Entertainment

Enjoy a dazzling evening for Disney devotees

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Tuesday, 02 December 2025

Written by Anna White

Do you have a favorite Disney character? Maybe it’s courageous Elsa from Frozen, faithful and spirited Woody from Toy Story, or perhaps fun-loving Mickey Mouse. The new Disney on Ice Presents Jump In! features a lineup of over 50 beloved Disney characters ready to warm your heart and sweep you into a journey of classic Disney stories. The lineup of characters, which includes several brand-new additions, might include your favorite!
Portrayed by world-class figure skaters and high-flying aerial acrobats, the characters begin their journey with a tap on the Magical MousePad; an imaginary iPad used by Mickey Mouse and friends. The MousePad is only the beginning of a dazzling evening through familiar stories such as Frozen, Encanto, Zootopia, Toy Story, and, most recently, newly added characters from Moana 2 and Inside Out 2.
According to a press release, the performance will take viewers on a “magical adventure with Mickey, Minnie, Donald, and Goofy as they use the Magical MousePad to journey to the heart of these unforgettable Disney tales.”
Attendees will “Navigate the thrilling high seas of Moana 2 and the vibrant world of Inside Out 2…Help Stitch fix a glitch as mayhem ensues across the ice, stroll the bustling metropolis of Zootopia, glide through the icy realms of Frozen, marvel at the playful universe of Toy Story, and travel to the vibrant world of Colombia with the Madrigal family in Encanto.”
Glamour-lovers will be swept off their feet watching the princess parade with Ariel, Jasmine, Rapunzel and Tiana.
Despite Disney on Ice Presents Jump In! being in its first season, the cast is already deeply connected to their characters and invested in making the show unforgettable. Andrew Austin, who plays Christof, and Katrina Lopez, who plays Jasmine, are both figure skaters who described the cast as a “family” and raved about the joy of connecting with both the characters they play and the audience they perform for.
“Being able to portray Christof’s essence is one of my favorite things to do,” Austin shared. “I remember watching Frozen when it came out, and Christof was my favorite character. It’s a character that I’ve connected with pretty deeply.”
Having played Christof for the last several years, he feels like he knows him personally and loves “seeing the little kids faces light up” when Christof appears on stage.
Austin says attendees’ volume so far this season indicates that the show is resonating with them.
“We’ve had some really loud crowds,” he explained. “They are really loving it.”
The holiday and singalong portions of the show are a particular hit. A singalong with Olaf and classic tunes like Jingle Bells elicits the Christmas spirit.
“With this show, audience participation is really encouraged,” said Austin, adding that during one singalong, a performer hands a random audience member a microphone. “Someone in the audience gets put on the spot,” he said with a chuckle. Singalongs include “Let it Go” from Frozen, “Try Everything” from Zootopia, “We Don’t Talk About Bruno” from Encanto, “Get Lost” from Moana 2, and many more.
Katrina Lopez, who plays Jasmine, has been skating since she was 3 years old. Now in her 8th season with Disney on Ice, she says when she first joined, it wasn’t a dream.
“I was just trying to figure out what to do with my life,” she explained. With time, she found it was the “perfect combination” of things she enjoys.
“I was a Disney fanatic growing up,” she shared. “It’s extremely fulfilling for me, just growing up and watching these iconic characters and always dreaming that I want to be a princess and go on all these adventures that these characters go on. It’s really amazing to be able to do that on the ice and then share that experience with the audience.”
She makes a special effort to spot small fans dressed as Jasmine in the audience.
“I think it's really touching to be able to see the vulnerability in the kids and just how much is ahead of them,” she explained. “We try our best to get as close to the audience as possible. It’s really fun for us as well.”
While performers bring to life old and new Disney characters, they also enchant the audience with stunning acrobatics and special effects.
“Because it’s a brand new show, everyone is really excited to see it,” Lopez shared. “We not only have Disney on the ice, but also in the air because a lot of our performers are performing acrobatics.” She said the acrobatics are a crowd favorite. Her personal favorite special effect is in the new Moana 2 segment. “We get some fire on the ice in that segment,” Lopez explained. “When I got a chance to see it for the first time, I was in shock and awe. I have to say that is my favorite special effect.”
A variety of family-friendly ticket prices are available, some including special opportunities to meet characters. Purchasing a “Follow the Stars with Moana” Character Experience ticket means visitors can “meet Moana while hearing tales of her latest adventure, plus enjoy a special appearance by Mickey Mouse.” Character Experience ticket-holders can also bring personal devices to capture special photo memories.
Though they are constantly performing in new locations and interacting with audiences across the world, Austin and Lopez see a universal appreciation for the show.
“There’s a through line of family, connectedness, finding strength within yourself, and finding love within yourself,” Austin shared. “It doesn’t matter if we’re here in the States or over in Europe or in Asia, these are things that everyone can relate to.”
“I think a foundation for everyone [who attends the show] is just loving Disney characters,” Lopez shared. “So no matter where you are in the world, all those characters will be on the ice, and it is so special that we get to bring that to people.”
Disney on Ice Presents Jump In! Will show Dec. 11, 12, 13 and 14 at the Crown Coliseum. For showtimes and tickets, visit https://www.crowncomplexnc.com/events/detail/disney-on-ice-2 or contact the Crown box office at 910-438 – 4100.

(Photos-Top: Donald Duck, Mickey, Minnie and Goofy kick off the newest Disney on Ice show: Jump In! Bottom: Cast members portray characters from Disney's Moana 2. Photos courtesy of Teresa Franze)

A Tradition of Magic Continues: Blume School of Dance Celebrates 56th Nutcracker

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Tuesday, 02 December 2025

Written by Katie Herring

The holiday season in Fayetteville would be incomplete without the cherished tradition of Charlotte Blume School of Dance’s annual production of Tchaikovsky’s magnificent ballet, The Nutcracker. 2025 marks the 56th consecutive staging of the beloved Christmas story by the venerable institution, continuing a legacy built on artistic excellence and community spirit.
The two public performances will take place on Saturday, Dec. 13, and Sunday, Dec. 14, both at 3 p.m., at the Crown Theatre at 2405 Gillespie St.
The Nutcracker tells the classic Christmas Eve story of Clara, who receives a mysterious nutcracker doll from her godfather at a family party. After the doll is broken and Clara falls asleep, she awakens in a magical land where her broken toy transforms into a Prince and leads her on an enchanting adventure. The ballet is a festive showcase of dazzling choreography and music that has captured the imagination of families for generations.
The enduring success of this production is rooted in the history of its founder, Charlotte Blume, who started the school 71 years ago. Blume was a true pioneer in Fayetteville, establishing a lasting legacy that was ahead of its time.
"Charlotte Blume started a legacy, more than a tradition," said Dina Lewis, executive director of the Blume School of Dance. "She created an integrated studio at a time when segregation was still the norm; everyone was welcome."
This commitment to inclusivity remains a guiding principle today. Lewis reflected on her own experience, having directed the production for 11 years. She added, “Charlotte Blume taught me to work harder and keep trying and get better; I admired her then and admire her even more now.”
The glittering final performances are the culmination of a year-long effort. Planning for each production begins in January, almost immediately after the previous holiday’s curtains close. Auditions are traditionally held on Palm Sunday, with additional opportunities available during the summer for new students to join the ranks.
The cast, which ranges from the youngest dancers, starting at just 3.5 years old, up to seniors in high school, commits countless hours to rehearsal and preparation. Their success is a testament to the dedication of the dancers, the unwavering commitment and support from their families, and the collaboration of the wider community.
The 2025 production promises to be especially memorable, featuring a host of unique additions. This year, audiences will be treated to all brand-new costumes, bringing fresh vibrancy to the iconic scenes.
The most poignant change is the Mother Ginger number, which will be performed in honor of Sheila Mitchell, a beloved instructor who dedicated more than 50 years to the Blume School of Dance. The choreography for the piece will feature influences from Mrs. Mitchell, and notably, all the dancers performing the piece were personally influenced and trained by her over the years. It will serve as a moving tribute to a cornerstone of the school’s history.
Adding to the cast’s community flavor, the production will welcome special guest performers, including Andy Dualan, Jaron Warton, and Nicholas Campanello. All three men are either active duty or former Army servicemen, demonstrating the school's ongoing connection to Fayetteville's strong military community as they help bring the classic story to life.
With three sold-out school-day performances and two public showings, the enduring power of The Nutcracker to usher in the holiday spirit remains strong. Tickets for the public performances on Dec. 13 and 14 are available now and can be secured through the Crown Complex website at https://www.crowncomplexnc.com/events/detail/blume-school-of-dance-presents-the-nutcracker-1. Don't miss the chance to experience this treasured local event, a celebration of history, inclusion, and the magic of Christmas.

(Photo courtesy of Charlotte Blume School of Dance)

50 Years of sugar plum magic: The Dance Theatre of Fayetteville presents The Nutcracker

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Tuesday, 02 December 2025

Written by Anna White

Known as a Christmas classic, The Nutcracker has a way of casting a holiday glow over audiences. But, at the Dance Theatre of Fayetteville, the annual Nutcracker performance is about more than holiday nostalgia. Every year, it’s a tribute to the broader dance community of Fayetteville and the unusual camaraderie seen among performers and families hailing from studios across the region. This year, it’s especially noteworthy as the performance marks 50 years of such Christmas magic.
“It’s typically very hard to get a collaboration between studios because every studio competes in competitions with each other,” said Secretary James Ragucci-Leach. “As a board, we work really hard to make sure all our studios are represented through the Dance of Fayetteville. Everyone is equal in our eyes.”
This attitude is what brings not only performers of all skill levels to the stage, but non-dancing parents and friends who just want to help.
Ragucci-Leach says he’s seen parents and siblings of dancers donning costumes and taking the stage for the family scene, simply because they want to be part of the community effort.
“I think the main thing is, there’s a sense of family, a sense of community,” he explained. “It gives this warm, fuzzy feeling that ‘this is where we belong.’”
And everyone truly does belong. Ragucci-Leach says that in all his time serving as secretary, they’ve not turned a single auditioner away.
“Every dancer, no matter who they are, gets to try out. And we go off of that to pick what parts they get—but every dancer gets a part. It basically allows dancers of all shapes and sizes and walks of life to get together and showcase what they can do,” he said.
Because tryouts are open to dancers of so many skill levels, the casting directors pay special attention to placing performers in appropriate roles.
“We kind of just make sure that we put everybody in a place where they're going to feel comfortable, but also give them a challenge. We want, more than anything, for dancers to hone their skills through this too, to showcase what they can do, but to push them as well.”
He says planning and tryouts typically start around June—though it started even earlier this year because of additional 50th Anniversary preparations. After tryouts, which are held on-site at Dance Theatre of Fayetteville’s partner organization, Methodist University, planning continues with costuming and rehearsals. Rehearsals are rigorous and begin in dancers' home studios, eventually bringing all participating studios together for group rehearsals.
For the 50th Anniversary performance, attendees can expect the unexpected.
“There’s going to be a lot of surprises,” said Ragucci-Leach. “A lot of things that have never happened at The Nutcracker will happen this year with the 50th Anniversary.”
Additionally, new 50th anniversary merchandise will be available.
Look for 50th anniversary celebratory colors throughout the event and venue. Ragucci-Leach says they chose “pine forest green” to reflect their long-standing partnership with Methodist University and gold to denote the iconic anniversary as color themes.
“You’ll see that from the stage, to the t-shirts the cast and the volunteers are wearing, you’ll see it as you’re coming into The Nutcracker, it’s going to be everywhere!”
Ragucci-Leach says this year’s rendition of The Nutcracker represents the longevity of the Dance Theatre of Fayetteville’s “good, wholesome atmosphere.”
“For us, it’s 50 years of family fun and giving dancers a chance to be themselves,” he concluded.
The Dance Theatre of Fayetteville will present The Nutcracker at Methodist University Huff Concert Hall at 5400 Ramsey St., at the following times: Friday, Dec. 5, at 7:30 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 6, at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, Dec. 7, at 3:00 p.m. Tickets are $20 for adults, $10 for kids ages 5-12. Children four and under are free.
Visit the Dance Theatre of Fayetteville’s website for more information and to purchase tickets at https://the-dance-theatre-of-fayetteville.square.site/

(Photo courtesy of The Dance Theatre of Fayetteville)

Anderson Creek's Turkey Trot brings together community

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Tuesday, 25 November 2025

Written by Tara Kamiya

Registration is now underway for the 2025 ACC Turkey Trot, giving Anderson Creek Club residents and guests a festive way to kick off Thanksgiving morning while supporting local students. The race will start and end at Anderson Creek Clubhouse at 125 Whispering Pines Dr. in Spring Lake.
The annual event is set for Thursday, Nov. 27, with all races starting and finishing just in front of the ACC Club House at Bunkers Bar and Grill. Organizers say the family-friendly morning will blend fitness, fun and philanthropy, with 100 percent of proceeds benefiting the David Levinson Memorial Scholarship Fund.
The scholarship fund, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, provides financial assistance to rising college students from the Anderson Creek Club and Anderson Creek Crossing communities. Every registration helps expand educational opportunities for young people close to home.
The Turkey Trot schedule features something for nearly every age and pace. At 9 a.m., children under 12 can take part in a free half-mile fun run. The shorter distance is designed to give young runners the feel of race day excitement in a low-pressure setting. Every child who finishes the fun run will receive a finisher medal in recognition of their effort.
At 9:30 a.m., the main event, a 5K, will send walkers and runners onto a scenic course through the community. The 5K costs $35 in advance and $45 on race day.
Awards will be presented to the top three male and top three female finishers in the 5K. The event’s competitive side is balanced by its relaxed holiday spirit, with families, neighbors and friends invited to join in, whether they are racing for a personal best or simply strolling before sitting down to Thanksgiving dinner.
Bunkers Bar and Grill, located at the ACC Club House, will open its doors to participants and spectators throughout the morning. Breakfast items will be available along with a selection of kid-friendly beverages and drinks for adults. Organizers say the hope is to create a festive gathering spot, where runners can warm up before the race and celebrate together afterward.
Residents can register online through RunReg at the Anderson Creek Club Turkey Trot page. The registration portal includes race day details, pricing and waiver information. Race organizers also maintain an event presence on Facebook, where updates, volunteer needs and last-minute announcements are shared with the community.
While Thanksgiving road races are now a common tradition across the United States, the roots of the “Turkey Trot” stretch back well over a century. One of the earliest and best-known holiday races started in Buffalo, New York, in 1896, helping establish the idea of lacing up for a run before the big meal. Over time, ‘Turkey Trots’ have grown into a national staple, with thousands of participants in cities and towns choosing to spend their holiday morning on the move.
The term “Turkey Trot” once had a very different association, however. In the early 20th century, it was also the name of a lively dance that stirred controversy in some social circles for its energetic and unconventional moves. Today, the race tradition has largely eclipsed the dance in the public mind, and “Turkey Trot” is more likely to call to mind running shoes than dance floors.
Organizers of the ACC Turkey Trot say they hope the event will become a lasting Thanksgiving tradition for families in the Anderson Creek area, one that blends the national custom of a holiday run with a local commitment to education. By participating, residents can get some exercise, enjoy time with neighbors and help deserving students move closer to their college goals.
Community members are encouraged to invite friends and family, form informal teams and dress in festive attire to celebrate the holiday with a healthy start. Whether participants line up for the free kids’ fun run, race the 5K or cheer from the sidelines with a warm drink from Bunkers, the morning is designed to offer a welcoming atmosphere for all.
For more information, residents can visit the 2025 ACC Turkey Trot registration page at RunReg and follow updates on the event’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/accturkeytrot. The message is simple: lace up, show up and help make a difference for local students this Thanksgiving.