ESO’s 24th Nutcracker Dedicated to the Roll Family

By DONNA BOZZA

December 8, 2014

For many, their introduction to Eastern Shore Own Arts Center starts with a young daughter mesmerized by the Center’s annual performance of the Nutcracker ballet. With an “I wanna be a ballerina” proclamation, it’s off to ESO. It was much the same for parents Jeanne and Walt Roll and their daughter Erin. But their involvement with ESO morphed into an amazing two decades of selfless donation of time and talents that soon included their son Chris. Their mark is most evident during the months of intensive preparation for the Nutcracker and the reason this year’s 24th production is dedicated to the Rolls.

“Between creating elaborate costumes and props and producing countless videos and photographs, the Rolls have been instrumental in making the ballet happen for 20 years,” said Dana Floyd-Sutter, ESO Dance School Director. It would not be hard to dub the Rolls the First Family of ESO. Their dedication has greatly enabled the non-profit to keep the Nutcracker going year after year.

“Nutcracker is so important to the students,” said Floyd-Sutter. “It’s exciting for them to be part of the tradition and it builds their confidence. It is a great vehicle for team building — I see how it teaches them to love and support each other. It certainly makes them better dancers.”

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Both Jeanne and husband Walt have busy careers as medical doctors. Yet even while juggling careers with raising a family, they always carved out time to help create the magic of the classic ballet for students and Shore audiences.

Through the years Jeanne has made countless sets of costumes that “go beyond most people’s expectations,” noted Floyd-Sutter. They are true period costumes, made from the finest fabrics and adorned with such treasures as Swarovski crystals. “They are made with incredible love and craftsmanship, just ridiculously beautiful,” she said. “All of which she provides as a 100-percent donation to ESO.”

Capturing the Nutcracker magic, Walt has taken thousands of pictures over the years, not only making for happy parents but also fueling the success of future Nutcrackers, as the beautiful images promote each year’s production. Walt’s photography goes beyond his work at the three back-to-back performances. He sets up photo shoots prior to the ballet, then develops and mats the photos for sale at the shows. Postproduction he is always available to take audition photos.

You would think that would be more than enough volunteering for one person, but Walt has also built numerous props over the years. “All he has ever asked for with his work is a donation to ESO,” said Floyd-Sutter.

Chris started out modestly at ESO, doing the sound effects for the ballets. Then he began video-recording performances. It is not something ESO could have afforded without Chris and his family’s generosity. “Each year it gets more technical,” said Floyd-Sutter.” It has been wonderful seeing him grow this into a successful professional career.”

She recognizes that volunteering for the Nutcracker isn’t any easy “job” especially since she sometimes asks for the near impossible. “The Rolls have never once said no — thought I was crazy, yes — but they are truly wonderful, giving people. They never ever wanted anything in return, except maybe a small thank you.” Floyd-Sutter and the ESO staff and dancers are hoping for a big thank you from the community with a large attendance at this year’s Nutcracker performances.

ESO’s 24th Nutcracker Ballet Production is a beloved Shore Holiday Tradition. Each year a fresh production transforms a humble stage into a Christmas Eve fantasy with elaborate costumes, famous musical score, and the captivating art of dance.

December 12- 14 at Nandua High School: Friday and Saturday at 7 p.m.; Sunday at 2 p.m.

Tickets: Kids 12 and under $5, Adults: Advance $15 ($1 fee if ordered online), At Door $18, Reserved Seats $20. Order online at www.esoartscenter.org

 

Ticket Outlets: Rayfield’s Pharmacy in Cape Charles, Smiling Dolphin in Nassawadox, ESO Office in Belle Haven, The Book Bin in Onley, CD Marsh Jewelers in Onancock, BB&T in Mappsville.