Magical and timeless, The Nutcracker ballet by Tchaikovsky will dazzle and delight at The Ridgefield Playhouse on Saturday, December 17, at 2 & 6 p.m., and on Sunday, December 18, at 2 p.m. The Ridgefield Conservatory of Dance presents an all-star cast including lead dancers Dona Wiley from Connecticut Ballet and Slim Mello from Ailey II, pictured. Pre-show caroling in the lobby will feature internationally-acclaimed opera star William Joyner along with Broadway performers Mary Jo Duffy, Sarah Pfisterer and Rick Hilsabeck. For tickets ($25 adults; $20 children available only through the box office) and more information, call the box office at 203-438-5795, or buy tickets online at ridgefieldplayhouse.org.
In Tchaikovsky’s wondrous and timeless The Nutcracker ballet, Marie dreams of Sugar Plum Fairies, dancing Snowflakes and a battle between the evil Mouse Queen and her beloved Nutcracker Prince. The Nutcracker captures all the wonder and child-like joy of the season with exquisite costumes and dazzling choreography performed by The Ridgefield Conservatory of Dance at The Ridgefield Playhouse, in three performances: Saturday, December 17, at 2 & 6 p.m., and Sunday, December 18, at 2 p.m.
Fresh new elements will set the tone for the holidays. Internationally-acclaimed opera star William Joyner will make the tradition all the more memorable when he is joined by Broadway performers Mary Jo Duffy, Sarah Pfisterer and Rick Hilsabeck for pre-show caroling in the lobby. This show is part of the Pepsi Children’s Series with media sponsor Star 99.9fm. The Union Savings Bank “Arts for Everyone” recipient is Kids in Crisis.
The Nutcracker has become a Playhouse tradition for people of all ages. In this year’s show, the role of Dr. Drosselmeyer, the godfather/magician who gives little Clara the magical Nutcracker, is played by James Robey, Artistic Director for this production and Director of the Ridgefield Conservatory of Dance.
The Sugar Plum Fairy is danced by Dona Wiley, a former student at The Ridgefield Conservatory of Dance who is now a professional dancer with the Connecticut Ballet. Her Cavalier will be danced by Slim Mello from Ailey II.
An all-star cast of adults in the party scene will include international opera singer William Joyner as Mr. Stahlbaum and actress/singer/dancer Melissa Gerth as Mrs. Stahlbaum. Other revelers include Mary Jo Duffy, Sarah Pfisterer, and Rick Hilsabeck -- all Broadway performers. Upholding the tradition, First Selectman for Ridgefield Rudy Marconi will make a guest appearance.
Tchaikovsky’s ballet adaptation of the story “The Nutcracker and the Mouse King” by E.T.A. Hoffman was originally staged in 1892 and is as popular and relevant as ever. The masterful music swells as the dancers grace the stage much to the delight of children and adults alike. For tickets ($25 adults; $20 children available only through the box office) and more information about The Ridgefield Playhouse, call the box office at 203-438-5795, or buy adult tickets online, ridgefieldplayhouse.org. The Ridgefield Playhouse is a not-for-profit arts center located at 80 East Ridge, parallel to Main Street, in Ridgefield, CT.
