker" as a night at Clara's Club, a 1960s underground bar where chosen family gathers to celebrate holiday magic.
- The first part of the show will include a collection of holiday jazz and Ellington songs before "The Nutcracker" begins.
Zoom in: Dumancas says the group is committed to raising the bar for artist pay and working conditions in Austin's arts scene.
- ATX Artists hit a $20,000 fundraising goal this fall to ensure that all artists are paid fairly and outreach programs can grow.
- Each artist — including dancers, musicians and the production crew — will be paid 12.5% more than the city's standard musician rate of $200 per performance hour, Dumancas says.
- All dancers will receive two complimentary pairs of pointe shoes, which can cost $150 a pair and are typically paid for out-of-pocket.
Between the lines: Rising housing costs in Austin, especially during the pandemic, have pushed many musicians out of the city.
- "A lot of times these artists are not paid for rehearsals, and they get really bad pay from event venues that exploit them," Dumancas says. "It's what's causing artist displacement across our communities."
What's next: Dumancas hopes continued fundraising efforts will allow the Nutcracker performance to become an annual tradition and pave the way for future shows.
If you go: Tickets are on sale now.
- Proceeds will go toward ATX Artists' community impact initiative and Casa Marianella.