<?xml:namespace prefix = o /> The Nutcracker Suite
In true Christmastime spirit, people are coming together to celebrate the season. A county-wide collaboration of professional dancers, local businesses, and community children will team up with members of an area high-school drama club to produce the classic ballet “The Nutcracker Suite” at Hill Grove High School in Powder Springs. Two performances are offered on December 15, 2007 at 3:00 pm and 7:30 pm.
Hill Grove’s Drama teacher Ricky Newell and The Hill Grove Drama Club are hosting the Kennesaw Dance Troupe. Under the direction of Dennis Wolk and Fred Webster, the Drama Club will assist in the lighting, sound, and the many props that will be used in this production. In addition to gaining theater experience, the students will benefit from a portion of the ticket sales. The Troupe, affiliated with the Cobb Dance Academy in Kennesaw, is a non-profit organization that provides dancing and theater opportunities for underprivileged children and senior citizens. “This is such a great opportunity for the schools and the community to work together” says Troupe director, Mary Rau.
Professional dancers Lara Priester and Jonah Wilkins will perform the roles of the Sugar Plum Fairy and the Cavalier. Lara began her career at the Cobb Dance Academy in Kennesaw, and went on to dance with The Georgia Ballet, The Atlanta Ballet, and the Charleston Ballet Theater. Jonah Wilkins received his training in California at Danz Expressions. He received his Master of Fine Arts degree at the California Institute of the Arts. Jonah has danced major roles in classical ballets such as the Nutcracker and Sleeping Beauty besides performing in major productions throughout California. They presently perform together in Las Vegas in Bally’s “Jubilee”.
Former Cobb dance Academy student Shannon Maiolo will perform the role of the Mouse Queen. Dancing with her is her husband, Frank Maiolo, in the role of the Arabian. Shannon presently competes in amateur ballroom dance competitions throughout the United States and teaches adult ballroom classes at the Cobb Dance Academy.
The cast includes dancers as young as six years old from the Kennesaw Dance Troupe and Cobb Dance Academy, as well as ballet students from across the area. Auditions for these coveted roles were held in October, and the students have spent many hours each week rehearsing for their roles. Local businesses have donated money and supplies, making this a truly community-based effort.
Tickets for the Nutcracker Suite are $15.00 for adults and $10.00 for children and senior citizens. Good seats are still available, and can be reserved at the Cobb Dance Academy in Kennesaw, or by calling (770) 218-2677. Hill Grove High School is located at 4165 Luther Ward Road, Powder Springs.