More than 100 area dancers will join professionals in Franklin Performing Arts Company (FPAC)'s presentation of The Nutcracker, to be performed December 11 at 7:30 p.m. and December 12 at 2:00 p.m. at the Thomas D. Mercer Auditorium, 224 Oak Street, Franklin.
A magical and timeless favorite of the holiday season, The Nutcracker features Tchaikovsky's classic score, a live professional orchestra, and guest artists Cheryl Madeux Abbott and Carlos Molina in the roles of Sugar Plum Fairy and Cavalier, respectively.
Madeux Abbott is currently Ballet Mistress with the Franklin School of the Performing Arts, the educational arm of FPAC. Her professional career includes experience with the Hartford Ballet, where she performed the title role in Giselle, "Sugar Plum Fairy" in The Nutcracker, "Swanhilda" in Coppelia, the "waltz girl" in Balanchine's Serenade and more. As part of the FSPA Dance Faculty since 2002, she has privately coached and rehearsed many dancers, and recently earned her certification in the new ABT National Teacher Training Curriculum.
Carlos Molina is a former principal with the Boston Ballet. His experience also includes dancing with both the Hartford Ballet and the American Ballet Theater in New York. Reuniting with former partner Madeux Abbott, Molina is making his first appearance with the Franklin Performing Arts Company.
FPAC's The Nutcracker introduces both a "young" Clara and a "grown" Clara. Shaina McGillis, 12, of Franklin and Callie Liljeberg, 17, of Wrentham will portray young and grown Clara for the Dec. 11 performance. Jenna McDermott, 12, of Wrentham and Cassie Desjourdy, 17, of Medfield will both dance as Clara for the Dec. 12 performance.
Other young performers include Susan Siraco, 16, of Franklin as Snow Queen; and Danielle Hall, 17, of Hopkinton as Kissy Doll and the Dew Drop Fairy; and Jack Mullen, 8, of Millis at Fritz. Andrew Holmes, 20, of Hopkinton, a sophomore Musical Theater major at Baldwin-Wallace College and an FSPA alumna, will return to dance as Nutcracker Prince and Russian Soloist.
The Franklin Performing Arts Company was founded in 1991 and is dedicated to the promotion of the performing arts, with a focus on and commitment to youth development. A distinctive suburban non-profit arts organization, FPAC presents quality performances while offering opportunities for professional artists, amateurs, families and students of the arts to work together in a collaborative and creative environment.
For tickets to The Nutcracker, please visit the Box Office at the Spotlight Shop, 34 Main Street, Franklin or call (508) 528-8668. Tickets are $24/$26/$28 and are reserved seating only.
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