The Beth Fowler Dance Company will open its 2017-2018 season with its 24th annual production of The Nutcracker, to be performed two consecutive weekends in two locations. This holiday classic will be performed Friday, December 1 and Saturday, December 2 at 7:00 p.m. and Sunday, December 3 at 2:00 p.m. at DeKalb’s Egyptian Theatre. Additional performances will be Saturday, December 9 at 7:00 p.m. and Sunday, December 10 at 2:00 p.m. at St. Charles North High School Auditorium. Many area families have made this magical production a part of their holiday tradition. With beautiful dancing, costumes, and stage sets, this popular holiday fantasy tells a story that can make one feel like a child at Christmas.
The ballet, featuring the music of Tchaikovsky, tells the story of young Clara, who receives a toy soldier nutcracker at her family Christmas party. With the wave of the Christmas Fairy’s magic wand, she makes visions appear of young Clara and her family celebrating Christmas! When the Christmas Eve party guests leave, Clara falls asleep and dreams of toy soldiers and rats battling in her living room. The Nutcracker comes to life and defeats the Rat King in a midnight battle. The Nutcracker is transformed into a prince and escorts Clara on a magical adventure through a snowy forest into the Land of the Sweets. Overwhelmed by her adventures, Clara wonders if it was all just a dream!
Featured Company dancers are Becky Baert of Genoa as Clara, Lydia Carpenter of Sycamore as the Sugar Plum Fairy, Taryn Sarto of Genoa as the Christmas Fairy, Misty Villagomez of Genoa as the Rat King, Alyssa Vicary of Genoa as the Rose Queen, and Lindsey Haugen of St. Charles as the Snow Queen. Guest artist Taylor Maurchie-Banks, a dance major at NIU, will perform as the Nutcracker Prince and the Sugar Plum Cavalier.
Guest artist Matt Skorupski, a dance major at NIU from Des Plaines, IL will perform as the Snow King and the Arabian King, with Brooke Fowler of Kingston as the Arabian Queen. Herr Drosselmeyer, Clara’s Toy Maker godfather, will be portrayed by Phil Masterton of Rockford. Choreography is by artistic director Beth Fowler, assisted by Brooke Fowler. Original choreography in the Grand Pas de Deux is by Lev Ivanov.
Reserved tickets can be purchased in advance. Each child’s ticket includes a meet-and- greet with the Sugar Plum Fairy, Clara, and friends. Tickets are discounted until November 28. To buy tickets, visit www.BethFowlerDanceCompany.com. Tickets may also be purchased at the door one hour before each performance.
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