Title
To recognize the Chocolate Nutcracker Stage Production.
Body
WHEREAS, The Chocolate Nutcracker is a community event that receives strong support from local churches, schools, civic groups, local businesses/corporations and other theatrical troupes and choreographers; and
WHEREAS, The Chocolate Nutcracker is an exciting multi-cultural spin off of the classic Tchaikovsky "Nutcracker" ballet and includes an educational component that teaches the youth performers and the audience about diverse cultural heritages as well as the historical culture and social background of other ethnic and cultural groups; and
WHEREAS, this production affords hundreds of children from our community the opportunity to develop confidence, cultural awareness, agility and performing arts talent while practicing, rehearsing and performing in a major stage production alongside nationally acclaimed choreographers and professional dancers from Columbus, Ohio, New York, California & Florida; and
WHEREAS, the production's organizers will pay special tribute to Tanea Staples, a patient being treated at the Nationwide Children's Hospital. She was granted her wish to be awarded the very first honorary "Claire" award for the 2008 production of the "Chocolate Nutcracker" in Columbus, Ohio. Tanea will perform in a special morning school matinee in the Chocolate Nutcracker on November 14th and honored at the evening performance on November 15th; and
WHEREAS, the 2008 production of The Chocolate Nutcracker will mark its sixth presentation in Columbus with a special stage performance on November 15th at the Veterans Memorial Auditorium; now, therefore
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
That the Columbus City Council welcomes The Chocolate Nutcracker back to Columbus and recognizes the production for its invaluable contribution to the arts in Columbus.