Being part of The Snow Maiden has become a tradition for Sara McDermott. Now age eight, Sara first joined the SCD family when she was just five, starting with our popular Joy of Movement classes which introduce children to the structured and expressive world of dance using poems, stories, music, and plenty of imagination. Although too young to participate in SCD's full-length dance productions, Sara watched in the proverbial wings with other too-young dancers, waiting for her turn to perform.
Currently in her third season of The Snow Maiden, Sara was previously cast as a member of group dances, being a Snow Drop and Snow Flake, respectively, as well as a "Little Sister" during opening scenes. However, this year Sara was cast in a solo role -- and a pivotal one at that!
Sara is our Domovoi, a magical house spirit who looks after the people living in its home. In particular, this Domovoi protects and helps the childless "Old Woman" who faithfully builds a snow sculpture each year and for decades. The Old Woman hopes the sorcerous Snow Queen will finally condescend to transform her sculpture into the daughter upon whom she has set her heart.
Finding herself happily straddled with more responsibility and creativity, and also finding herself leading nearly every scene of The Snow Maiden, Sara is both excited and nervous about her role as Domovoi. Plus, said Sara, "The costume is really hot!"
Obviously, being Domovoi makes this season's production very special for Sara, but it is not the only highlight. This season, Sara brought along her younger sister, Mia. Well, to be honest, no one just "brings along" Mia.
 |
| "Domovoi" Sara and "Snow Drop" & "Little Sister" Mia |
Sweet and spirited, elfish Mia waited three long seasons in our Joy of Movement classes, watching with delight as her sisters Sara and Layla performed in two seasons each of Winter's The Snow Maiden and Spring's The Magic Toy Shop. Mia, who picks up the roles from which Sara graduated, cast as a "Little Sister" and a "Snow Drop," loves our shows, and especially likes being in this show with her sister.
Both girls enjoy watching other and more advanced dancers rehearse their roles in The Snow Maiden. Sara's favorite dance is that of the "West Wind," a magical wind summoned by the Domovoi to help our Russian shepherd boy, Lel, bring the Snow Maiden back from the Land of Snow. To Sara, the costume and "lots and lots of spinning" of the lively West Wind are tops.
As for Mia, she likes all the parts: "I can't explain my favorite part because it would take forever!"
The Snow Maiden takes the stage to benefit the beloved and historic Sebastiani Theatre at 1:00PM on Saturday, December 7, and Sunday, December 8. For tickets, visit BrownPaperTickets.com or call (707) 938-1424.
