‘The Nutcracker’ at Pike Performing Arts Center, Dec. 7-9

Abbie Lessaris in the Can-Can from The Nutcracker. Photo credit: Eryn Blair.
Provided by the theatre and used with written permission.

By Kirsten Ferger
Gregory Hancock Dance Theatre
http://gregoryhancockdancetheatre.org/

Gregory Hancock Dance Theatre presents The Nutcracker at Pike Performing Arts Center, 6701 Zionsville Road, Indianapolis, on Dec. 7-9, 2012.

This full-length MODERN version of the holiday classic is presented by local dance students and the dancers of G2 (the highly talented pre-professional company of GHDT).  The Nutcracker follows the same storyline as the original, but with a uniquely different twist.  This magical version portrays Klara as homeless orphan girl who discovers the true meaning of the season through a gift and the giving spirit of a homeless man.  The Nutcracker is sure to add joy and cheer to your holiday season.

Performances are scheduled as follows:

• Friday, Dec. 7, 2012 at 7 pm
• Saturday, Dec. 8, 2012 at 3 and 7 pm
• Sunday, Dec. 9, 2012 at 3 pm

General admission is $20 for adults and $15 for students and senior citizens.  You may purchase tickets by calling the Pike Performing Arts Center at 317-216-5455 or online at www.pikepac.org.  Tickets will also be available at the door.

This is the only student production of The Nutcracker that is affiliated with a professional dance company.  The production features some of the finest young dancers from central Indiana.  The role of KLARA will be danced by Sasha Kuznetsov, a 6th grade student at Westfield Middle School.  The role of the Sugar Plum Fairy will be danced by Katia Hamamouche, a senior at Westfield High School.  The Prince will be danced by professional guest artist from GHDT, Phillip Crawshaw.  This heart-warming production is great family entertainment for the holidays.

Played against a score of magical holiday music and lively ethnic music of many countries, GHDT’s The Nutcracker has the magic that only children can possess and share onstage.  It’s a holiday masterpiece that proves that family isn’t always what you are born with and blessings are sometimes waiting to be discovered.

For more information, visit http://gregoryhancockdancetheatre.org/.