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Her poise is unmistakable — her confidence unflappable. And once Erica Ratcliff hits the stage, the passion that overflows from her can only be characterized as the stuff that legends are made of. And now, as the lights shine upon the House Theater’s interpretation of The Nutcracker, the city of Chicago will on a nightly basis get the opportunity to feast their eyes upon a virtual star in the making.

Ratcliff’s dream to touch the world through this medium has always rested at the core of her being. “I think I’ve always known that this was who I am,” Ratcliff explains while letting out a heartfelt laugh. “My mother would have tea parties with me, and talk to me in British accents, and I just loved that kind of stuff. I guess as a kid, I would always immerse myself into becoming these characters, and it’s something that always felt right and never left me.”

Those youthful inklings proved to be dead-on, as Ratcliff continues to dazzle theatergoers of all stripes. And despite her crossover appeal, Ratcliff still makes time to devote her energy to her own community. “I’m so proud of the work that we’ve been able to do at the Congo Square Theater Company,” Ratcliff gushes. “We are trying to establish ourselves as an institution in America for black theater. I think there’s definitely a lack of high-profile black theaters in this country, and we’re definitely trying to become that by providing a springboard for the many talented people within our community. We’ve had our growing pains, but in the end, it will all be worth it.” - dewayne rogers

To see Erica Ratcliff perform in The Nutcracker, visit www.thehousetheatre.com.

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