Creative Director Gregory M. George will transform MSU Wharton Center for Performing Arts into a winter wonderland for shows on Friday, Nov. 28 and Saturday, Nov. 29 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, Nov. 30 at 2 p.m.
Eaton Rapids area dancers appearing in "The Nutcracker" are Audrey Spitzfaden, Isabella Villanueva, Allie Cates, Cambria Squires, Katherine Bodkin.
Tickets are on sale at www.cbtdance.org or by phoning the Wharton Box office at 1-800-Wharton or at www.whartoncenter.com.
The adventure begins in a toy shop as Uncle Drosselmeyer is creating magical toys for a Christmas party. Clara receives a nutcracker doll that magically transforms into a handsome prince. He leads her through an enchanted forest to the Land of Sweets where they meet the Sugar Plum Fairy and are entertained by the exotic residents including Mirliton Reed Flutes, Spanish Chocolate, Arabian Coffee, Chinese Tea and Russian Candy Canes.
CBT is a premiere audition based company comprised of dancers ages 8-18 who reside in Ingham, Eaton, Clinton and other outlying counties. "The Nutcracker" cast will also feature dancers from the Children's Miracle Network, 11 Little Guest Dancers and male guest dancers from Grand Valley University and Alma College.
Mark your calendars for a special sneak preview performance at Silver Bells in the City on Friday, Nov. 21 at the Lansing Center.
Following the Wharton shows, all of the beloved characters from "The Nutcracker" will participate in a special meet and greet. Company auditions for aspiring new dancers will be Sunday, Dec. 7 at the CBT studio in Old Town. Children must be 8 by Dec. 1, 2014 to audition.
Visit www.cbtdance.org for more information.
— From the Children's Ballet Theatre of Michigan