AUSTIN, Texas—Jeanie Tuttle, a librarian at Clayton Elementary School, will star as Mother Ginger in Ballet Austin’s opening night performance of “The Nutcracker” at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec 7, at the Long Center for the Performing Arts, 701 W. Riverside Drive.

Tuttle received more than 3,300 votes during the three-week voting period for Austin’s Mother Ginger contest.

Ballet Austin invited Central Texans to nominate and vote for one lucky local Texan to don the new dress for the popular Mother Ginger role. The costume incorporates an oversized dress, outrageous bonnet, six attached props and theatrical makeup.

Mother Ginger’s show-stealing role is on stage for less than five minutes but is among the funniest and most memorable parts in the ballet.

“Mother Ginger is a beloved character and Jeanie Tuttle is a much loved librarian,” Superintendent Meria Carstarphen, who is a member of the Ballet Austin board, said.  “Jeanie plays a central role in nurturing children’s love of reading and helping them to discover great literary characters and stories. We are all looking forward to seeing Jeanie take center stage as one of ballet’s greatest characters in 'The Nutcracker.'"

Since 1997, Ballet Austin has honored outstanding individuals throughout Central Texas through an invitation to become a part of Ballet Austin’s annual production of “The Nutcracker” in the guest role of the crowd-favorite Mother Ginger. The late Gov. Ann Richards, Sen. Kirk Watson, Michael Dell, John Paul DeJoria, Shawn Colvin and Superintendent Carstarphen previously have joined Ballet Austin in this role.

Matthew Earhart, AISD’s 2012-13 Teacher of the Year, will take the stage as Mother Ginger Friday, Dec 13.

For more information, contact Ballet Austin at 512-476-9151, ext. 118, or visit balletaustin.org.