The Register Citizen (Torrington, CT)
Danbury Music Centre’s annual show captures holiday spirit
Barbara Adams Jaeger has seen Danbury Music Centre’s “Nutcracker Ballet” dozens of times, but said it’s too hard to pick her favorite scene. That’s because she has “several favorites.”
The annual production features more than 200 dancers, accompanied by the Danbury Symphony Orchestra. It takes place at Danbury High School, Friday, Dec. 7, through Sunday, Dec. 9.
“It’s a touching story, as well as a wonderful ballet,” said Jaeger, executive director of the Danbury Music Centre. “Our dancers are ages 5 and above, including adults!”
Jaeger said everyone involved with the production loves what they do, and it shines through. “Artistic Director Arthur Fredric smoothly directs all practices and roles to present an amazing production year after year.” Barbara Maisonpierre directs the Snowflake Chorus, and yes, there’s “snow and all” in the scene that closes the first act.
The Danbury Symphony Orchestra, directed by Ariel Rudiakov, plays Tchaikovsky’s beautiful score, which has become one of his most famous compositions. St. Petersburg, in Russia, is where the ballet was first performed back in 1892.
“It’s been my honor to be part of this performance since 1999, as a dance mom, box office manager, lobby manager, and now executive producer,” Jaeger said, of the “Nutcracker Ballet” in Danbury. “This production has my heart, and the hearts of all who have taken part in it over the past 51 years!”
Danbury High School, 43 Clapboard Ridge Road. Friday, Dec. 7, 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, Dec. 8, 2:30 and 7 p.m.; Sunday, Dec. 9, 3:30 p.m. $35, $30, $27, $10. 203-7481716, danburymusiccentre.org