Sunday will be the first time in nearly 30 years “our beloved Nanny,” Barbara Maddox, won’t be in the Brewton Ballet’s annual Nutcracker production.

Maddox, who served as the character for more than 27 years, died last week from a blood clot. Her sudden death was one felt throughout the community, but none more so than those at the local ballet company.

“Barbara just loved those children,” said Brewton Ballet Director Ann Peevy. “It won’t be the same without her.”

Peevy said days before Maddox’s death, the longtime performer assured her she would be in her long gown and ready to perform.

“She said her leg was bothering her, but I reminded her of the year she broke her leg and she sat in a chair on the stage,” Peevy said. “She said, ‘You’d do that for me?’ and I said, ‘Of course, Barbara. It’s not ‘Nutcracker’ without you.’”

Peevy said this year’s production is dedicated in Maddox’s honor.

“We just couldn’t replace her,” Peevy said. “So, to honor her, you’ll see an empty chair on the stage where she would’ve normally been. It’s our way of honoring who she was and all that she meant to us.”

The Nutcracker will take the stage Sunday at 2 p.m. on the Coastal Alabama Community College Woodfin Patterson Auditorium stage at 2 p.m. Tickets are $5 in advance and $8 at the door.