Of Sugar Plums and Boys with Drums

What’s not to love about dancing dolls and snowflakes, marching toy soldiers and a land of sweets, accompanied by gorgeous costumes and scenery and some of the most memorable music for children young and old?

A beloved Christmas classic returns with this year’s 23rd annual production of "The Nutcracker" by Metropolitan Ballet Theatre.

The full-length traditional staging, taking place at Montgomery College’s Parilla Performing Arts Center, is choreographed by MBT founder Suzanne Erlon.  Founded in 1989, the nonprofit Metropolitan Ballet Theatre and Academy’s The Nutcracker continues a holiday tradition for both students and the community.

Celina Gutierrez (who attends French International School) and Meredith Hwang (Cabin John Middle School) are dancing the role of Clara. They share the role, each dancing five of the 10 performances. Thomas White is dancing the role of Prince.

“There are 106 dancers in this year's cast.” said MBT Marketing Director Amy Neal. ”Twelve adults, four guest artists, the rest students from MBT's Academy.”  

Auditions open to all MBT Academy students ages 7-and-up were held in September. All students who audition receive a part, added Neal.

The professional guest artists will dance lead roles like the Sugar Plum Fairy and the Cavalier, and some adult members of the community will dance in the party scene as parents.   

Rehearsals began Sept. 15 and are in addition to the students' regular classes.

Part of the Metropolitan Ballet Theatre’s community outreach to the Girl Scouts is its holiday production.  Scouts can earn a Nutcracker patch by attending the performance and staying afterwards to meet the dancers, see what goes on behind the curtain and more.

In addition, Girl Scouts in the adaptive ballet class have been invited to perform this year in MBT’s "The Nutcracker."

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"The Nutcracker" will be performed at the Robert E. Parilla Performing Arts Center, Montgomery College, 51 Mannakee Street, Rockville. 

Showtimes:

Friday, December 2 at 7 p.m.

Saturday, December 3 at 3 and 7 p.m.

Sunday, December 4 at 1 and 5 p.m.

Friday, December 9 at 7 p.m.

Saturday, December 10 at 1 and 5 p.m.

Sunday, December 11 at 1 and 5 p.m.

Tickets: In advance, $17 for groups of 10 or more, $18 for senior citizens, $20 individual.  At the door $22 (if available).  240-567-5301, www.montgomerycollege.edu/pac   For more information call MBT at 301-762-1757.

Special 2011 Girl Scout Nutcracker Dates:  Saturday, December 3 at 7:00 p.m.; Sunday, December 4 at 5 p.m. and Friday December 9 at 7 p.m.