The Dance Company to present ‘The Nutcracker’ at James Clemens

The Dance Company will present “The Nutcracker” at James Clemens High School on Dec. 6 at 7 p.m. and Dec. 7 at 2 p.m. Admission is a donation to Manna House. (CONTRIBUTED)

MADISON – The family musical of sugar plums and mischievous mice will come to life when The Dance Company presents “The Nutcracker” at James Clemens High School auditorium.

Show times are Dec. 6 at 7 p.m. and Dec. 7 at 2 p.m.

“We’re very excited to move the production to James Clemens this year,” director and choreographer Susan Potts said. “The many hours spent in rehearsal are challenging but seeing the production on stage makes it all worthwhile.”

Jessie Potts-Prescott is assistant director. Potts and Potts-Prescott Director also are director and assistant director for The Dance Company’s honors ballet company, in which all cast members study.

Beth Cannon and Julie George, owners of The Dance Company, are producers.

Abbey Benzek, a James Clemens senior, portrays the Sugar Plum Fairy. Abby Smith, a senior at John Paul II Catholic High School, plays The Snow Queen.

“Instead of ‘Clara,’ we’re using ‘Marie,’ a teenager who finds Drosselmeyer’s nephew handsome and heroic,” Cannon said. Meredith Talor and Sarah Waldrop are split-cast as Marie.

“Admissions is free, but we do ask for donations of canned goods, coats and sleeping bags for Manna House,” George said.

“The Nutcracker” is “part of The Dance Company’s continuing tradition to give back to our community,” Cannon and George said. “Our dancers have participated in the Liz Hurley run — this year raising over $4,500. Our dance family has also rallied around our student Ansley Smith, a patient at St. Jude’s, and her family with donations.”

“Wonderful parent volunteers help with all backdrops and props. They have spent hours to make the stage look superb,” George said.

Cannon and George commended Jo Ellen Smith’s costume work, especially for the Sugar Plum Fairy and Snow Queen costuming.

Talented artist Gun Abele has managed set design and production, along with painting backdrops and set pieces. Peter Woods created the sleigh and throne. Curt Potts and Brock Prescott built stage props, sets and dressing.

For more information, call 256-461-8759 or visit thedancecompanyinc.com, Facebook/The Dance Company or Instagram: thedancecompanyinc.