Macomb Ballet Company stages ‘The Nutcracker’ today
‘The Nutcracker’ with all of its pomp and pageantry is one of those shows that everyone loves to experience during the holidays and the Macomb Ballet Company (MBC) has been supporting that tradition for 40 years.
“It’s a very colorful show,” said Amber Michalik, owner of the Ann Parsley School of Dance and longtime artistic director for the MBC.
Michalik said she is especially excited about this year’s version of the holiday classic, which opened at the Macomb Center for the Performing Arts in Clinton Township Friday and concludes today.
“We have two new directors and we’ve restaged a majority of our performance,” Michalik said.
Audiences will enjoy the same ballet by Pyotr Tchaikovsky, inspired by the classic tale of young Clara, who befriends a nutcracker that comes to life.
However, this year’s show features a record number of dancers, nearly 100 performers between the ages of 8 and 25, depicting the story of Clara’s magical adventure through the land of snow to the kingdom of sweets. Audiences will also see new sets, even more beautiful than previous years.
“We changed the sets. We changed the choreography and we created new and different roles to give the classic story a new look,” Michalik said.
The battle between the King Mouse and the Nutcracker is always a big part of the show.
And it still is, only this year it will be the Queen Mouse played by Andalee White of Roseville and Nina King of Birmingham who does battle against the Nutcracker.
The quality of the show remains the same as well.
Aspiring dancers from the Detroit area look to the MBC as their start to what might become a professional career. The company, based in Shelby Township began its milestone season this year with two new assistant directors, Hannah Carden and Brandon Koepsell, both well-known and accomplished dance educators who used their own exciting ideas, fresh vision and innovative choreography to create a show the entire family will enjoy.
“Our show is constantly moving. It’s exciting. It’s colorful and it’s story is perfect for all ages,” Michalik said. “Even a toddler, would be captivated by the colors and scenery. Plus, it’s a holiday classic.”
The show’s run time is approximately 90 minutes and includes an intermission. Young audience members will also delight in the opportunity to meet Clara and her enchanted friends after each show, which is another holiday tradition carried on by MBC.
Tickets for each performance are $25.
Today’s shows are at noon and 5 p.m.
“We are proud to celebrate our 40th season with a fresh look at our Nutcracker production, and we are thrilled to welcome Hannah and Brandon in their new roles,” Michalik said. “MBC Nutcracker offers an invaluable opportunity for young dancers to instill professional values in a supportive and fun environment.”
Tickets may be purchased at macombcenter. com or by calling 586-2862222.
The Macomb Center for the Performing Arts is at 44575 Garfield Rd., Clinton Township.