L’Observateur / November 16, 1998

DESTREHAN – The River Region Ballet has announced that Taryn Eilers, daughter of Stan and Jill Eilers of Destrehan, has been chosen for the lead role of “Clara” in the upcoming production of “The Nutcracker.”Eilers, 13, attends Harry Hurst Middle School where she is active in Beta Club, student council and dance team. She has been dancing for eight years, the lastfour under the tutelage of Susan Ferrara at Images Dance Studio.

This will be Eilers’ fourth Nutcracker with the River Region Ballet. Previouslyshe has danced the roles of “Gumdrop,” “Reindeer” and “Clara’s Friend.” She alsoperformed in the company’s 1998 spring concert.

This year’s Nutcracker is very special to Eilers, who is busy rehearsing for the coveted role of “Clara.””It takes time, hard work and patience on everyone’s part to bring this ballet together. Although through the many practices and last minute changes, I loveevery minute of it!” said Eilers.

The River Region Ballet’s production of the Nutcracker will utilize a cast of approximately 100 performers. Uncle Drosselmeyer will be portrayed bynewcomer Charles Faucheux. Marcia Peyton will reprise her role as the MouseKing. She has a formidable battle ahead of her this year as she faces off withson Adam Peyton, who is this year’s Nutcracker Prince. Both Peytons areveterans of River Region Ballet and River Region Drama Guild productions as is Michael Tregre, who will play Fritz.

Soloists and the corps de ballet are Jamie Boutte, Julie Burke, Alexis Captain, Alisha Captain, Anne Comiskey, Sarah Comiskey, Taylor Eilers, Ashley Guynes, Leah Langan, Nicole Langlinais, Kelly Mannear, Jeanette Meleen, Kate Meleen, Adam Peyton, Amber Roussel, Heidi Schindler and Christine St. Germain.Other dancers are Ashley Able, Ashley Alleman, Gabrielle Benedetto, Jordan Benoit, Gabrielle Bicker, Rebecca Bishop, Lauren Bordelon, Megan Bordelon, Kevin Buller, Ariel Captain, Mary Comiskey, Sean Comiskey, Elizabeth Crouch, Kristina Crouch, Emily Dawson, Jennifer Doty, Jena Elfer, Ashley Ericksen, Matthew Ericksen, Aimee Faucheux, Caitlin Gilbert, Amber Goodman, Andrew Graziano, Nathaniel Hearn, Ruth Helman, Amanda Henne, Kristen Higdon, Aja Hite, Alaina Jacob, Kaitlin Jacobi, Emily Julian, Anne Koster, Nicole Koster, Melissa Landeche, Nichole Larkey and Tramera Lee.

Also, Kristen Mannear, Meghann Mehrtens, Jacquelyn Moreau, Ariel Morris, Amanda Mungia, Stephanie Nagele, Holly Pelas, Kelly Pepper, Megan Peters, Erin Phillips, Gretchen Phillips, Casey Rodrigue, Katelyn Rodrigue, Jamie Roussel, Janey Roussel, Samy Roussel, Taylor Scyster, Amanda Sharp, Sara Smira, Hanna Smith, Kim Smith, Katelyn Talbot, Ashlynn Thomas, Chelsey Thomas, Brannon Topey, Amanda Venable, LeAnne Weisheit and Monica Zeringue.

Rounding out the cast are the adult performers in the party scene in Act I. Theyare Darby Berthelot, Sharyn Endres, Terese Faucheux, K-Marie Hearn, April LaBranche, Marty Langan, Lavina Larkey, Bruce Mehrtens, Joanne Mehrtens, Ron Oleksik, Henry Sorbet and Ruth Sorbet.

Performances will be at Destrehan Auditorium Saturday, Dec. 5 at 7:30 p.m. andDec. 6 at 2 p.m. Presale tickets are $8 for adults and $4 for children. Tickets atthe door are $10 for adults and $5 for children. For ticket information call 764-1969 or 764-7678.

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