The Dance Company to present ‘The Nutcracker’ at VBC
MADISON – The Dance Company will present its annual production of “The Nutcracker” in live performances in the Mark C. Smith Concert Hall at the Von Braun Center.
“The students have embraced rehearsing in masks. We’re so proud of the hard work they have put in getting ready to perform on stage,” Julie George said. Julie George and Beth Cannon are co-owners of The Dance Company.
Dancers have been working in rehearsals since casting in July. Alexandra Upleger of the Grand Rapids ballet choreographed this concert.
“The Von Braun Center has been a pleasure to work with, first on a spring recital and now ‘The Nutcracker,” Cannon said. “We will actually seat a limited audience that is socially distanced.”
“We’re thrilled that the dancers on stage (can) have loved ones in the audience supporting them,” George said. “Parents have been unable to see any portion of rehearsals, so they’re eagerly anticipating seeing their dancers on stage.”
This year’s new set design will encompass both elements of previous productions and new components. “This year, Clara and Fritz visit Drosselmeyer’s candy shop, where they see dolls, teddy bears and a beautiful nutcracker,” Cannon said.
“The Nutcracker” cast includes Katelyn Valtos (Clara), understudy Jordan Lewis; Isaac Poteete, understudy Eva-Marie Rosa (Fritz); Lauren Campbell (Nanny); Goff Baker (Drosselmeyer); Sophia Taff (Nutcracker Doll); Eden Joy Craighead, Kate Johnson (Harlequin Dolls); Riley Bennett, Abby Hester, Kinsey Hollatz, Claire Johnson, Maximus Turner, understudy Aubrey Lovell (Teddy Bears).
Robyn Pope portrays the Mouse Queen with understudy Emma Wynn. Nineteen dancers portray mice.
Also in Act I are Abby Rose Percy (Nutcracker); and Sarah Hill, understudy Sarah Helms (Snow Queen).
In Act 2, the Sugar Plum is portrayed by Anna Lindsey with understudy Brianna Goodloe. Isaac Poteete and understudy Eva-Marie Rosa are cast as Fritz.
The Waltz of the Gumdrops includes Aubrey Blomeley, Briley Blomeley, Eden Joy Craighead, Brianna Goodloe, Sarah Helms, Sarah Hill, Ellie Hundley, Kate Johnson, Elizabeth Koifman, Hannah Lawley, Jordan Lewis, Abby Martin, Rachel McCutcheon, Robyn Pope, Isabella Ross, Sophia Taff, Mary Frances Welsch, Emma Wynn and Rachel Young as understudy.
Show times will be Nov 19-20 at 7 p.m. Limited tickets are available because of social distancing. For tickets, visit thedancecompanyinc.com.
