CT Theater Dance to Present "Drosselmayer, The Toymaker's Story" on Nov. 17

Fairfield, CT - Connecticut Theater Dance (CTD) has an exciting day of dance planned for our community, including a classic nutcracker with a cast of more than 50 amateur and professional dancers, and the world premiere of Drosselmeyer, The Toymaker’s Story. Both performances are on Saturday, November 17 at The Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts in Fairfield; with the Nutcracker taking the stage at 12:30pm and Drosselmeyer at 7pm.

CTD’s Nutcracker is a timeless, classical holiday ballet and features all the beloved characters and then some! Inspired by her own tenure with the Boston Ballet, CTD’s Director, Michelle Sperry, has added delightful new toy sequences to this year’s show including a petit dancing bear; and a porcelain doll, performed by Lucia Figueroa, CT Theater Dance Company’s newest principal dancer. As well as principal dancer Tavon Dudley as the Nutcracker.   

“Our Nutcracker has been crafted for kids and adults of all ages to enjoy!  It’s magical, and inspiring - the perfect start to the holiday season,” said Ms. Sperry.

Following that evening will be a very special opportunity for audiences to witness the world premiere of the original ballet, Drosselmeyer, The Toy Maker’s Story. 

Ever wonder who Drosselmeyer is and why he made the Nutcracker for Clara? Artistic Director Michelle Sperry had always wondered and ultimately was inspired to write this fictional story of how the legendary toymaker came to create a magical nutcracker. Under Ms. Sperry’s direction, renowned choreographer Rodney Rivera and company resident choreographer Alejandro Ulloa bring this ballet to life, set to classical composers and performed by a cast of 13 professional dancers with supporting roles from CT Theater Dance School.

The first act takes audiences on a journey through the young memories of Drosselmeyer’s childhood including ice-skating, holiday preparations, and playing with treasured toys. Dancers are costumed in dream like tones of slate, taupe and white, with one toy haunting his memories in vivid color.  After conquering his childhood fears, the second act showcases his imagination and creations including the Nutcracker and various life-size toys, reminiscent of those in his toy chest. This colorful and vibrant act showcases incredible solos by various artists as well as lively ensemble dances outside Drosselmeyer’s toyshop. The production ends with Drosselmeyer’s introduction to Clara.

Celebrating her second year as Director of the newest contemporary ballet company in New England, Director Michelle Sperry says, “Drosselmeyer is a story sure to inspire audiences of all ages, with a production full of elegant costuming, classical technique and creative energy, making this a new holiday classic.”

The Quick Center is located at Fairfield University, 1073 N Benson Rd, Fairfield, CT. Tickets are $10 with code dancer10. Contact the Quick Center box office at http://quickcenter.fairfield.edu or by calling 203-254-4010. 

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CT Theater Dance, is a 501(c)3 that inspires New England audiences with accessible contemporary dance, incorporating the finest artistic ballet traditions, while also providing scholarships to local families for fine arts education, Learn more about their professional company at www.ctdanceco.org, and their school at www.enrolldance.com.