A holiday tradition that dazzles all ages, the beloved Nutcracker returns to the intimate Ridgefield Playhouse on Saturday, December 20, at 2 & 6 p.m., and Sunday, December 21, at 11 a.m. & 2 p.m.! Tchaikovsky's soaring score, graceful ballerinas, wooden soldiers that come to life and a gargantuan Christmas tree will make the holidays bright for young and old! This year’s fresh production will be presented by The Ridgefield Conservatory of Dance (RCD) with student and professional cast members who will delight with new choreography and costumes. Under the direction of native Ukrainian Ballet Master Alexander Glaz, the beloved ballet classic has been re-staged with artistic enhancements. A Samatha Glass Trunk Show will take place in the lobby. Dimitri's Diner (16 Prospect St, Ridgefield) will take 10% off the bill before or after the show when tickets are presented. This show is part of the Pepsi Children’s Series presented by The Ridgefield Conservatory of Dance and is underwritten by Ridgefield Academy, with support from Books on the Common. The Union Savings Bank “Arts for Everyone” recipient is Waterbury ARC.
Guest artists include RCD adjunct faculty member Edgar Cortes as Drosselmeyer, and Ms. Piantaggini’s former students from the Hartt School/University of Hartford's BFA Dance program, Isaac Lerner (RDC alumnus) and Calvin Bittner. Mr. Cortes, who has been a guest choreographer of RCD’s Contemporary Dance Ensemble for the past two years, was a member of Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo and the Martha Graham Dance Ensemble, and is the artistic director of Edgar Cortes Dance Theater. Rudy Marconi, First Selectman for Ridgefield, will make his traditional guest appearance with the cast. Ridgefield High School student Janel Fitzgerald will dance the role of Snow Queen; Lauren Lamothe, a John Jay High School, South Salem, NY student is cast as the Dew Drop Fairy, and New Fairfield High School student Taylor Bergstraesser will be the Sugar Plum Fairy. With more than 90 dance students gracing the stage in many new costumes, this will be a Nutcracker to remember.