Dance troupe presents ‘Nutcracker’

Thursday, 03 December 2009 13:12

New England Dance Theater’s production of “The Nutcracker,” now in its 24th year, this year includes three full-length performances of the ballet on the New Canaan High School stage. Performances are at 7:30 p.m. Friday, December 4, at 4 p.m. Saturday, December 5, and at 2 p.m. Sunday, December 6. There is also a special interactive children’s performance of Act II only at 11 a.m. December 5.

“The Nutcracker,” a classical two-act ballet based on the story by E.T.A Hoffmann, follows the journey of young Clara, who receives a nutcracker as a gift on Christmas Eve. In her vivid, come-to-life dreams, her nutcracker is transformed into a handsome prince who leads her on a voyage through an enchanted forest to his Palace of Sweets. There she meets the Sugar Plum Fairy and the people of the Land of Sweets.

This year’s production features four New Canaan seniors in lead roles. Zsofia Solta dances the principal role of the Sugar Plum Fairy, Segolene Dewey stars as big Clara, Laura Bacco is featured as the Snow Queen and Michelle Petrucci headlines the “Waltz of the Flowers” as the Dew Drop Fairy.

The “Nutcracker” cast includes 180 dancers, including students from the New England Academy of Dance, 25 company members and professional dancers from New York City.

The New England Dance Theater is the performing company of New Canaan’s New England Academy of Dance, a not-for-profit arts organization. The company draws its performers from New York City and both Fairfield and Westchester counties.

Seating for the shows is reserved and tickets are now available for purchase. For tickets, call 203-834-0685 during normal business hours or e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . For general information, call 203-972-3265.

Tickets may also be purchased at the door at New Canaan High School.