Football star Vince Young on being Mother Ginger in Ballet Austin’s THE NUTCRACKER

Q&A with Leilani Tian

Young showing his Longhorn pride backstage before his Mother Ginger debut.

Tian: I am here with legendary University of Texas quarterback the “Invincible” Vince Young on opening night of Ballet Austin’s 56th annual production of The Nutcracker. So now that you’re out of that big dress, how did it feel to be on stage?

Young: It was fun. I had a good time — a little nervous (laughs), but I really had a good time with the fans and definitely with the kids.

Tian: Well, you looked great up there.

Young: I couldn’t stop laughing at it all. (chuckles)

Tian: It seems like you have a whole entourage of Ballet Austin staff keeping you company. How has the Ballet Austin family been to you? What do you feel about the whole experience in general?

Young: Ballet Austin has been great. The first time they reached out, I was shocked. I was like, “The Nutcracker!” I always grew up seeing the signs on the side of the road and seeing the dates that were available to see The Nutcracker. I didn’t really know too much, and my wife did a good job of showing me the video of what I’d be doing.

(laughter)

Young: So I thought it was funny. And you know me — it’s my personality — I’m always a goofy guy. I love to entertain and put smiles on people’s faces. So for the Ballet Austin team, as well as the fans that truly love me and the kids onstage with me, I’m all about putting smiles on people’s faces.

Young getting into the spirit with his adoring Bons Bons.

Tian: And you really did.

Young: And myself.

(laughter)

Tian: And your makeup looks great.

Young: Thank you so much. My family was here earlier when I was doing my makeup, and it was one of the funnier parts of today.

Young with make-up artist Wendy Sanders getting into character.

Tian: Your family was here watching?

Young: In the back — when I was getting my makeup done. I thought it was the funniest part — that they got to take pictures and send it to the rest of the family.

(Laughter)

Tian: That’s amazing. So final question, what do you do to get into the holiday season?

Young: This is a great time of the year; I just love how people just start to be very nice and happy. I wish people could be like that year round. I wish it didn’t have to be the holidays when people get happy. What I do is just try to go out and be active in the community, give presents — I do a lot of fun things. And always give back — that was something I was raised to do.

Tian: Thank you for taking the time to chat with me.

Young: Thanks and nice meeting you.

Young showing who’s boss backstage next to a portion of his costume and outside his VIP star dressing room.

Ballet Austin’s opening weekend of The Nutcracker was a success! The rest of the Mother Ginger VIPs included Tiffany Chen of Tiff’s Treats and Austin Police Department Chief Brian Manley. More VIP Gingers coming your way, including local media celebrities for The Nutcracker now through DEC. 23 at the Long Center!

Check out the cast list here: https://balletaustin.org/performances/1541650251641

Buy tickets here: https://balletaustin.org/performances/thenutcracker2018