More than two years ago, Cavod ballet director Stephanie Morales went to sleep one night and dreamed of a ballet. "(In the dream) were the names of the characters, their journey, and what it would be about," said Morales, who woke up in the morning and wrote down everything she could remember. She brought the ballet to Connie Dienner, director at Cavod Academy of the Arts. The result was "Wonder," an original Christmas ballet, which was performed for the first time in Cavod Theatre in 2019. The story is suitable for family members of all ages.
"Wonder," choreographed and directed by Morales and featuring a cast of 37, will be presented at Cavod Theatre, 685 W. Main St., New Holland. This year, "Wonder" will run on Fridays, Dec. 3 and 10, at 7 p.m.; on Saturdays, Dec. 4 and 11, at 2 and 7 p.m.; and on Sundays, Dec. 5 and 12, at 4 p.m.
"Wonder" is the story of Gracie, played by Sierra Hurst, and Nick, played by Lincoln Everett, two orphaned children who are searching for the wonder of the holiday season. They are aided in their quest by three Christmas Lights - Twinkle, played by Sarah Blatt; Flicker, played by Annika Blake; and Pixie, played by Audrey Pavlica. As they search for the "wonder," the children visit the Toy Shop, the Christmas Tree Village, and a cathedral. Through their adventure, they learn that the wonder of the holiday season comes from love and from being loved.
Morales made a few changes in this year's production. "We will have an icicle battle scene," she said. "I really wanted to focus on the juxtaposition between the lights, who are there to show what wonder is, and the icicles that represent staying in the mundane," she said, explaining why she decided to expand the conflict between the two entities. "It almost affects the whole story line, but it doesn't, and that's exciting."
Morales also added some marshmallow dancers to the Sweet Shop in Act 2. "That dance is super cute, and those girls are really adorable," she said. The Sweet Shop, which was added to the 2020 show, features a baker and little gingerbreads played by 5-to 7-year-olds, along with hot chocolate and gumdrops and peppermints. Other scenes include a snow blizzard and a sequence with choir dancers.
Morales noted that the concession stand will be open during performances, and attendees will have opportunities to purchase flowers to give to cast members. Tickets may be purchased by visiting http://www.cavod.org, emailing info@cavod.org, or calling 717-354-3355. Tickets will be discounted for students.
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