Fort Hood Commander To Play 'Mother Ginger' Role At Upcoming 'The Nutcracker' Performance

AUSTIN, TX — One doesn't normally associate ballet with toughened military guys. Yet next weekend, theatergoers will witness something one doesn't see every day, when a high-ranking Fort Hood colonel will play the part of "Mother Ginger" as a celebrity guest for a locally staged production of "The Nutcracker."

Col. John C. Ulrich, commander of the U.S. Army Operational Test Command at Fort Hood, will perform in full costume and makeup as a celebrity guest during the Dec. 17 performance, Army officials confirmed on their website. In that role, Ulrich will help celebrate the show's 54th year as the longest running production of its kind in Texas, Army officials noted in breaking the news.

In reporting the news, U.S. Army scribes don't exactly limit themselves to a dry treatise of the development. They write in detail as to the spectacle that will unfold as Ulrich loses himself in the role of "Mother Ginger" in the upcoming ballet production.

"His 'Mother Ginger' character performs less than three minutes, and is the comedy highlight of the ballet," Army writers noted. "Ulrich will be 'dolled up,' seated upon a tall platform that looks like an over-the-top giant hoop skirt costume, while wearing a curly wig, headpiece and lots of makeup, gesturing fanatically as 'Bon Bons' (small children) pour out of the giant skirt, while dancing about and disappearing back under the skirt."

Explanatory journalism, don't you know.

To give you an idea into the rigors of the "Mother Ginger" role, here's a video from YouTube:

"Ballet Austin is thrilled to have Col. Ulrich among the ranks of our 2016 VIP 'Mother Gingers,' and we know he'll delight our audience with his performance," Ballet Austin Executive Director Cookie Ruiz said. in a press release. "We're confident Col. Ulrich will do his fellow servicemen and servicewomen proud when he takes the stage!"

For nearly two decades, Ballet Austin has invited prominent members of the public to perform the role, Ruiz explained. The venue has historically lured military personnel to the audience, as they enjoy year-round artistic fare, she added.

"Inviting important members of the Central Texas community to perform this heart-warming role in our largest production of the season has been a Ballet Austin tradition for almost two decades," Ruiz said."It's always an honor to have a representative of Fort Hood among our cast. We sincerely appreciate the sacrifices military personnel and their families make throughout the year -- and especially during the holidays -- to protect our freedom here at home," she added.

A perennial holiday treat, the locally mounted production of "The Nutcracker" offers a feast for the senses (beyond the sight of a military colonel dressed as "Mother Ginger"). Elaborate sets and costumes, animated choreography and a cast of hundreds delights audiences annually. The show runs a little over two hours with a 20-minute intermission. The Austin Symphony Orchestra provides lush instrumental orchestration as musical accompaniment to the ambitious production.

The work by Russian composer Pyotr Illyich Tchaikovsky is a holiday favorite, staged locally in cities throughout the country during the holiday season. It was first performed in San Francisco in 1944, and has emerged as a Christmas staple since.

Locally, military personnel have been invited to participate in the production since 2005. Former Vice Chief of Staff of the Army Gen. Peter W. Chiarelli's wife, Beth, was the first Fort Hood VIP to play the part of "Mother Ginger" while Chiarelli was the 1st Cavalry Division commander, ballet officials noted.

Ulrich assumed command of the U.S. Army Operational Test Command on July 12, after serving as Chief, Army Budget Liaison, at the Pentagon's Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Financial Management and Comptroller.

Those interested in catching Ulrich's turn as "Mother Ginger" or other performances can order tickets by calling (512) 476-2163). Military members, including retirees, get a 20 percent discount on admission to tickets normally priced at a range from $42 to $91. Ballet Austin is located at the Long Center, 701 W. Riverside Drive.

>>> Photo of Col. John C. Ulrich via U.S. Army Operational Test Command