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This Tchaikovsky holiday classic is abbreviated to an hourlong narrated show, specifically geared for young audiences. Children sit up close and are invited to meet and greet the characters after the performance.
The show, a Darien favorite since 2002, provides an appealing introduction to attending dance performances for the younger set.
“’The Nutcracker’ was written for children,” DAC Dance Director and show choreographer Bonnie Gombos said in a statement. “It’s a fabulous adventure that also exposes audiences to different kinds of dancing and it’s a great opportunity to spark an interest in dance. The original version is just a bit long for little ones, so we’ve adapted ‘Scenes from the Nutcracker’ keeping them in mind.”
This year’s production features new dances, characters and colorful costumes, guaranteed to delight all audience members.
Darien resident and actor Geoff Gilbert stars as the Narrator, a role created to move the story along quickly to accommodate the attention span of the youthful audiences. Current DAC Ballet student Anna Camp performs as Clara, who receives a magical Nutcracker doll for Christmas, and Neeta Maniar, Juliette Dixon and Hanna Kahlert share the role of The Sugar Plum Fairy. The dances consist of members from the Dance department’s Junior, Senior and Adult companies.
Performances will be held at the DAC Weatherstone Studio at 2 Renshaw Road, behind Town Hall. Show times are Friday, Dec. 13, at 6 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 14, at 11 a.m., 2 p.m. and 5 p.m., and Sunday, Dec. 15, at noon and 3 p.m.
Tickets are $10, with one free adult per child. Reservations are highly recommended, as performances sell out quickly for this popular annual tradition. Call the DAC box office 655-5414, or email Bonnie@darienarts.org for reservations.
Founded in 1975, the Darien Arts Center is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing visual and performing arts programs and events for the community.
For further information, call 203-655-8683 or visit The Darien Arts Center.
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