FPAC Presents THE NUTCRACKER This Weekend

The Franklin Performing Arts Company (FPAC) proudly presents The Nutcracker, bringing Boston ballet stars, world-class musicians and 125 area dancers to one suburban stage. A popular holiday tradition for more than 20 years, The Nutcracker remains a highly anticipated and treasured part of the FPAC season. Set to Tchaikovsky's beloved score, the timeless ballet delights the imaginations of audiences young and old with festive magic and colorful splendor. FPAC will present The Nutcracker tonight, December 6 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, December 7 at 2 p.m. at the Thomas D. Mercer Auditorium, 224 Oak Street, in Franklin.

FPAC's magical journey of The Nutcracker features a professional orchestra under the direction of Peter Cokkinias, who celebrates his 11th year as music director/conductor of FPAC's Nutcracker orchestra. A choir will sing the ethereal choral parts that accompany the enchanting Snow Scene that closes the ballet's first act.

FPAC's The Nutcracker is choreographed and directed by Cheryl Madeux, who formerly danced with the Joffrey Ballet, Hartford Ballet and American Ballet Theatre companies. Special guest artists Dalay Parrondo and Bradley Schlagheck, Boston Ballet soloists, will dance the roles of the Sugar Plum Fairy and her Cavalier. Dr. Drosselmeyer will be played by Aaron Andrade of Lincoln, Rhode Island. Andrew Holmes, of NYC, returns to the FPAC stage to dance the parts of the Nutcracker and Candy Cane Soloist.

FPAC's production also showcases the talents of scores of area students, ages 6 and older, from many regional communities and local dance schools. Performers cast in featured roles include Mairead Nee of Walpole as Clara; Sam Evans of Medfield as Fritz; Shaina McGillis of Franklin as Dew Drop Fairy and Mouse Queen; Noura Sander of Easton as Snow Queen (Saturday) and Arabian Soloist (Sunday); Kendra Dombroski of Franklin as Snow Queen (Sunday) and Arabian Soloist (Saturday); Sarah Radford of Wrentham as Kissy Doll and Spanish Soloist; Jared Brouillette of Holliston as Harlequin and Chinese Soloist; Elizabeth Kilgallon of Medway as Soldier Doll and Candy Cane Soloist (Sunday); Phoebe Dias of Norfolk as Soldier Doll; Lauren Szczepanowski of Franklin as Candy Cane Soloist (Saturday); Mikaela Guidice of Norfolk as Marzipan Soloist; and Medway's Alli Tomsik and Haley Desjarlais as Marzipan Soloists.

Founded in 1991, the nonprofit FPAC supports educational arts experiences, quality entertainment and outstanding performance opportunities for professional artists, community performers and students of the arts. With a focus on youth development and a commitment to live music, FPAC productions draw performers and audiences from more than 100 communities throughout the region. Big Y and Waters Corporation are 2014 FPAC Holiday Performance Sponsors. For tickets to The Nutcracker and more information, visit www.fpaconline.com or call (508) 528-3370.

Pictured: FPAC presents its annual, enchanting journey of The Nutcracker with a professional orchestra, Boston Ballet soloists, and 125 area dancers. Pictured are Clara and the mysterious Dr. Drosselmeyer in this 2013 production photo.