Warner Theatre presents ‘Nutcracker’ this weekend

All dance roles will feature trainees of The Nutmeg Ballet Conservatory, along with cameo roles performed by children from the Torrington School of Ballet.

TORRINGTON — The Nutmeg Ballet Conservatory will present the fulllength version of the classic tale “The Nutracker” on the Warner Theatre’s Main Stage, Saturday and Sunday.

All dance roles will feature trainees of The Nutmeg Ballet Conservatory, along with cameo roles performed by children from the Torrington School of Ballet. These budding artists come from all over the country to hone their craft and develop their artistry at The Nutmeg. The mysterious Dr. Drosselmeyer will once again be played by accomplished European stage actor Thomas Evertz.

Under the guidance of Artistic Director Victoria Mazzarelli and Ballet Master Tim Melady, the show features original choreography to Peter Tchaikovsky’s musical masterpiece, which comes together with dazzling costumes (Susan Fazzino), sets (Campbell Baird) and lighting (Joe Gates), bringing the magic alive in a performance sure to become a treasured family tradition. Originally conceived by Sharon Dante, this production features choreography by Mazzarelli, Melady, Susan Szabo, Eleanor D’Antuono and Joan Kunsch. Special coaching for leading roles is provided by D’Antuono and Alexei Tchernichov.

The sets, which were redesigned in 1996 by Campbell Baird, have been lovingly restored by a dedicated group of volunteers drawn from the local artistic community, as well as parents of The Nutmeg Ballet and its children’s program, TSOB.

Performances at the Warner are Saturday at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. Group discounts are available. To purchase tickets, call the Warner Box Office at 860-489-7180 or visit warnertheatre.org.

Photo courtesy of the Nutmeg Dance Conservatory / The Nutmeg Dance Conservatory will present performances of "The Nutcracker" Dec. 9-10 at the Warner Theatre in Torrington.