L’Observateur / November 10, 1999

DESTREHAN – The River Region Ballet has announced that Kelly Pepper, daughter of Richard and Christy Pepper of Destrehan, has been chosen for the lead role of “Clara” in its upcoming production of “The Nutcracker.”Over 100 performers auditioned, displaying strong support for local ballet.

Dancers came from all areas, including Destrehan, Hahnville, Kenner, LaPlace, Luling, Mandeville, Metairie, New Orleans, Reserve, St. Rose and Thibodeaux.Pepper, who is 13 years old, is an eighth-grader at Harry Hurst Middle School where she is also active in BETA Club. She has been studying ballet with SusanFerrara at Images Dance Studio for seven years. This will be her thirdNutcracker with the River Region Ballet. Previously she has danced the roles of”Gumdrop,” “Reindeer” and “Clara’s Friend.”Pepper also danced the “youth lead” in the River Region Ballet’s 1999 spring production of “Royal Mischief.” Her versatility as both an actress and dancerwere showcased in her role as the “Mischievous Elf.” Besides dancing, Pepperalso enjoys reading, writing and roller blading.

“I’m so excited to be playing Clara this year!” Pepper said. “It’s a lot of hardwork and practice for the entire cast, but it is always worth it. I know mymemories of this experience will always be cherished.”The role of the “Arabian Princess” will be danced by Amber Roussel, a 1999 honor graduate from Destrehan High School and NOCCA. She is currentlyattending Loyola University on a scholarship. She is the recipient of the IrvingCarr Award presented by the Junior Philharmonic Society of New Orleans, dances with Loyola Ballet and is a five-year member of the River Region Ballet.

Patrick McKinney will return this year in the pivotal role of “Uncle Drosselmeyer.” Marcia Peyton will share the role of “Mouse King” with her sonand former adversary Adam Peyton. “The Nutcracker Prince” will be portrayedby Michael Guidry, and Kevin Buller will play “Fritz.”Soloists and the corps de ballet are Julie Beck, Carolina Bermudez, Jamie Boutte, Julie Burke, Alisha Captain, Alexis Captain, Martine Chaisson, Taryn Eilers, Taylor Eilers, Margaret Johnson, Nicole Langlinais, Jill LeBlanc, Jeanette Meleen, Adam Peyton, Amber Roussel, Heidi Schindler and Adrienne Waltman.

Other dancers are Ashley Able, Desiree Amadeo, Abby Arcuri, Gabrielle Benedetto, Gabrielle Bicker, Kathryn Breland, Toni Ann Chetta, Megan Cloutet, Lauren Couchis, Elizabeth Crouch, Kristina Crouch, Sable Cureaux, Jenna Elfer, Ashley Ericksen, Matthew Ericksen, Aimee Faucheux, Carley Faucheux, Erica Fisher, Lauren Fogarty, Barbara Fox, Kimberly Fron, Kayla Gassen, Christian Gobert, Amelie Greco, Chad Greco, Connor Greco, Kristen Higdon, Rebecca Hillburn, Aja Hite, Dawn Jason, Dylan Jason, Janelle Jason, Amber Johnson, Meghan Kirkwood, Bailey Kitchell, Melissa Landeche, Nichole Larkey, Aimee Linn, Kayleigh Mehrtens, Meghann Mehrtens, Sean Meleen, Jacquelyn Moreau, Ariel Morris, Amanda Munguia, Courtney Murphy, Stephanie Nagele, Kaitlyn O’Connor, Kathleen Ory, Jessica Price, Jonathan Prindle, Emily Rangel, Lindsay Riviere, Victoria Roberts, Katelyn Rodrigue, Robin Rouquette, Jamie Roussel, Allison Sander, Alyssa Schneider, Taylor Scyster, Sara Smira, Hanna Smith, Kim Smith, Brannon Topey, Amanda Waguespack, Kayla Watson, LeAnne Weisheit, Amanda Wise, and Jessica Wright.

Rounding out the cast are the adult performers in the Act I Party Scene. Theyare Darby Berthelot, Valerie Berthelot, Marsha LaBranche, Lavina Larkey, Bruce Mehrtens, Joanne Mehrtens, Jeff Nagele, Karen Nagele, Ron Oleksik, Marcia Peyton, Henry Sorbet and Ruth Sorbet.

Performances will be at Destrehan Auditorium Dec. 4 at 7:30 p.m. and Dec. 5 at2 p.m. Advance tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children. At the door adulttickets are $12 and children’s tickets are $6. For ticket information call 764-1969 or 764-7678.

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