CMC Blog

“Meghan Condorodis Shimala as Clara in Cincinnati Ballet Company’s The Nutcracker, 1982-1983.”
The Sandy Underwood Collection – Cincinnati Arts Photographs; courtesy of Cincinnati Museum Center.

1974 Contact Sheet of roll #230. Labeled “Costumes for first CBC Nutcracker! So began the creative minds meeting and creating Cincinnati’s very own version of the beloved The Nutcracker.

“Costumes for the first CBC Nutcracker,” 1974-1975; The Sandy Underwood Collection – Cincinnati Arts Photographs; courtesy of Cincinnati Museum Center.

When Cincinnati Ballet’s version of The Nutcracker was first performed in 1974, the Cincinnati-based Frisch’s Big Boy Restaurants, Inc. had been the ballet’s primary sponsor. Frisch’s remained The Nutcracker’s sponsor until 2017.

“1st promo photos of the Frisch’s Big Boy, the Sugar Plum Fairy (Alice Taylor) and her Cavalier (Michael Bradshaw), 1974-1975; The Sandy Underwood Collection – Cincinnati Arts Photographs; courtesy of Cincinnati Museum Center.

The entire 1976 Cincinnati Ballet Company with David McLain, Artistic Director, in the foreground.

“The Cincinnati Ballet Company with Artistic Director, David McLain,” 1976; The Sandy Underwood Collection – Cincinnati Arts Photographs; Courtesy of Cincinnati Museum Center.

Sarah Jessica Parker performed a couple roles in Cincinnati Ballet’s production of The Nutcracker, most notably as a tiny mouse who did a headstand at the center of the stage and clicked her heels in time to a chiming grandfather clock. Sarah Jessica Parker is pictured here with David Blackburn, Assistant Artistic Director. I had the distinct pleasure of meeting Sarah Jessica Parker in July 2013 when she arranged a beautiful memorial service for our beloved Mr. Blackburn. We have a shared experience of recognizing the profound impact Mr. Blackburn made in our young lives. He was kind, complimentary, enthusiastic and simply the light of the room!

“Sarah Jessica Parker during Cincinnati Ballet Company’s The Nutcracker rehearsals, 1974-1975; The Sandy Underwood Collection – Cincinnati Arts Photographs; courtesy of Cincinnati Museum Center.

David Blackburn stole the show with his colorful animation. The audience adored his adaptation of Mother Ginger and Dr. Drosselmeyer.

“David Blackburn prepping for his role as Mother Ginger in the Cincinnati Ballet Company’s The Nutcracker, 1975; The Sandy Underwood Collection – Cincinnati Arts Photographs; courtesy of Cincinnati Museum Center.

David Blackburn as Dr. Drosselmeyer and Meghan Condorodis Shimala as Clara. I was over the moon happy that my bow had been captured with a photo as Dr. Drosselmeyer greets Clara at the Christmas party! David Blackburn meant the world to me. The first time I performed as Clara, he came to find my mother at intermission and said, “I have never had a Clara say thank you when I handed her the Nutcracker before, but Meghan did!” I shared this story because it shows just how endearing Mr. Blackburn was. He never missed a detail and he never missed an opportunity to share it.

“Meghan Condorodis Shimala as Clara in Cincinnati Ballet Company’s The Nutcracker, 1982-1983; The Sandy Underwood Collection – Cincinnati Arts Photographs; courtesy of Cincinnati Museum Center.