Franklin Performing Arts Co Presents THE NUTCRACKER, 12/12 & 12/13

In its 19th season, the Franklin Performing Arts Company (FPAC) will present Tchaikovsky's magical ballet, "The Nutcracker" featuring professional live orchestra, guest artists and young dancers from more than 17 local communities for two performances only on Saturday, December12 at 7:30 pm, and on Sunday, December 13 at 2:00 p.m. at the Thomas D. Mercer Auditorium at the Horace Mann Middle School, 224 Oak Street, Franklin.

More than 125 area performers will share the stage with special guest professional artists Michele Gifford as the "Sugar Plum Fairy" and Matthew Prescott as "The Cavalier". Gifford is a former company member of the New York City Ballet and former graduate from the School of American Ballet in New York City where she attended on full scholarship. Prescott is a former graduate of the Joffrey/New School University in New York City. In 2000, he was invited to join the Joffrey Ballet.

FPAC is pleased to announce many exciting changes in this years production including new staging, choreography and costuming. In keeping with tradition, guests will enjoy the music of Tchaikovsky played by a professional orchestra under the direction of Boston's Peter Cokkinias accompanying this classic holiday ballet.

The role of young Clara will be played by Shaina McGillis of Franklin and the role of older Clara will be shared by Callie Liljeberg of Wrentham and Danielle Hall of Hopkinton. The roles of Dew Drop Fairy and Snow Queen will be shared by Ali McCurdy of Medfield and Megan Chisolm of Franklin. Dancing the role of Kissy Doll will be Callie Liljeberg and Caroline Spencer, both of Wrentham, Harlequin Doll will be danced by Ashley Spencer and Amy Garry of Franklin, Soldier Dolls will be shared by Casey Bressler of Franklin, Alyssa Williams of Franklin, Danielle Hall of Hopkinton and Cassie Desjourdy of Medfield. Other features include The Nutcracker role danced by Alexandra Bartholomew of Westwood, Lead Soldier danced by Maddie Crump of Norfolk and MAddie Williams of Medway. The Marzipan soloists are Caroline Spencer and Julia Bilotta of Medway, ElizaBeth Williams of Norfolk and Megan McNeil of Wrentham. Arabian Soloist is Alexandra Bartholomew, Spanish Soloists are Megan Chisolm and Ali McCurdy, Chinese Soloists are Melissa Chapski of Medfield and Michaela Rosen of Franklin, and Chinese demi-soloists are Maddie Crump and Shaina McGillis. Herr Silberhaus will be played by Tom McCurdy of Medfield, Frau Silberhaus by Wendy Jones of Franklin, Fritz by Jack Mullen of Millis, and Drosselmier played by Nick Paone of Franklin. The role of The Nutcracker Prince and lead Trepak will be danced by Andrew Holmes of Holliston who is pursuing musical theater and dance at Baldwin-Wallace Conservatory in Ohio.

For show information, please visit the FPAC website at www.necpaonline.com and select The Company or visit the FPAC box office at 34 Main Street in Franklin or call 508-528-8668. Reserved seating for all shows is available at $24-26. Group rates are available by contacting Ginny Martins at gmartins@necpaonline.com. This production of The Nutcracker offers an opportunity to enjoy this holiday classic close to home with live music, free parking and family friendly ticket prices.

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