Mother Ginger tradition continues with MacWillie
Posted On: Saturday, Dec. 19 2009 05:34 AM
By Amanda Kim Stairrett
Killeen Daily HeraldCol. Donald M. MacWillie is continuing a tradition with Ballet Austin that started in 2004.
MacWillie, who commands the West Fort Hood-based U.S. Army Operational Test Command, is set to appear on stage as Mother Ginger at 2 p.m. today in Austin in "The Nutcracker."
"I'm happy to take advantage of any opportunity to represent soldiers in our neighboring communities," MacWillie said. "Ballet Austin is so very kind to invite us to participate in this holiday season favorite. My own family, as well as my (Operational Test Command) family, are looking forward to joining the Austin ballet patrons for what has always been a wonderful family outing."
Notable Central Texans have played Mother Ginger since 1997, according to information from the ballet company. Other Mother Gingers this holiday season include Austin Chief of Police Art Acevedo; University of Texas women's head basketball coach Gail Goestenkors and musician Sara Hickman. Lance Armstrong, Michael Dell, Gov. Ann Richards and Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison are among past Mother Gingers.
Past Fort Hood Mother Gingers include Col. Curtis Potts, Brig. Gen. Christopher L. Tucker, Command Sgt. Maj. Lawrence Wilson and Beth Chiarelli, according to information from Operational Test Command.
"Each of these local personalities will transform into the larger-than-life character and climb atop a platform into an eight-foot satin skirt, from which the 14 children cast as Bon-Bons will spill out to dance onto the Sugar Plum Fairy's court," according to information from the ballet company.
This year's production – Ballet Austin's 47th – is choreographed by Stephen Mills with musical accompaniment by The Austin Symphony Orchestra.
Performances are at the Long Center for the Performing Arts, 701 W. Riverside Drive, Austin. Tickets cost from $15 to $71 and are available by calling (512) 476-2163, visiting
www.balletaustin.org or at Ballet Austin's Box Office at 501 W. Third St.
Contact Amanda Kim Stairrett at
astair@kdhnews.com or (254) 501-7547.