Dancing Arts Center is pleased to announce the return of The Nutcracker at the Norwood Theatre on December 15-17, 2023. This will be Dancing Arts Center’s ninth production of The Nutcracker presented in Norwood and will feature fresh choreography, fun surprises, and guest artists. Telling the story of Clara’s Christmas Eve dream battling the Mouse Queen alongside her Nutcracker, dancing through the Land of Snow, sampling the Kingdom of Sweets, and meeting the Sugarplum Fairy and Cavalier, The Nutcracker has been captivating audiences and inspiring young dancers for generations. The beautiful and historic Norwood Theatre located in downtown Norwood, Massachusetts makes an ideal setting for this family-friendly and professional production of the traditional holiday ballet.

Dancing Arts Center co-Directors Patrick Notaro and Gregg Saulnier anticipate their spirited, diverse cast will bring much joy to the community this holiday season. The role of Clara will be danced en pointe by 13-year-olds Brooke Holden of Medfield and Amelie Perrott of Holliston, while the featured roles of Spanish, Arabian, and Dew Drop Fairy will be danced by Gabrielle Schmid of Holliston and Meghan Bourque of North Attleboro, both aged 17. Holliston natives Jacqueline Vaughn (aged 15) and Avery Marion (aged 14) will perform Columbine Doll, with 18-year-old John Fumia of Hopedale reprising his role as the Nutcracker Prince. “While much effort goes into ensuring our dancers are physically prepared, we really emphasize the storytelling aspect of our production,” said Mr. Saulnier. “With Brooke and Amelie each bringing unique artistic interpretations to ‘Clara’ and our mix of newer and more seasoned dancers, our Nutcracker has a tremendous energy.”

These young dancers will be joined by professional guest artists Kirsten Evans as the Sugarplum Fairy and Mamuka Kikalishvili as the Cavalier. Ms. Evans, a native of Seekonk, Massachusetts, danced many roles in her career with Ballet Rhode Island (formerly Festival Ballet Providence), while Mr. Kikalishvili is from Tbilisi, Georgia and danced with Hungarian National Ballet and Hong Kong Ballet. Dancing Arts Center is thrilled to have artists of such experience and caliber dance alongside its students for the 2023 production of The Nutcracker. 

In effort to support accessibility to the arts for the youth in our community, Dancing Arts Center will present a special Student Matinée performance of The Nutcracker at 10 a.m. on Friday, December 15. Student Matinée tickets are offered at a deep discount for public and private school groups of 10 or more. Home school and distance learning groups are also welcome.  

Tickets are on sale now for four general public matinées and evening performances from December 15-17. Purchase options are available at https://norwoodstage.com/the-nutcracker-2023.